Core i5-2430M vs Core i7-840QM
Core i5-2430M
Core i7-840QM
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-2430M is positioned at rank 1106 and the Core i7-840QM is on rank 812, so the Core i7-840QM offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2430M
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-840QM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2430M | Core i7-840QM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2430M | Core i7-840QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-2430M and Core i7-840QM
Core i5-2430M
The Core i5-2430M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,015 points. Launch price was $225.
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.
Processing Power
The Core i5-2430M 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 GHz on the Core i5-2430M versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-840QM — a 6.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-840QM (base: 2.4 GHz vs 1.86 GHz). The Core i5-2430M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-840QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2430M scores 2,015 against the Core i7-840QM's 2,025 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-840QM. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2430M vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-840QM.
| Feature | Core i5-2430M | Core i7-840QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3 GHz | 3.2 GHz+7% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz+29% | 1.86 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 8 MB (total)+167% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Clarksfield (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 2,015 | 2,025 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 390 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,050 |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the PGA988 socket with PCIe 2.0. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i5-2430M versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-840QM — the Core i5-2430M supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-2430M supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2430M) and PM55,HM55,QM57,HM57 (Core i7-840QM).
| Feature | Core i5-2430M | Core i7-840QM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+44333% | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 8 GB+52428700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-2430M) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-840QM). The Core i5-2430M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i7-840QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-840QM targets Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2430M rivals AMD A8-3500M.
| Feature | Core i5-2430M | Core i7-840QM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Laptop |
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