Core i7-840QM vs Pentium G3420

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 Pentium G3420 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 Pentium G3420: 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

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅+166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 54W, a 9W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

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

Pentium G3420

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,022 vs 2,025).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $86 MSRP, while Core i7-840QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌20% higher power demand at 54W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-840QM better than Pentium G3420?

Yes. Core i7-840QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, 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 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i7-840QM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-840QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $86 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium G3420 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (23.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.

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

Pentium G3420 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-840QM vs Pentium G3420 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.

Pentium G3420

The Pentium G3420 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 53 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,022 points. Launch price was $252.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-840QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Pentium G3420 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core i7-840QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-840QM versus 3.2 GHz on the Pentium G3420 — identical boost frequencies (base: 1.86 GHz vs 3.2 GHz). The Core i7-840QM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Pentium G3420 uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-840QM scores 2,025 against the Pentium G3420's 2,022 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-840QM. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-840QM vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium G3420.

Feature	Core i7-840QM	Pentium G3420
Cores / Threads	4 / 8+100%	2 / 2
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	1.86 GHz	3.2 GHz+72%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)+167%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Clarksfield (2009−2010)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	2,025	2,022
Geekbench 6 Single	390	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,050	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-840QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G3420 uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.