Core i5-3317U 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 i5-3317U 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 i5-3317U 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 i5-3317U

2012

Why buy it

✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Core i7-840QM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-840QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,014 vs 2,025).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌1037.8% higher power demand at 512W vs 45W.

Core i7-840QM

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 512W, a 467W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-3317U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-840QM better than Core i5-3317U?

Yes. Core i7-840QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.2% average FPS lead across 50 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 5.2% 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 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 still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-840QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i5-3317U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3317U vs Core i7-840QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3317U

The Core i5-3317U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,014 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.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-3317U 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 2.6 GHz on the Core i5-3317U versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-840QM — a 20.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-840QM (base: 1.7 GHz vs 1.86 GHz). The Core i5-3317U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-840QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3317U scores 2,014 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 i5-3317U vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-840QM.

Feature	Core i5-3317U	Core i7-840QM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz	3.2 GHz+23%
Base Clock	1.7 GHz	1.86 GHz+9%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+167%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-51%	45 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	2,014	2,025
Geekbench 6 Single	—	390
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,050

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3317U uses the BGA1023 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 1600 on the Core i5-3317U versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-840QM — the Core i5-3317U supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-3317U 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: HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i5-3317U) and PM55,HM55,QM57,HM57 (Core i7-840QM).

Feature	Core i5-3317U	Core i7-840QM
Socket	BGA1023	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+300%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i5-3317U) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-840QM). The Core i5-3317U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i7-840QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-840QM targets Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3317U rivals AMD A8-4555M.