Core i7-840QM vs Core i7-920XM

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 i7-840QM vs Core i7-920XM 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 i7-840QM vs Core i7-920XM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-840QM

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 45W instead of 55W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i7-920XM

2009

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,014 vs 2,025).
❌22.2% higher power demand at 55W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-840QM better than Core i7-920XM?

Yes. Core i7-840QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 28 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.5% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-840QM 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 i7-840QM still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-840QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 28 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i7-840QM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-840QM vs Core i7-920XM Technical Specifications

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

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 i7-920XM

The Core i7-920XM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 September 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2 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): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,014 points. Launch price was $1,054.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-840QM and Core i7-920XM share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-840QM versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-920XM — identical boost frequencies (base: 1.86 GHz vs 2 GHz). Both are built on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture using a 45 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-840QM scores 2,025 against the Core i7-920XM's 2,014 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-840QM. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-840QM	Core i7-920XM
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	1.86 GHz	2 GHz+8%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Clarksfield (2009−2010)	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	2,025	2,014
Geekbench 6 Single	390	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,050	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the PGA988 socket with PCIe 2.0. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: PM55,HM55,QM57,HM57 (Core i7-840QM) and PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-920XM).

Feature	Core i7-840QM	Core i7-920XM
Socket	PGA988	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	1333
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Core i7-920XM has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-840QM) vs true (Core i7-920XM). Primary use case: Core i7-840QM targets Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-920XM rivals Core i7-2720QM.