Core i3-10110U vs Core i7-2840QM

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.

Core i3-10110U vs Core i7-2840QM 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.

Core i3-10110U vs Core i7-2840QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-10110U

2019

Why buy it

✅Draws 25W instead of 45W, a 20W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics for 10th Gen, while Core i7-2840QM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2840QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,839 vs 3,842).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).

Core i7-2840QM

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

Trade-offs

❌80% higher power demand at 45W vs 25W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-10110U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2840QM better than Core i3-10110U?

Yes. Core i7-2840QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-2840QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.2% 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 i7-2840QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-2840QM still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-2840QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-10110U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-10110U vs Core i7-2840QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-10110U

The Core i3-10110U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Comet Lake-U (2019−2020) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1528. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,839 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i7-2840QM

The Core i7-2840QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: G2. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 3,842 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-10110U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-2840QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-2840QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i3-10110U versus 2.4 GHz on the Core i7-2840QM — a 52.3% clock advantage for the Core i3-10110U. The Core i3-10110U uses the Comet Lake-U (2019−2020) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-2840QM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-10110U scores 3,839 against the Core i7-2840QM's 3,842 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-2840QM. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-10110U vs 8 MB on the Core i7-2840QM.

Feature	Core i3-10110U	Core i7-2840QM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz+71%	2.4 GHz
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	—
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	8 MB+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Comet Lake-U (2019−2020)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	3,839	3,842
Cinebench R23 Multi	2,327	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,270	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,353	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-10110U uses the FCBGA1528 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2840QM uses G2 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-10110U	Core i7-2840QM
Socket	FCBGA1528	G2
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2666	—
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-10110U) / not specified (Core i7-2840QM). The Core i3-10110U includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics for 10th Gen), while the Core i7-2840QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-10110U targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core i3-10110U rivals Ryzen 3 3200U.