CPU Comparison
Core i7-3840QM vs Intel Core i7-4710HQ
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-3840QM is a high-end mobile processor from the Ivy Bridge generation, designed to deliver robust performance for demanding laptop users. Released in September 2012, this quad-core CPU operates at a base frequency of 2.8 GHz and can boost up to 3.8 GHz using Intel's Turbo Boost technology. With eight threads thanks to Hyper-Threading, it handles multitasking and parallel workloads efficiently. The processor is built on a 22-nanometer manufacturing process, marking a significant shrink from the previous 32nm Sandy Bridge architecture. This allowed Intel to pack 1.4 billion transistors into a 160 mm² die while maintaining a reasonable 45-watt thermal design power. Featuring 8 MB of L3 cache, the i7-3840QM ensures quick data access for demanding applications. It also integrates Intel HD Graphics 4000, providing capable everyday graphics performance without needing a discrete GPU. This specific BGA variant is soldered directly to the motherboard, making it common in thinner, high-performance laptops of its era where upgradeability was sacrificed for compact form factors.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Still capable for basic office tasks and web browsing.
Good multi-threaded performance for everyday apps.
Gaming
Handles older or lightweight games well but struggles with modern AAA titles.
Handles older eSports titles but bottlenecks modern GPUs.
Virtualization
VT-x support makes it suitable for light VMs on the go.
Can handle basic VM setups.
Efficiency
22nm was efficient for 2012, but modern 10nm/Intel 4 chips are far superior.
47W TDP is outdated by modern mobile standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Too slow for modern AI workloads
- No AI acceleration
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 4000 is not suitable for modern gaming
- Requires discrete GPU for AAA titles
- Fine for retro and indie games
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Great for 2014-era titles
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Reliable quad-core performance
- 100MHz bump over 4700HQ
- Good turbo headroom
- Widely compatible laptop ecosystem
Cons
- Soldered to motherboard
- No eDRAM
- Outdated 22nm process
- Poor efficiency by modern standards
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Intel Core i7-4710HQ
- AMD A10-7300MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4700HQRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-4210HRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4720HQRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-9300HAlt
Modern budget gaming alternative.
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600HAlt
Vastly superior modern mobile performance.
- Alt
Massive leap in efficiency.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
For 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 reviewA solid Haswell refresh that provided reliable quad-core performance for mid-2010s gaming laptops.
Best for: If you are considering a laptop with an Intel Core i7-4710HQ today, it should strictly be a budget-conscious purchase, likely under two hundred dollars. The processor is end-of-life and lacks the modern efficiency and single-core speed required for today's demanding software. However, for light office work, web browsing, or playing older games like CS:GO or League of Legends, it still performs admirably. If you are repairing a laptop, this chip is a direct drop-in replacement for other 47-watt Haswell HQ processors on BGA 1364 motherboards, though soldering is required. Ensure the laptop's cooling system is completely functional, as a 47W chip will overheat quickly in a clogged heatsink. Do not buy this expecting to run modern AAA titles or edit 4K video. Treat it as a capable legacy machine for basic productivity, retro gaming, or as an educational tool for learning computer hardware repair.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-3840QM or Intel Core i7-4710HQ?
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, Core i7-3840QM or Intel Core i7-4710HQ?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4710HQ leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Core i7-3840QM and Intel Core i7-4710HQ.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-3840QM has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-3840QM (45 W), Intel Core i7-4710HQ (47 W).
Do Core i7-3840QM and Intel Core i7-4710HQ use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-3840QM: Intel BGA 1224, Intel Core i7-4710HQ: Intel BGA 1364), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-3840QM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-3840QM (8,100), Intel Core i7-4710HQ (7,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.