CPU Comparison
Core i7-3840QM vs Intel Core i7-4870HQ
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.
Adequate for standard office tasks and light content creation.
Gaming
Handles older or lightweight games well but struggles with modern AAA titles.
Handles older or less demanding games well, but struggles with modern titles.
Virtualization
VT-x support makes it suitable for light VMs on the go.
Can handle basic VMs but limited by 47W TDP and older architecture.
Efficiency
22nm was efficient for 2012, but modern 10nm/Intel 4 chips are far superior.
22nm process is inefficient compared to modern mobile chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Too slow for modern AI workloads
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Slow inference times
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 4000 is not suitable for modern gaming
- Requires discrete GPU for AAA titles
- Fine for retro and indie games
- Good for retro gaming
- Iris Pro eDRAM helps frame rates
- Not suitable for modern AAA games
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
- Strong integrated graphics for its era
- Good multi-threaded performance
- Includes eDRAM cache
Cons
- End-of-life platform
- High TDP for mobile
- 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 i7-4870HQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4700HQRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-7500Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-4200HRival
Mobile
- NVIDIA Tegra K1Rival
Mobile
Vastly superior performance and efficiency in the mobile space.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 4600HAlt
More cores, better integrated graphics, and modern architecture.
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Massive leap in single-thread speed and battery life.
- Alt
Revolutionary ARM-based efficiency and performance.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 7 5800UAlt
Excellent multi-core scaling and low power consumption.
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 reviewAn innovative mobile processor for its time, offering strong integrated graphics, though outclassed by modern efficiency standards.
Best for: Buying a used laptop for basic computing or retro gaming at a heavily discounted price. Buying Advice for the Core i7-4870HQ in the modern context is straightforward: it is no longer viable for new builds, and purchasing a used laptop with this processor requires careful consideration. While it still offers respectable performance for basic productivity, web browsing, and media consumption, its age means it lacks support for modern instruction sets and efficiency improvements found in current-generation chips. If you are buying a used laptop heavily discounted, ensure the battery is healthy, as older systems degrade over time. For any serious gaming or content creation, a newer processor—even a budget modern one—will vastly outperform this aging chip. Avoid spending significant money on this platform today.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-3840QM or Intel Core i7-4870HQ?
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 i7-4870HQ?
For gaming, the Core i7-3840QM leads with a gaming performance score of 60/100 among Core i7-3840QM and Intel Core i7-4870HQ.
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 i7-4870HQ (47 W).
Do Core i7-3840QM and Intel Core i7-4870HQ use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-3840QM: Intel BGA 1224, Intel Core i7-4870HQ: Intel BGA 1364), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-4870HQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-3840QM (8,100), Intel Core i7-4870HQ (8,520). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.