CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-3360M vs Core i7-3840QM
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-3360M is a high-end dual-core mobile processor released in June 2012 as part of the Ivy Bridge lineup. Built on a 22nm manufacturing process, it represents the top-tier of the standard-voltage Core i5 mobile family for its generation. Operating at a base clock of 2.8 GHz and boosting up to 3.5 GHz, it delivers robust single-threaded performance that rivals some lower-tier Core i7 models of the same era. The processor features two cores and four threads, facilitated by Hyper-Threading technology. It maintains a 35-watt TDP, ensuring compatibility with standard laptop cooling solutions. The inclusion of 3MB of L3 cache helps reduce memory latency, while the integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics handle multimedia tasks and light gaming. This chip was typically reserved for premium 14-inch and 15-inch laptops where a balance of processing power and mobility was paramount. Today, it is considered a legacy product, but it remains a testament to the enduring performance of Intel's 22nm architecture.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Single-core speed keeps legacy apps feeling snappy.
Still capable for basic office tasks and web browsing.
Gaming
Handles older 3D games better than lower-tier i5s due to high clocks.
Handles older or lightweight games well but struggles with modern AAA titles.
Virtualization
Can run a basic VM but limited by 2 cores.
VT-x support makes it suitable for light VMs on the go.
Efficiency
Pushes the 35W limit hard under load.
22nm was efficient for 2012, but modern 10nm/Intel 4 chips are far superior.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Slow for inference
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Too slow for modern AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 4000 is still too weak for modern games
- Good for Source engine games (CS:GO, TF2)
- Requires low resolutions (720p)
- HD 4000 is not suitable for modern gaming
- Requires discrete GPU for AAA titles
- Fine for retro and indie games
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Highest clocks among standard-voltage Ivy Bridge i5s
- Strong single-core performance for its era
- Supports Intel vPro and TXT
- 35W TDP is manageable
- Includes AES-NI
Cons
- Only 2 cores / 4 threads
- Obsolete DDR3 platform
- No official Windows 11 support
- Weak integrated graphics
- Often soldered (BGA) preventing upgrades
Pros
- Excellent performance for 2012 mobile
- 22nm process improved efficiency
- 8MB L3 cache
- Hyper-Threading support
Cons
- Soldered BGA package prevents upgrades
- Lacks AVX2 instruction set
- Weak integrated graphics by modern standards
- End-of-life with no security updates
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-3360M
- Intel Core i7-3520MRival
High-End Mobile
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3320MRival
Mobile CPU
- Intel Core i7-3610QMRival
Quad-Core Mobile
- AMD FX-8150 (Mobile)Rival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i5-4200HAlt
Haswell successor with better IPC.
- Intel Core i7-3540MAlt
Even faster Ivy Bridge dual-core.
- AMD Ryzen 3 3250UAlt
Modern budget alternative with vastly superior iGPU.
Modern budget alternative with much better efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Pentium Gold 4417UAlt
Modern alternative for basic office tasks.
Core i7-3840QM
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile
Newer Haswell architecture with better performance.
Compare head-to-headCheaper dual-core alternative from the same generation.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
The fastest standard-voltage Ivy Bridge i5, offering i7-like single-core speeds for its time, but obsolete today.
Best for: If you encounter a laptop with the Intel Core i5-3360M today, it should only be considered for specific legacy or budget purposes. As a 3rd-generation Core processor, it lacks support for modern connectivity like USB 3.1 Gen 2 or NVMe SSDs natively, and it does not officially support Windows 11. However, for users looking to revive an older ThinkPad or Latitude for basic typing, offline coding, or as a home server, the 3360M offers surprisingly capable performance. Its 3.5 GHz turbo boost means it can still handle single-threaded applications reasonably well. Ensure the laptop has an SSD and at least 8GB of DDR3 RAM to avoid bottlenecks. Do not buy this processor for modern gaming, video editing, or as a primary work machine. It is best suited for tinkerers, Linux enthusiasts, or those needing a cheap, disposable secondary device.
Read the full reviewFor its time, the i7-3840QM was a mobile powerhouse offering excellent multi-threaded performance, though its soldered BGA package limits modern upgradeability.
Best for: Repairing an existing 2012-era premium laptop.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-3360M or Core i7-3840QM?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-3840QM comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-3360M or Core i7-3840QM?
For gaming, the Core i7-3840QM leads with a gaming performance score of 60/100 among Intel Core i5-3360M and Core i7-3840QM.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-3360M has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-3360M (35 W), Core i7-3840QM (45 W).
Do Intel Core i5-3360M and Core i7-3840QM use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-3360M: Intel BGA 1023, Core i7-3840QM: Intel BGA 1224), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Core i7-3840QM has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-3360M (2 cores), Core i7-3840QM (4 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-3840QM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-3360M (2,900), Core i7-3840QM (8,100). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.