A10-8700P vs Core i7-940XM

AMD

A10-8700P

4 Cores4 Thrd2 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2015
Similar parts
·······
VS
Intel

Core i7-940XM

4 Cores8 Thrd55 WWMax: 3.33 GHz2010
Similar parts
·······

A10-8700P vs Core i7-940XM Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

A10-8700P vs Core i7-940XM FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A10-8700P vs Core i7-940XM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A10-8700P

2015

Why buy it

  • Costs $946 less on MSRP ($150 MSRP vs $1,096 MSRP).
  • Delivers 625.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 15.0 vs 2.1 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $1,096 MSRP).
  • Draws 2W instead of 55W, a 53W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Radeon R6, while Core i7-940XM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-940XM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (2,254 vs 2,269).

Core i7-940XM

2010

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +3.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • 33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 2.1 vs 15.0 PassMark/$ ($1,096 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
  • 2650% higher power demand at 55W vs 2W.
  • No integrated graphics, while A10-8700P can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-940XM better than A10-8700P?
Yes. Core i7-940XM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-940XM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.3% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-940XM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-940XM is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i7-940XM comes in 630.7% more expensive on MSRP at $1,096 MSRP versus $150 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. A10-8700P only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 3.3% in the shared gaming data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
A10-8700P makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A10-8700P vs Core i7-940XM Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

AMD

A10-8700P

The A10-8700P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Carrizo (2015−2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FP4. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 2,254 points. Launch price was $130.

Intel

Core i7-940XM

The Core i7-940XM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,269 points. Launch price was $1,096.

Processing Power

The A10-8700P packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-940XM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the A10-8700P versus 3.33 GHz on the Core i7-940XM — a 4% clock advantage for the Core i7-940XM (base: 1.8 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The A10-8700P uses the Carrizo (2015−2018) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i7-940XM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the A10-8700P scores 2,254 against the Core i7-940XM's 2,269 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-940XM.

FeatureA10-8700PCore i7-940XM
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz
3.33 GHz+4%
Base Clock
1.8 GHz
2.13 GHz+18%
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
2048 kB+700%
256 kB (per core)
Process
28 nm-38%
45 nm
Architecture
Carrizo (2015−2018)
Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark
2,254
2,269
Geekbench 6 Single
480
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,000
🧠

Memory & Platform

The A10-8700P uses the FP4 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-940XM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-2133 on the A10-8700P versus 1333 on the Core i7-940XM — the A10-8700P supports 60% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A10-8700P supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (A10-8700P) vs 16 (Core i7-940XM) — the Core i7-940XM offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SoC (A10-8700P) and PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-940XM).

FeatureA10-8700PCore i7-940XM
Socket
FP4
PGA988
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-2133+60%
1333
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB+100%
8 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
12
16+33%
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-940XM has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A10-8700P) vs true (Core i7-940XM). The A10-8700P includes integrated graphics (Radeon R6), while the Core i7-940XM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A10-8700P targets Budget Laptop. Direct competitor: A10-8700P rivals Core i5-5200U; Core i7-940XM rivals Core i7-2720QM.

FeatureA10-8700PCore i7-940XM
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Radeon R6
None
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
true
Target Use
Budget Laptop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the A10-8700P was priced at $150, while the Core i7-940XM came in at $1096. On launch pricing ($150 vs $1096), A10-8700P was $946 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the A10-8700P delivers 15.0 pts/$ vs 2.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-940XM — making the A10-8700P the 151.6% better value option.

FeatureA10-8700PCore i7-940XM
MSRP
$150-86%
$1096
Performance per Dollar
15.0+614%
2.1
Release Date
2015
2010

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.