Core i3-2102 vs Core i7-840QM

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 i3-2102 vs Core i7-840QM 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 i3-2102 vs Core i7-840QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-2102

2011

Why buy it

✅+3% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 2000, while Core i7-840QM needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i7-840QM.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-840QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $117 MSRP, while Core i7-840QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Core i7-840QM

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,050 vs 1,082).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-2102 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-2102.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-2102 better than Core i7-840QM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-840QM is ahead with a 4.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2102 pulls ahead with 3% better Geekbench multi-core. Core i7-840QM also has the bigger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-2102 is the stronger fit. You are getting 3% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-2102 is the better buy right now. Core i3-2102 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $117 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 3% better Geekbench multi-core. The compromise is that Core i7-840QM is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 4.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (17.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-2102 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-2102 vs Core i7-840QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-2102

The Core i3-2102 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,029 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i7-840QM

The Core i7-840QM 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 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,025 points. Launch price was $568.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-2102 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-840QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-840QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i3-2102 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-840QM — a 3.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-840QM (base: 3.1 GHz vs 1.86 GHz). The Core i3-2102 uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-840QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-2102 scores 2,029 against the Core i7-840QM's 2,025 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-2102. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 515 vs 390, a 27.6% lead for the Core i3-2102 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,082 vs 1,050 (3% advantage for the Core i3-2102). L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-2102 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-840QM.

Feature	Core i3-2102	Core i7-840QM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz	3.2 GHz+3%
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+67%	1.86 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	2,029	2,025
Geekbench 6 Single	515+32%	390
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,082+3%	1,050

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-2102 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-840QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. The Core i3-2102 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H61,H67,P67,Z68 (Core i3-2102) and PM55,HM55,QM57,HM57 (Core i7-840QM).

Feature	Core i3-2102	Core i7-840QM
Socket	LGA1155	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+300%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i3-2102) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-840QM). The Core i3-2102 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 2000), while the Core i7-840QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-2102 targets Office Desktop, Core i7-840QM targets Laptop.