Core i5-2400 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 i5-2400 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 i5-2400 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 i5-2400

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 2000, while Core i7-2840QM needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-2840QM.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2840QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $184 MSRP, while Core i7-2840QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.

Core i7-2840QM

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,842 vs 3,870).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2400 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-2400.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2400 better than Core i7-2840QM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-2840QM is ahead with a 8.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2400 pulls ahead with 0.7% better PassMark. Core i7-2840QM also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2400 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-2400 is the better buy right now. Core i5-2400 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $184 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.7% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-2840QM is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 8.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (21.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-2840QM is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i5-2400 vs Core i7-2840QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-2400

The Core i5-2400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,870 points. Launch price was $60.

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 i5-2400 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2840QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-2400 versus 2.4 GHz on the Core i7-2840QM — a 34.5% clock advantage for the Core i5-2400. Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-2400 scores 3,870 against the Core i7-2840QM's 3,842 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-2400. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i5-2400 vs 8 MB on the Core i7-2840QM.

Feature	Core i5-2400	Core i7-2840QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz+42%	2.4 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz	—
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)	8 MB+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	1 MB+300%
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	3,870	3,842
Geekbench 6 Single	595	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2400 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-2840QM uses G2 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-2400	Core i7-2840QM
Socket	LGA1155	G2
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-2400) / not specified (Core i7-2840QM). The Core i5-2400 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 2000), while the Core i7-2840QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-2400 targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2400 rivals Phenom II X4 975.