Core i5-8265U vs Core i7-3840QM

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 i5-8265U vs Core i7-3840QM 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 i5-8265U vs Core i7-3840QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-8265U

2018

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 45W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3840QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,812 vs 5,871).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).

Core i7-3840QM

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

❌200% higher power demand at 45W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3840QM better than Core i5-8265U?

Yes. Core i7-3840QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 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 i7-3840QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.3% 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 i7-3840QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Core i7-3840QM still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-3840QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i5-8265U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-8265U vs Core i7-3840QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-8265U

The Core i5-8265U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Whiskey Lake-U (2018−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1528. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,812 points. Launch price was $297.

Core i7-3840QM

The Core i7-3840QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,871 points. Launch price was $568.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-8265U and Core i7-3840QM share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i5-8265U versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3840QM — a 2.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-8265U (base: 1.6 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-8265U uses the Whiskey Lake-U (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3840QM uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-8265U scores 5,812 against the Core i7-3840QM's 5,871 — a 1% lead for the Core i7-3840QM. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,200 vs 676, a 55.9% lead for the Core i5-8265U that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-8265U vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-3840QM.

Feature	Core i5-8265U	Core i7-3840QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+3%	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	2.8 GHz+75%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Whiskey Lake-U (2018−2019)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	5,812	5,871+1%
Cinebench R23 Multi	3,000	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,200+78%	676
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,500	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-8265U uses the FCBGA1528 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3840QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i5-8265U versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3840QM — the Core i5-8265U supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-8265U supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: SoC (Core i5-8265U) and HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3840QM).

Feature	Core i5-8265U	Core i7-3840QM
Socket	FCBGA1528	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+50%	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics 620 (Core i5-8265U) and HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3840QM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-8265U targets Mainstream Laptop, Core i7-3840QM targets Mobile Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-3840QM rivals A10-5750M.

Feature	Core i5-8265U	Core i7-3840QM
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics 620	HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Mainstream Laptop	Mobile Workstation