Core i5-2430M 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 i5-2430M 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 i5-2430M 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 i5-2430M

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Core i7-840QM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-840QM across 39 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,015 vs 2,025).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core i7-840QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i7-840QM

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.7% higher average FPS across 39 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2430M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-840QM better than Core i5-2430M?

Yes. Core i7-840QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.7% average FPS lead across 39 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-840QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.7% more average FPS across 39 shared CPU game tests.

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 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i7-840QM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-840QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.7% average FPS lead across 39 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-2430M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (9.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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

Core i5-2430M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-2430M vs Core i7-840QM Technical Specifications

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

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. Both support up to 1333 memory speed. The Core i5-2430M supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% 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	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+100%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
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.