Core i7-2640M vs Phenom II X4 840

Core i7-2640M vs Phenom II X4 840 Performance Spectrum

Core i7-2640M

2 / 4

2,445

0.0%

2,449

+0.2%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

About PassMark

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 i7-2640M vs Phenom II X4 840 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 i7-2640M vs Phenom II X4 840: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-2640M

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 95W, a 60W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Phenom II X4 840 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Phenom II X4 840 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,445 vs 2,449).
❌Launch MSRP is still $346 MSRP, while Phenom II X4 840 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Phenom II X4 840

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +4.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌171.4% higher power demand at 95W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2640M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom II X4 840 better than Core i7-2640M?

Yes. Phenom II X4 840 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 4.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Phenom II X4 840 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.4% 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, Phenom II X4 840 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Phenom II X4 840 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Phenom II X4 840 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $346 MSRP, and it still gives you a 4.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-2640M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (7.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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

Phenom II X4 840 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-2640M vs Phenom II X4 840 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-2640M

The Core i7-2640M 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 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,445 points. Launch price was $346.

Phenom II X4 840

The Phenom II X4 840 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 4 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Propus (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,449 points. Launch price was $90.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-2640M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X4 840 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X4 840 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-2640M versus 3.2 GHz on the Phenom II X4 840 — a 9% clock advantage for the Core i7-2640M (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-2640M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom II X4 840 uses Propus (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2640M scores 2,445 against the Phenom II X4 840's 2,449 — a 0.2% lead for the Phenom II X4 840. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i7-2640M vs 0 kB on the Phenom II X4 840.

Feature	Core i7-2640M	Phenom II X4 840
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+9%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	3.2 GHz+14%
L3 Cache	4 MB	0 kB
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Propus (2009−2011)
PassMark	2,445	2,449
Geekbench 6 Single	563	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,184	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2640M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom II X4 840 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-2640M	Phenom II X4 840
Socket	PGA988	AM3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i7-2640M) / not specified (Phenom II X4 840). The Core i7-2640M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Phenom II X4 840 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-2640M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.