Core i7-940XM vs Pentium 4417U

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 i7-940XM vs Pentium 4417U 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 i7-940XM vs Pentium 4417U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-940XM

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+300% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 2 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $1,096 MSRP, while Pentium 4417U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌266.7% higher power demand at 55W vs 15W.

Pentium 4417U

2019

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 55W, a 40W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-940XM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,260 vs 2,269).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 8 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-940XM better than Pentium 4417U?

Yes. Core i7-940XM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-940XM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.2% 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 i7-940XM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 300% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Core i7-940XM is the better buy right now. Core i7-940XM comes in at an unclear MSRP at $1,096 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (2.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Pentium 4417U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-940XM vs Pentium 4417U Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-940XM

The Core i7-940XM 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 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 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: 2,269 points. Launch price was $1,096.

Pentium 4417U

The Pentium 4417U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency: 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB SmartCache. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2133, LPDDR3-1866, DDR3L-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,260 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-940XM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Pentium 4417U offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-940XM has 2 more cores. The Core i7-940XM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Pentium 4417U uses NetBurst (2000−2006) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-940XM scores 2,269 against the Pentium 4417U's 2,260 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-940XM. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-940XM vs 2 MB SmartCache on the Pentium 4417U.

Feature	Core i7-940XM	Pentium 4417U
Cores / Threads	4 / 8+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.33 GHz	—
Base Clock	2.13 GHz	2.3 GHz+8%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)+300%	2 MB SmartCache
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	45 nm	14 nm-69%
Architecture	Clarksfield (2009−2010)	NetBurst (2000−2006)
PassMark	2,269	2,260

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-940XM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium 4417U uses BGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.