Core i7-3940XM vs Microsoft SQ1
Core i7-3940XM
Microsoft SQ1
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-3940XM is positioned at rank 936 and the Microsoft SQ1 is on rank 877, so the Microsoft SQ1 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3940XM
Performance Per Dollar Microsoft SQ1
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3940XM | Microsoft SQ1 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) / 7 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3940XM | Microsoft SQ1 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($180) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-3940XM and Microsoft SQ1
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.
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 | — |
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.
| Feature | Core i7-3940XM | Microsoft SQ1 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | — |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4000 | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | — |
| Target Use | Extreme Performance Laptop | — |
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