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.

Overview

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.

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.

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 i7-940

#819

Core i9-13900TE

MSRP: $554|Avg: $554

110%

#820

Core i5-655K

MSRP: $216|Avg: $55

109%

#821

Ryzen Embedded V2546

MSRP: $300|Avg: $300

108%

#822

Core i7-920

MSRP: $284|Avg: $79

108%

#823

Phenom II X3 700e

MSRP: $125|Avg: $40

108%

#824

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7945WX

MSRP: $1399|Avg: $1399

106%

#825

A4-3420

MSRP: $65|Avg: $30

106%

#826

Core i5-6440EQ

MSRP: $250|Avg: $150

106%

#827

Core i7-6700TE

MSRP: $303|Avg: $175

105%

#828

Core i3-6100TE

MSRP: $250|Avg: $90

104%

#829

Core i7-870S

MSRP: $300|Avg: $80

103%

#830

Core i3-9100HL

MSRP: $225|Avg: $100

103%

#831

Core i9-12900TE

MSRP: $494|Avg: $664

102%

#832

Athlon XP 2600+

MSRP: $98|Avg: $10

101%

#833

Athlon 64 X2 5000+

MSRP: $136|Avg: $42

101%

#834

Core i7-940

MSRP: $562|Avg: $90

100%

#835

Ryzen 7 5800X3D

MSRP: $449|Avg: $849.99

99%

#836

Athlon 64 FX-74

MSRP: $499|Avg: $50

99%

#837

Core i9-9940X

MSRP: $1387|Avg: $850

98%

#838

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

MSRP: $1899|Avg: $1836

97%

#839

Celeron 2.30

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

97%

#840

Core i3-7102E

MSRP: $225|Avg: $80

97%

#841

Ryzen Embedded V1756B

MSRP: $250|Avg: $250

96%

#842

Core i3-7300T

MSRP: $138|Avg: $128

96%

#843

Pentium E2220

MSRP: $32|Avg: $32

95%

#844

Celeron G465

MSRP: $70|Avg: $37

95%

#845

Celeron G1610T

MSRP: $42|Avg: $42

94%

#846

Core i7-990X

MSRP: $999|Avg: $225

94%

#847

Athlon 64 3100+

MSRP: $100|Avg: $15

94%

#848

FX-4320

MSRP: $250|Avg: $100

94%

#849

Pentium G4600

MSRP: $82|Avg: $116

93%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-940 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-940 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-940 is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Bloomfield (2008−2010) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.2 GHz from a base frequency of 2.93 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 8 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 3,029, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i7-940
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.93 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Bloomfield (2008−2010)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	45 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	8 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	263 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	731 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	1333 MHz
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	68 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	3,029

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-940 fits into the LGA1366 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 36 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1066 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 24 GB across 3 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Core i7-940
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	desktop
SeriesProduct family	Core i7 (Desktop)
SocketMotherboard socket required	LGA1366
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	36
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1066
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	24 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	3
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i7-940 is primarily designed for Desktop. Virtualization: VT-x — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i7-940
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Desktop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-940 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 130 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i7-940
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	130 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	68 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $90 (MSRP: $562), the Core i7-940 delivers 34 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2241 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-940
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$562
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$90
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$299
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2241
Release DateLaunch date	Novembro 2008 (17 years ago)
Release Year	2008
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

Type	desktop
Series	Core i7 (Desktop)
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$299
Release Date	Novembro 2008 (17 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Bloomfield (2008−2010)
Performance Ranking Position	2241

Technical Specifications

14 specs

Cores	4
Threads	8
Die Size	263 mm2
L1 Cache	64 kB (per core)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)
Bus Speed	1333 MHz
Max Frequency	3.2 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.93 GHz
Transistor Count	731 million
Process Technology	45 nm
Max Core Temperature	68 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-