CPU
GPU
Core i7-920XM
Core i7-840QM
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 i7-920XM is positioned at rank 876 and the Core i7-840QM is on rank 812, 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 i7-920XM
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-840QM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-920XM | Core i7-840QM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | Balanced gaming performance | Balanced gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-920XM | Core i7-840QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 i7-920XM and Core i7-840QM
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.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Core i7-920XM and Core i7-840QM share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-920XM versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-840QM — identical boost frequencies (base: 2 GHz vs 1.86 GHz). Both are built on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture using a 45 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-920XM scores 2,014 against the Core i7-840QM's 2,025 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-840QM. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i7-920XM | Core i7-840QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.2 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz+8% | 1.86 GHz |
| 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 | 2,014 | 2,025 |
| 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 1333 on the Core i7-920XM versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-840QM — the Core i7-920XM supports 199.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 8 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-920XM) and PM55,HM55,QM57,HM57 (Core i7-840QM).
| Feature | Core i7-920XM | Core i7-840QM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333+44333% | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 8 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| 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: true (Core i7-920XM) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-840QM). Primary use case: Core i7-840QM targets Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-920XM rivals Core i7-2720QM.
| Feature | Core i7-920XM | Core i7-840QM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | No |
| IGPU Model | None | — |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | — | Laptop |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Core i7-920XM and Core i7-840QM
