CPU Comparison
Core i7-3840QM vs Intel Core i7-3740QM
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 and high clocks make quick work of office and compiling tasks.
Gaming
Handles older or lightweight games well but struggles with modern AAA titles.
Handles older games easily and provides good frame rates with a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
VT-x support makes it suitable for light VMs on the go.
Good for running light VMs on the go.
Efficiency
22nm was efficient for 2012, but modern 10nm/Intel 4 chips are far superior.
22nm Ivy Bridge is less efficient than modern mobile chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Too slow for modern AI workloads
- No 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
- Excellent for 2012-era games
- Won't bottleneck mid-range mobile GPUs
- Needs discrete graphics for serious gaming
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
- High 3.7 GHz turbo boost
- Removable PGA socket option
- Decent 6MB L3 cache
Cons
- High 45W TDP
- Older 22nm process
- DDR3 only
- Runs hot under load
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 i7-3740QM
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3630QMRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3720QMRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3940XMRival
Mobile Extreme
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4700MQAlt
Newer Haswell architecture.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500UAlt
Modern mobile alternative with vastly superior efficiency.
- Intel Core i5-8300HAlt
Much faster and more efficient for budget gaming.
- Alt
Incredible performance per watt.
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 high-end mobile CPU for its time, offering excellent multi-threaded performance and high clock speeds for demanding applications.
Best for: Buying a cheap, used laptop for retro gaming or basic coding.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-3840QM or Intel Core i7-3740QM?
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 i7-3740QM?
For gaming, the Core i7-3840QM leads with a gaming performance score of 60/100 among Core i7-3840QM and Intel Core i7-3740QM.
Do Core i7-3840QM and Intel Core i7-3740QM use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-3840QM: Intel BGA 1224, Intel Core i7-3740QM: Intel Socket G2 (988B)), 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 i7-3740QM (5,400). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.