Core i7-2840QM vs Xeon E3-1220

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 Xeon E3-1220 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 Xeon E3-1220: 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: +9.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 45W instead of 80W, a 35W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,842 vs 3,859).

Xeon E3-1220

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2840QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌77.8% higher power demand at 80W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2840QM better than Xeon E3-1220?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1220 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-2840QM is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon E3-1220 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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 9.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Xeon E3-1220 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i7-2840QM vs Xeon E3-1220 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.

Xeon E3-1220

The Xeon E3-1220 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 April 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,859 points. Launch price was $395.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-2840QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Xeon E3-1220's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core i7-2840QM versus 3.4 GHz on the Xeon E3-1220 — a 34.5% clock advantage for the Xeon E3-1220. Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-2840QM scores 3,842 against the Xeon E3-1220's 3,859 — a 0.4% lead for the Xeon E3-1220. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Core i7-2840QM vs 8 MB (total) on the Xeon E3-1220.

Feature	Core i7-2840QM	Xeon E3-1220
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 4
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz	3.4 GHz+42%
Base Clock	—	3.1 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB+300%	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	3,842	3,859

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2840QM uses the G2 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E3-1220 uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.