Core i7-940 vs Phenom II X6 1035T

Core i7-940 vs Phenom II X6 1035T Performance Spectrum

Core i7-940

4 / 8

3,029

+0.6%

3,012

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper 1950

Ryzen AI Max 390

Ryzen 9 9955HX3D

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 i7-940 vs Phenom II X6 1035T 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 i7-940 vs Phenom II X6 1035T: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-940

2008

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅Draws 1W instead of 95W, a 94W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (36 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $562 MSRP, while Phenom II X6 1035T mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Phenom II X6 1035T.

Phenom II X6 1035T

2010

Why buy it

✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i7-940.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-940 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,012 vs 3,029).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌9400% higher power demand at 95W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-940 better than Phenom II X6 1035T?

Yes. Core i7-940 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 10.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-940 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.4% 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 i7-940 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% 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 i7-940 is the better buy right now. Core i7-940 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $562 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (5.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Phenom II X6 1035T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-940 vs Phenom II X6 1035T Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-940

The Core i7-940 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in Novembro 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.93 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: LGA1366. Thermal design power (TDP): 130 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,029 points. Launch price was $299.

Phenom II X6 1035T

The Phenom II X6 1035T is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 27 April 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Thuban (2010) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,012 points. Launch price was $189.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-940 packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Phenom II X6 1035T offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the Phenom II X6 1035T has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-940 versus 3.1 GHz on the Phenom II X6 1035T — a 3.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-940 (base: 2.93 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i7-940 uses the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Phenom II X6 1035T uses Thuban (2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-940 scores 3,029 against the Phenom II X6 1035T's 3,012 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-940. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-940 vs 6 MB (total) on the Phenom II X6 1035T.

Feature	Core i7-940	Phenom II X6 1035T
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 6+50%
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+3%	3.1 GHz
Base Clock	2.93 GHz+13%	2.6 GHz
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	Bloomfield (2008−2010)	Thuban (2010)
PassMark	3,029	3,012
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	2,670

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-940 uses the LGA1366 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom II X6 1035T uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core i7-940 versus DDR3-1333 on the Phenom II X6 1035T — the Phenom II X6 1035T supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Memory channels: 3 (Core i7-940) vs 2 (Phenom II X6 1035T).

Feature	Core i7-940	Phenom II X6 1035T
Socket	LGA1366	AM3
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	DDR3-1333+25%
Max RAM Capacity	24 GB	—
RAM Channels	3+50%	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	36	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Phenom II X6 1035T has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i7-940) vs AMD-V (Phenom II X6 1035T). Primary use case: Core i7-940 targets Desktop, Phenom II X6 1035T targets Budget. Direct competitor: Phenom II X6 1035T rivals Core i5-750.