Core i7-3940XM vs Xeon E3-1515M v5

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 Xeon E3-1515M v5 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 Xeon E3-1515M v5: 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

✅Better for gaming: +4.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

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

Xeon E3-1515M v5

2016

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3940XM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,925 vs 5,957).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3940XM better than Xeon E3-1515M v5?

Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Xeon E3-1515M v5 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-3940XM 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 i7-3940XM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 4.0% 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 0.5% 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 4.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Xeon E3-1515M v5 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-3940XM vs Xeon E3-1515M v5 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.

Xeon E3-1515M v5

The Xeon E3-1515M v5 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 January 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-H (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,925 points. Launch price was $489.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-3940XM and Xeon E3-1515M v5 share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-3940XM versus 3.7 GHz on the Xeon E3-1515M v5 — a 5.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-3940XM (base: 3 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i7-3940XM uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E3-1515M v5 uses Skylake-H (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3940XM scores 5,957 against the Xeon E3-1515M v5's 5,925 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-3940XM. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 720 vs 1,017, a 34.2% lead for the Xeon E3-1515M v5 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-3940XM	Xeon E3-1515M v5
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+5%	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz+7%	2.8 GHz
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)	Skylake-H (2015−2016)
PassMark	5,957	5,925
Geekbench 6 Single	720	1,017+41%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3940XM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E3-1515M v5 uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3940XM versus DDR4-2133 on the Xeon E3-1515M v5 — the Xeon E3-1515M v5 supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Xeon E3-1515M v5 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3940XM) and SoC (Xeon E3-1515M v5).

Feature	Core i7-3940XM	Xeon E3-1515M v5
Socket	PGA988	BGA1440
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR4-2133+33%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	64 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
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 i7-3940XM) and Iris Pro Graphics P580 (Xeon E3-1515M v5) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3940XM targets Extreme Performance Laptop, Xeon E3-1515M v5 targets Productivity. Direct competitor: Core i7-3940XM rivals A10-5750M; Xeon E3-1515M v5 rivals Core i7-6700HQ.

Feature	Core i7-3940XM	Xeon E3-1515M v5
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4000	Iris Pro Graphics P580
Unlocked	Yes	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Extreme Performance Laptop	Productivity