Core i5-655K 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 i5-655K 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 i5-655K 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 i5-655K

2010

Why buy it

✅+19% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Westmere), 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.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $216 MSRP, while Core i7-840QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌62.2% higher power demand at 73W vs 45W.

Core i7-840QM

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 73W, a 28W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,050 vs 1,250).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-655K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-840QM better than Core i5-655K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-840QM is ahead with a 6.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-655K pulls ahead with 19% better Geekbench multi-core. Core i7-840QM also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-655K is the stronger fit. You are getting 19% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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 $216 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-655K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (9.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1156.

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

Core i7-840QM is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i5-655K vs Core i7-840QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-655K

The Core i5-655K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,017 points. Launch price was $69.

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 i5-655K 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 3.46 GHz on the Core i5-655K versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-840QM — a 7.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-655K (base: 3.2 GHz vs 1.86 GHz). The Core i5-655K uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-840QM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-655K scores 2,017 against the Core i7-840QM's 2,025 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-840QM. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 560 vs 390, a 35.8% lead for the Core i5-655K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,250 vs 1,050 (17.4% advantage for the Core i5-655K). L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-655K vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-840QM.

Feature	Core i5-655K	Core i7-840QM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.46 GHz+8%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+72%	1.86 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Clarkdale (2010−2011)	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	2,017	2,025
Geekbench 6 Single	560+44%	390
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,250+19%	1,050

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-655K uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-840QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. The Core i5-655K 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: H55,H57,P55 (Core i5-655K) and PM55,HM55,QM57,HM57 (Core i7-840QM).

Feature	Core i5-655K	Core i7-840QM
Socket	LGA1156	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+100%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i5-655K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i5-655K) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-840QM). The Core i5-655K includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)), while the Core i7-840QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-655K targets Desktop, Core i7-840QM targets Laptop.