Core i3-4370 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 i3-4370 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 i3-4370 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 i3-4370

2014

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4600, while Core i7-2840QM needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-2840QM.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $149 MSRP, while Core i7-2840QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌20% higher power demand at 54W vs 45W.

Core i7-2840QM

2011

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 54W, a 9W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,842 vs 3,854).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-4370 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-4370.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4370 better than Core i7-2840QM?

Yes. Core i3-4370 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.3% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-4370 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.6% 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 i3-4370 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-4370 is the better buy right now. Core i3-4370 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $149 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (25.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i3-4370 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011) 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 i3-4370 vs Core i7-2840QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4370

The Core i3-4370 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 July 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,854 points. Launch price was $242.

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.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-4370 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 3.8 GHz on the Core i3-4370 versus 2.4 GHz on the Core i7-2840QM — a 45.2% clock advantage for the Core i3-4370. The Core i3-4370 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-2840QM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4370 scores 3,854 against the Core i7-2840QM's 3,842 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i3-4370. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-4370 vs 8 MB on the Core i7-2840QM.

Feature	Core i3-4370	Core i7-2840QM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+58%	2.4 GHz
Base Clock	3.8 GHz	—
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	8 MB+100%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	1 MB+300%
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	3,854	3,842
Cinebench R23 Multi	2,454	—
Geekbench 6 Single	904	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,071	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4370 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2840QM uses G2 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-4370	Core i7-2840QM
Socket	LGA1150	G2
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i3-4370) / not specified (Core i7-2840QM). The Core i3-4370 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i7-2840QM requires a dedicated GPU.