Core i3-4330TE 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 i3-4330TE 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 i3-4330TE 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 i3-4330TE

2014

Why buy it

✅+66.7% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Core i7-840QM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,022 vs 2,025).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $138 MSRP, while Core i7-840QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i7-840QM

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (390 vs 650).
❌28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4330TE can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4330TE better than Core i7-840QM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i3-4330TE is ahead with a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-840QM pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark. Core i7-840QM also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-840QM 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 i3-4330TE is the better buy right now. Core i3-4330TE comes in at an unclear MSRP at $138 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-840QM is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.1% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (14.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-4330TE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-4330TE vs Core i7-840QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4330TE

The Core i3-4330TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,022 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 i3-4330TE 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 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-4330TE versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-840QM — a 28.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-840QM (base: 2.4 GHz vs 1.86 GHz). The Core i3-4330TE uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-840QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4330TE scores 2,022 against the Core i7-840QM's 2,025 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-840QM. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 650 vs 390, a 50% lead for the Core i3-4330TE that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-4330TE vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-840QM.

Feature	Core i3-4330TE	Core i7-840QM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	3.2 GHz+33%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz+29%	1.86 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	2,022	2,025
Geekbench 6 Single	650+67%	390
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,050

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4330TE uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-840QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-4330TE versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-840QM — the Core i3-4330TE supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-4330TE 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: H81,B85,Q85,H87,Q87,Z87,H97,Z97,C226 (Core i3-4330TE) and PM55,HM55,QM57,HM57 (Core i7-840QM).

Feature	Core i3-4330TE	Core i7-840QM
Socket	LGA1150	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+300%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-4330TE) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-840QM). The Core i3-4330TE includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i7-840QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4330TE targets Embedded, Core i7-840QM targets Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-4330TE rivals Embedded R-Series.