We thought it would be very interesting to compare with different CPU's from both Intel and AMD, which we'll make even more interesting by comparing them clock-by-clock. That's why all CPU's are running at 3.0 GHz in the clock-by-clock comparison. At the same time, we've chosen to test the Core i7-system with both dual channel and triple channel memory, in order for us to see which applications the third channel benefits - please take notice of the extra 2 GB memory available when running triple channel, which might also have impact on the results.
There's no doubt that the Core i7 with its 4 cores and Hyperthreading (8 theoretical cores) wipes away the feet of all the other CPU's we've been testing when it comes to SiSoft Sandra that can take advantage of all its potential. It does, however, look different when it comes to gaming, and in the other graphical tests as a whole, where we're seeing that the X3 720 can both perform equal to the Core i7, and in several other tests, it also beats it, especially when it comes down to the minimum framerate. All in all, it looks good for the Phenom II that, clock-by-clock, isn't quite as much of an underdog to the Core i7 as Intel would probably rather make it look.
http://hwt.dk/literaturedetails.aspx?LiteratureID=12792
AMD Phenom II X4 / X3 vs Core 2 Duo / Core i7 all at 3Ghz
AMD Phenom II X4 / X3 vs Core 2 Duo / Core i7 all at 3Ghz 
