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 i7-840QM 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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i7-840QM is positioned at rank #812 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 i7-840QM

#799

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

1232%

#800

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

1214%

#801

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

1114%

#802

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

1109%

#803

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

1099%

#805

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

1061%

#806

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

1018%

#807

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

1016%

#808

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

989%

#811

Athlon II Neo K345

MSRP: $50|Avg: $10

100%

#812

Core i7-840QM

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#817

Core i7-8709G

MSRP: $338|Avg: $150

99%

#818

Celeron M 560

MSRP: $86|Avg: $10

98%

#823

Celeron Dual-Core T3000

MSRP: $80|Avg: $15

94%

#824

Pentium P6100

MSRP: $100|Avg: $16.39

94%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-840QM across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-840QM specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-840QM is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture, manufactured on a 45 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.2 GHz from a base frequency of 1.86 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 2,025, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 390, while multi-core reaches 1,050.

Specification	Core i7-840QM
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.2 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.86 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
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	296 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	774 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	2.5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,025
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	390
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	1,050

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-840QM fits into the PGA988 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to DDR3-1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 8 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth).

Specification	Core i7-840QM
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i7
SocketMotherboard socket required	PGA988
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR3-1333
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	8 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	No
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	PM55,HM55,QM57,HM57
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i7-840QM is primarily designed for Laptop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core i7-840QM
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Laptop
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x, VT-d

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-840QM has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 45 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: None.

Specification	Core i7-840QM
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	45 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	None
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	None

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #812 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2575 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-840QM
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$568
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#812
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2575
Release DateLaunch date	20 June 2010 (15 years ago)
Release Year	2010
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel