Core i7-840QM vs Phenom II X4 905e

Core i7-840QM vs Phenom II X4 905e Performance Spectrum

Core i7-840QM

4 / 8

2,025

+0.5%

2,014

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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.

Core i7-840QM vs Phenom II X4 905e 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 Phenom II X4 905e: 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

✅Better for gaming: +7.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W 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.

Phenom II X4 905e

2009

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-840QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,014 vs 2,025).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-840QM better than Phenom II X4 905e?

Yes. Core i7-840QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 7.3% average FPS lead across 50 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?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-840QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 7.3% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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 7.3% average FPS lead across 50 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), 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-840QM vs Phenom II X4 905e 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.

Phenom II X4 905e

The Phenom II X4 905e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2 June 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,014 points. Launch price was $212.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-840QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Phenom II X4 905e's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-840QM versus 2.5 GHz on the Phenom II X4 905e — a 24.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-840QM (base: 1.86 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i7-840QM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Phenom II X4 905e uses Deneb (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-840QM scores 2,025 against the Phenom II X4 905e's 2,014 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-840QM. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-840QM vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X4 905e.

Feature	Core i7-840QM	Phenom II X4 905e
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+28%	2.5 GHz
Base Clock	1.86 GHz	2.5 GHz+34%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)+33%	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512 kB (per core)+100%
Process	45 nm	45 nm
Architecture	Clarksfield (2009−2010)	Deneb (2009−2011)
PassMark	2,025	2,014
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 Phenom II X4 905e uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.