Core i7-740QM vs Pentium 1403

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 i7-740QM vs Pentium 1403 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 i7-740QM vs Pentium 1403: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-740QM

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+20% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 5 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 80W, a 35W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,842 vs 1,851).
❌Launch MSRP is still $378 MSRP, while Pentium 1403 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Pentium 1403

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-740QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (5 MB vs 6 MB).
❌77.8% higher power demand at 80W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-740QM better than Pentium 1403?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-740QM is ahead with a 3.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Pentium 1403 pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark. Core i7-740QM also has the bigger cache pool with 20% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 5 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium 1403 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Core i7-740QM is the better buy right now. Core i7-740QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at $378 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Pentium 1403 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.5% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (4.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Pentium 1403 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 2 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-740QM vs Pentium 1403 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-740QM

The Core i7-740QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.73 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,842 points. Launch price was $546.

Pentium 1403

The Pentium 1403 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency: 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 5 MB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 1,851 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-740QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Pentium 1403 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core i7-740QM has 2 more cores. The Core i7-740QM is built on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-740QM scores 1,842 against the Pentium 1403's 1,851 — a 0.5% lead for the Pentium 1403. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-740QM vs 5 MB on the Pentium 1403.

Feature	Core i7-740QM	Pentium 1403
Cores / Threads	4 / 8+100%	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.93 GHz	—
Base Clock	1.73 GHz	2.6 GHz+50%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)+20%	5 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	45 nm	32 nm-29%
Architecture	Clarksfield (2009−2010)	—
PassMark	1,842	1,851