Core i7-840QM vs Core i5-2430M
Core i7-840QM
Core i5-2430M
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 i7-840QM is positioned at rank 812 and the Core i5-2430M is on rank 1106, so the Core i7-840QM offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-840QM
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2430M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-840QM | Core i5-2430M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-840QM | Core i5-2430M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($225) |
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 i7-840QM and Core i5-2430M
Core i7-840QM
The Core i7-840QM 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 1.86 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 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. Passmark benchmark score: 2,025 points. Launch price was $568.
Core i5-2430M
The Core i5-2430M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,015 points. Launch price was $225.
Processing Power
The Core i7-840QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-2430M offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-840QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-840QM versus 3 GHz on the Core i5-2430M — a 6.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-840QM (base: 1.86 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i7-840QM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-2430M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-840QM scores 2,025 against the Core i5-2430M's 2,015 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-840QM. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-840QM vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2430M.
| Feature | Core i7-840QM | Core i5-2430M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz+7% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.86 GHz | 2.4 GHz+29% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+167% | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 32 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Clarksfield (2009−2010) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,025 | 2,015 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 390 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,050 | — |
Memory & Platform
Both processors use the PGA988 socket with PCIe 2.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-840QM versus 1333 on the Core i5-2430M — the Core i5-2430M supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-2430M supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: PM55,HM55,QM57,HM57 (Core i7-840QM) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2430M).
| Feature | Core i7-840QM | Core i5-2430M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | 1333+44333% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+52428700% | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-840QM) vs true (Core i5-2430M). The Core i5-2430M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i7-840QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-840QM targets Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-2430M rivals AMD A8-3500M.
| Feature | Core i7-840QM | Core i5-2430M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | true |
| Target Use | Laptop | — |
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