Core i7-3940XM vs Microsoft SQ1

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 i7-3940XM vs Microsoft SQ1 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 i7-3940XM vs Microsoft SQ1: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3940XM

2012

Why buy it

✅+300% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 2 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Microsoft SQ1 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,957 vs 6,039).

Microsoft SQ1

2019

Why buy it

✅+1.4% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $300 MSRP, while Core i7-3940XM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3940XM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Microsoft SQ1 better than Core i7-3940XM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-3940XM is ahead with a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Microsoft SQ1 pulls ahead with 1.4% better PassMark. Core i7-3940XM also has the bigger cache pool with 300% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 2 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Microsoft SQ1 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.

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

Microsoft SQ1 is the better buy right now. Microsoft SQ1 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $300 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.4% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-3940XM is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (20.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Microsoft SQ1 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 8 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 i7-3940XM vs Microsoft SQ1 Technical Specifications

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

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.

Microsoft SQ1

The Microsoft SQ1 is manufactured by Microsoft. It was released in 2 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. Built on 7 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): + 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 6,039 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-3940XM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Microsoft SQ1 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Microsoft SQ1 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-3940XM versus 3 GHz on the Microsoft SQ1 — a 26.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-3940XM. The Core i7-3940XM uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Microsoft SQ1 uses Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3940XM scores 5,957 against the Microsoft SQ1's 6,039 — a 1.4% lead for the Microsoft SQ1. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-3940XM vs 2 MB on the Microsoft SQ1.

Feature	Core i7-3940XM	Microsoft SQ1
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+30%	3 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz	—
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)+300%	2 MB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	22 nm	7 nm-68%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019)
PassMark	5,957	6,039+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	720	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3940XM) / not specified (Microsoft SQ1). The Core i7-3940XM includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Microsoft SQ1 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3940XM targets Extreme Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3940XM rivals A10-5750M.