Core i5-8365U 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 i5-8365U 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 i5-8365U 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 i5-8365U

2019

Why buy it

✅+1.2% higher PassMark.
✅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.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3840QM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-3840QM

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Core i5-8365U needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,871 vs 5,939).
❌200% higher power demand at 45W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-8365U better than Core i7-3840QM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-3840QM is ahead with a 6.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-8365U pulls ahead with 1.2% better PassMark. Core i7-3840QM also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-8365U is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i5-8365U still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-8365U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.2% better PassMark.

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

Core i5-8365U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-8365U vs Core i7-3840QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-8365U

The Core i5-8365U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 April 2019 (6 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 4.1 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: 5,939 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 i5-8365U and Core i7-3840QM share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i5-8365U versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3840QM — a 7.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-8365U (base: 1.6 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-8365U 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 i5-8365U scores 5,939 against the Core i7-3840QM's 5,871 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i5-8365U. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-8365U vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-3840QM.

Feature	Core i5-8365U	Core i7-3840QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz+8%	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	5,939+1%	5,871
Geekbench 6 Single	—	676

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-8365U uses the FCBGA1528 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3840QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-8365U	Core i7-3840QM
Socket	FCBGA1528	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-8365U) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3840QM). The Core i7-3840QM includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i5-8365U requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3840QM targets Mobile Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-3840QM rivals A10-5750M.