Core i7-3840QM vs Core i7-3940XM

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 i7-3840QM vs Core i7-3940XM 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 i7-3840QM vs Core i7-3940XM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3840QM

2012

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 55W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (676 vs 720).
❌Lower PassMark (5,871 vs 5,957).

Core i7-3940XM

2012

Why buy it

✅+6.5% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌22.2% higher power demand at 55W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3940XM better than Core i7-3840QM?

Yes. Core i7-3940XM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.5% 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, Core i7-3940XM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.2% 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 i7-3940XM is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-3940XM still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-3940XM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i7-3940XM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 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 i7-3840QM vs Core i7-3940XM Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i7-3940XM

The Core i7-3940XM 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 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,957 points. Launch price was $1,096.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-3840QM and Core i7-3940XM share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3840QM versus 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-3940XM — a 2.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-3940XM (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-3840QM scores 5,871 against the Core i7-3940XM's 5,957 — a 1.5% lead for the Core i7-3940XM. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 676 vs 720, a 6.3% lead for the Core i7-3940XM that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-3840QM	Core i7-3940XM
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz	3.9 GHz+3%
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	3 GHz+7%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	5,871	5,957+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	676	720+7%

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the PGA988 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3840QM) and HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3940XM).

Feature	Core i7-3840QM	Core i7-3940XM
Socket	PGA988	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-3940XM has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3840QM) and HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3940XM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3840QM targets Mobile Workstation, Core i7-3940XM targets Extreme Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3840QM rivals A10-5750M; Core i7-3940XM rivals A10-5750M.

Feature	Core i7-3840QM	Core i7-3940XM
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4000	HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	Yes
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Mobile Workstation	Extreme Performance Laptop