Core i7-2840QM vs Pentium Gold G6500T

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 i7-2840QM vs Pentium Gold G6500T 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 i7-2840QM vs Pentium Gold G6500T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-2840QM

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +9.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

Trade-offs

❌28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Pentium Gold G6500T can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Pentium Gold G6500T

2020

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with UHD Graphics 630, 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 (3,806 vs 3,842).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2840QM better than Pentium Gold G6500T?

Yes. Core i7-2840QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.9% 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 9.9% 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 0.9% 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 9.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. That said, if you already own a compatible LGA1200 + DDR4 setup, Pentium Gold G6500T can still make sense as a platform-matched option because it avoids a motherboard and RAM swap.

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

Pentium Gold G6500T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-2840QM vs Pentium Gold G6500T Technical Specifications

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

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.

Pentium Gold G6500T

The Pentium Gold G6500T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency: 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1200. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 3,806 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-2840QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Pentium Gold G6500T offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-2840QM has 2 more cores. The Core i7-2840QM is built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-2840QM scores 3,842 against the Pentium Gold G6500T's 3,806 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i7-2840QM. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Core i7-2840QM vs 4 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Pentium Gold G6500T.

Feature	Core i7-2840QM	Pentium Gold G6500T
Cores / Threads	4 / 8+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	—
Base Clock	—	3.5 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB+100%	4 MB Intel® Smart Cache
L2 Cache	1 MB	—
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	—
PassMark	3,842	3,806

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2840QM uses the G2 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium Gold G6500T uses LGA1200 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-2840QM	Pentium Gold G6500T
Socket	G2	LGA1200
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR4-2666
Max RAM Capacity	—	128 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-2840QM) / VT-x, VT-d (Pentium Gold G6500T). The Pentium Gold G6500T includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 630), while the Core i7-2840QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Pentium Gold G6500T targets Desktop Low Power.