Core i7-2840QM vs Xeon E5-2603 v3

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 E5-2603 v3 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 E5-2603 v3: 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

✅Draws 45W instead of 85W, a 40W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 15 MB).
❌Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Xeon E5-2603 v3, which brings 6 cores / 6 threads.

Xeon E5-2603 v3

2014

Why buy it

✅+87.5% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 8 MB).
✅Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 6 cores / 6 threads.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,825 vs 3,842).
❌88.9% higher power demand at 85W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2840QM better than Xeon E5-2603 v3?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E5-2603 v3 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 gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-2840QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.6% 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 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 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 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Xeon E5-2603 v3 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011) and 87.5% larger total L3 cache (15 MB vs 8 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-2840QM vs Xeon E5-2603 v3 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 E5-2603 v3

The Xeon E5-2603 v3 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2015-01-01. It is based on the Haswell-EP (2014−2015) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 15 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 85 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,825 points. Launch price was $800.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-2840QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-2603 v3 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the Xeon E5-2603 v3 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core i7-2840QM versus 1.6 GHz on the Xeon E5-2603 v3 — a 40% clock advantage for the Core i7-2840QM. The Core i7-2840QM uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Xeon E5-2603 v3 uses Haswell-EP (2014−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2840QM scores 3,842 against the Xeon E5-2603 v3's 3,825 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-2840QM. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Core i7-2840QM vs 15 MB (total) on the Xeon E5-2603 v3.

Feature	Core i7-2840QM	Xeon E5-2603 v3
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 6+50%
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz+50%	1.6 GHz
Base Clock	—	1.6 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB	15 MB (total)+88%
L2 Cache	1 MB	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Haswell-EP (2014−2015)
PassMark	3,842	3,825

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2840QM uses the G2 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Xeon E5-2603 v3 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.