Core i7-940XM
VS
Ryzen 5 3600

Core i7-940XM vs Ryzen 5 3600

Intel

Core i7-940XM

4 Cores8 Thrd55 WWMax: 3.33 GHz2010
VS
AMD

Ryzen 5 3600

6 Cores12 Thrd65 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2019

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. The Core i7-940XM is positioned at rank #1237 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-940XM

#1225
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
14174%
#1226
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
13966%
#1227
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
12821%
#1228
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
12763%
#1229
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
12646%
#1231
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
12213%
#1232
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
11710%
#1233
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
11691%
#1234
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
11377%
#1237
Core i7-940XM
MSRP: $1096|Avg: N/A
100%
#1238
Core Solo T1350
MSRP: $200|Avg: $70
98%
#1240
Core Solo T1300
MSRP: $209|Avg: $10
89%
#1241
Core Solo T1200
MSRP: $209|Avg: $10
82%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 3600

#1
Ryzen 9 7950X
MSRP: $194|Avg: $20
1410%
#2
Core i9-10900T
MSRP: $120|Avg: $5
1332%
#3
Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE
MSRP: $423|Avg: $5
967%
#4
Ryzen Threadripper 3960X
MSRP: $1399|Avg: $85
291%
#5
Ryzen 9 9950X
MSRP: $649|Avg: $129
231%
#6
Ryzen 5 8400F
MSRP: $303|Avg: $55
202%
#7
Ryzen 7 PRO 2700
MSRP: $299|Avg: $60
116%
#8
Ryzen 5 2600X
MSRP: $229|Avg: $55
114%
#9
Ryzen 3 PRO 5350G
MSRP: $150|Avg: $60
104%
#10
Core Ultra 5 245KF
MSRP: $294|Avg: $189
104%
#11
Ryzen 5 5500
MSRP: $159|Avg: $85
103%
#12
Ryzen 5 3600
MSRP: $199|Avg: $80
100%
#13
Core i3-9100E
MSRP: $202|Avg: $30
99%
#14
Core Ultra 5 245K
MSRP: $319|Avg: $200
98%
#15
Core i3-8300T
MSRP: $138|Avg: $25
97%
#16
Core Ultra 5 225F
MSRP: $231|Avg: $150
95%
#17
Core Ultra 7 265K
MSRP: $309|Avg: $285
93%
#18
Ryzen 9 3900
MSRP: $499|Avg: $150
92%
#19
Ryzen 5 3600X
MSRP: $249|Avg: $90
91%
#20
Core i7-14700KF
MSRP: $384|Avg: $260
91%
#21
Core i7-14700K
MSRP: $409|Avg: $270
88%
#22
Ryzen 5 4500
MSRP: $129|Avg: $85
85%
#23
Ryzen 5 5600
MSRP: $199|Avg: $115
85%
#24
Celeron G5925
MSRP: $62|Avg: $15
85%
#25
Ryzen 5 7500F
MSRP: $179|Avg: $145
83%
#26
Core Ultra 5 245
MSRP: $319|Avg: $220
83%
#27
Ryzen 7 2700
MSRP: $299|Avg: $86
82%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The Ryzen 5 3600 (2019) utilizes 7 nm, 12 nm technology and **DDR4 Dual-channel**, providing a fundamental performance advantage.
InsightCore i7-940XMRyzen 5 3600
Gaming
Lower gaming performance
Superior gaming performance
Workstation
Weaker in multi-core tasks
Better multi-core power
Price
⚠️ Higher cost ($1,096)
More affordable ($80)
Longevity
🛑 Legacy (Clarksfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm)
✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core i7-940XM (2010) relies on 45 nm technology and DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.
InsightCore i7-940XMRyzen 5 3600
Cost Efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Better overall value (+10578%)
Upfront Cost
⚠️ Higher cost ($1,096)
More affordable ($80)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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 i7-940XM and Ryzen 5 3600

Intel

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.

AMD

Ryzen 5 3600

The Ryzen 5 3600 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 7 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 17,685 points. Launch price was $199.

Processing Power

The Core i7-940XM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Ryzen 5 3600 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.33 GHz on the Core i7-940XM versus 4.2 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3600 — a 23.1% clock advantage for the Ryzen 5 3600 (base: 2.13 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-940XM uses the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-940XM scores 2,269 against the Ryzen 5 3600's 17,685 — a 154.5% lead for the Ryzen 5 3600. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-940XM vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3600.

FeatureCore i7-940XMRyzen 5 3600
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
6 / 12+50%
Boost Clock
3.33 GHz
4.2 GHz+26%
Base Clock
2.13 GHz
3.6 GHz+69%
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)
32 MB (total)+300%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
512K (per core)+100%
Process
45 nm
7 nm, 12 nm-84%
Architecture
Clarksfield (2009−2010)
Matisse (2019−2020)
PassMark
2,269
17,685+679%
Cinebench R23 Multi
9,500
Geekbench 6 Single
1,295
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,898
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-940XM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Ryzen 5 3600 uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i7-940XM versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3600 — the Core i7-940XM supports 198.8% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 3600 supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 8 176.5% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-940XM) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3600) — the Ryzen 5 3600 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: PM55,HM55,QM57 (Core i7-940XM) and AMD B550,AMD X570,AMD B450,AMD X470 (Ryzen 5 3600).

FeatureCore i7-940XMRyzen 5 3600
Socket
PGA988
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 4.0+100%
Max RAM Speed
1333+33225%
DDR4-3200
Max RAM Capacity
8
128 GB+1677721500%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
PCIe Lanes
16
24+50%
🔧

Advanced Features

Both processors feature an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-940XM) vs Yes (Ryzen 5 3600). Primary use case: Ryzen 5 3600 targets Gaming/Budget Workstation. Direct competitor: Core i7-940XM rivals Core i7-2720QM; Ryzen 5 3600 rivals Core i5-10400.

FeatureCore i7-940XMRyzen 5 3600
Integrated GPU
No
No
IGPU Model
None
Unlocked
Yes
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
true
Yes
Target Use
Gaming/Budget Workstation
💰

Value Analysis

The Core i7-940XM launched at $1096 MSRP, while the Ryzen 5 3600 debuted at $199.

FeatureCore i7-940XMRyzen 5 3600
MSRP
$1096
$199-82%
Avg Price (30d)
$80
Release Date
2010
2019