CPU Comparison
Core i7-3840QM vs Intel Core i7-4810MQ
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.
8 threads handle everyday multitasking and office workloads without issues.
Gaming
Handles older or lightweight games well but struggles with modern AAA titles.
Handles older or eSports titles well when paired with a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
VT-x support makes it suitable for light VMs on the go.
Can run light VMs, but limited by DDR3 bandwidth and 47W power.
Efficiency
22nm was efficient for 2012, but modern 10nm/Intel 4 chips are far superior.
22nm Haswell is not as efficient as modern 10nm or 14nm processes.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Too slow for modern AI workloads
- No dedicated AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 4000 is not suitable for modern gaming
- Requires discrete GPU for AAA titles
- Fine for retro and indie games
- Needs a discrete GPU for gaming
- Capable of 60fps in older titles
- Will bottleneck modern high-end mobile GPUs
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
- Good quad-core performance for its era
- Removable PGA socket
- Strong turbo boost frequencies
- Decent 6MB L3 cache
Cons
- Older 22nm process
- High 47W TDP for mobile
- Supports only DDR3
- Weak integrated graphics
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 i7-4810MQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4700MQRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4900MQRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-7500Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-4200MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-5700HQAlt
Newer Broadwell architecture with better efficiency.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500UAlt
Modern mobile alternative with vastly superior efficiency and iGPU.
- Intel Core i5-8250UAlt
Much faster and more efficient for budget laptops.
- Alt
Incredible performance per watt for mobile computing.
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 capable mobile CPU that provided excellent quad-core performance for laptops in its era, though it is outclassed by modern mobile chips.
Best for: Purchasing a budget, used laptop for basic tasks or retro gaming.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-3840QM or Intel Core i7-4810MQ?
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 i7-4810MQ?
For gaming, the Core i7-3840QM leads with a gaming performance score of 60/100 among Core i7-3840QM and Intel Core i7-4810MQ.
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 i7-4810MQ (47 W).
Do Core i7-3840QM and Intel Core i7-4810MQ use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-3840QM: Intel BGA 1224, Intel Core i7-4810MQ: Intel Socket G3), 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 i7-4810MQ (5,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.