Core i7-840QM vs Core i5-655K
Core i7-840QM
Core i5-655K
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 i5-655K is on rank 1004, 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 i5-655K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-840QM | Core i5-655K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($55) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clarkdale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-840QM | Core i5-655K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($55) |
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 i5-655K
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 i5-655K
The Core i5-655K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,017 points. Launch price was $69.
Processing Power
The Core i7-840QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i5-655K 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 3.46 GHz on the Core i5-655K — a 7.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-655K (base: 1.86 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-840QM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i5-655K uses Clarkdale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-840QM scores 2,025 against the Core i5-655K's 2,017 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-840QM. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 390 vs 560, a 35.8% lead for the Core i5-655K that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,050 vs 1,250 (17.4% advantage for the Core i5-655K). L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-840QM vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-655K.
| Feature | Core i7-840QM | Core i5-655K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.46 GHz+8% |
| Base Clock | 1.86 GHz | 3.2 GHz+72% |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total)+100% | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 32 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Clarksfield (2009−2010) | Clarkdale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,025 | 2,017 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 390 | 560+44% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 1,050 | 1,250+19% |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-840QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-655K uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. The Core i5-655K supports up to 16 GB 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 H55,H57,P55 (Core i5-655K).
| Feature | Core i7-840QM | Core i5-655K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB | 16 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i5-655K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-840QM) vs VT-x (Core i5-655K). The Core i5-655K includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)), while the Core i7-840QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-840QM targets Laptop, Core i5-655K targets Desktop.
| Feature | Core i7-840QM | Core i5-655K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics (Westmere) |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x |
| Target Use | Laptop | Desktop |
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