Core i7-3840QM vs Xeon E-2104G

Intel

Core i7-3840QM

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Xeon E-2104G

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2018
Similar parts
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Core i7-3840QM vs Xeon E-2104G Performance Spectrum

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 i7-3840QM vs Xeon E-2104G 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 Xeon E-2104G: 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

  • Better for gaming: +23.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Xeon E-2104G needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Xeon E-2104G

2018

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3840QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • Lower PassMark (5,858 vs 5,871).
    • Launch MSRP is still $193 MSRP, while Core i7-3840QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
    • 44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.
    • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3840QM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Core i7-3840QM better than Xeon E-2104G?
    Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E-2104G makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-3840QM 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 i7-3840QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 23.4% 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, Core i7-3840QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Core i7-3840QM is still the faster CPU overall, but Xeon E-2104G is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-3840QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $193 MSRP, and it still gives you a 23.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Xeon E-2104G is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (30.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Xeon E-2104G makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

    Core i7-3840QM vs Xeon E-2104G Technical Specifications

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

    Intel

    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.

    Intel

    Xeon E-2104G

    The Xeon E-2104G is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 July 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-S WS (2018−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2666. Passmark benchmark score: 5,858 points. Launch price was $193.

    Processing Power

    The Core i7-3840QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Xeon E-2104G's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-3840QM versus 3.2 GHz on the Xeon E-2104G — a 17.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-3840QM (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-3840QM uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E-2104G uses Coffee Lake-S WS (2018−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3840QM scores 5,871 against the Xeon E-2104G's 5,858 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-3840QM. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

    FeatureCore i7-3840QMXeon E-2104G
    Cores / Threads
    4 / 8
    4 / 4
    Boost Clock
    3.8 GHz+19%
    3.2 GHz
    Base Clock
    2.8 GHz
    3.2 GHz+14%
    L3 Cache
    8 MB (total)
    8 MB (total)
    L2 Cache
    256K (per core)
    256 kB (per core)
    Process
    22 nm
    14 nm-36%
    Architecture
    Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
    Coffee Lake-S WS (2018−2019)
    PassMark
    5,871
    5,858
    Geekbench 6 Single
    676
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Core i7-3840QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E-2104G uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureCore i7-3840QMXeon E-2104G
    Socket
    PGA988
    LGA1151
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0
    PCIe 3.0
    Max RAM Speed
    DDR3-1600
    Max RAM Capacity
    32 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    16
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3840QM) / not specified (Xeon E-2104G). The Core i7-3840QM includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Xeon E-2104G requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3840QM targets Mobile Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-3840QM rivals A10-5750M.

    FeatureCore i7-3840QMXeon E-2104G
    Integrated GPU
    Yes
    IGPU Model
    HD Graphics 4000
    Unlocked
    No
    AVX-512
    No
    Virtualization
    VT-x, VT-d, EPT
    Target Use
    Mobile Workstation