Core i5-6287U 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 i5-6287U 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 i5-6287U 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 i5-6287U

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 28W instead of 45W, a 17W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (12 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Graphics 550, while Core i7-2840QM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2840QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,801 vs 3,842).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).

Core i7-2840QM

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +12.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

Trade-offs

❌60.7% higher power demand at 45W vs 28W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-6287U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2840QM better than Core i5-6287U?

Yes. Core i7-2840QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 12.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-2840QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 12.6% 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 i7-2840QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Core i7-2840QM still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-2840QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 12.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i5-6287U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-6287U vs Core i7-2840QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-6287U

The Core i5-6287U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,801 points. Launch price was $304.

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 i5-6287U 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 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-6287U versus 2.4 GHz on the Core i7-2840QM — a 37.3% clock advantage for the Core i5-6287U. The Core i5-6287U uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-2840QM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6287U scores 3,801 against the Core i7-2840QM's 3,842 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-2840QM. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i5-6287U vs 8 MB on the Core i7-2840QM.

Feature	Core i5-6287U	Core i7-2840QM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+46%	2.4 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz	—
L3 Cache	4 MB	8 MB+100%
L2 Cache	512 kB	1 MB+100%
Process	14 nm-56%	32 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	3,801	3,842+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	816	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-6287U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2840QM uses G2 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-6287U	Core i7-2840QM
Socket	BGA1356	G2
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	12	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-6287U) / not specified (Core i7-2840QM). The Core i5-6287U includes integrated graphics (Iris Graphics 550), while the Core i7-2840QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6287U targets High Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-6287U rivals FX-9800P.