CPU Comparison
Core i7-3840QM vs Intel Core i7-4950HQ
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.
Handles everyday tasks well, but slow by modern standards.
Gaming
Handles older or lightweight games well but struggles with modern AAA titles.
Competent for 2013 games, but struggles with modern titles.
Virtualization
VT-x support makes it suitable for light VMs on the go.
Adequate for basic VM usage.
Efficiency
22nm was efficient for 2012, but modern 10nm/Intel 4 chips are far superior.
High TDP and 22nm process result in poor battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Too slow for modern AI workloads
- Lacks modern AI acceleration
- Slow compute times
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 4000 is not suitable for modern gaming
- Requires discrete GPU for AAA titles
- Fine for retro and indie games
- Iris Pro eDRAM helps textures
- Unlocked multiplier allows slight performance tuning
- Not for modern AAA 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
- Unlocked multiplier (rare for mobile)
- Iris Pro 5200 with eDRAM
- Solid multi-threaded performance for its era
Cons
- Very poor efficiency by modern standards
- End-of-life
- Soldered to motherboard
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 i7-4950HQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4700HQRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3632QMRival
Mobile
- Apple A7Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700UAlt
Massive leap in efficiency and multi-core performance.
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Modern single-core speeds and superior integrated graphics.
- Alt
Industry-leading performance per watt.
Compare head-to-head Better battery life and modern feature set.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Affordable modern alternative with 6 cores.
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 important step forward for mobile integrated graphics, offering unique overclocking potential, but now obsolete.
Best for: Purchasing a used laptop at a rock-bottom price. Buying advice for the Core i7-4950HQ today suggests avoiding significant investment. While it was a formidable processor in its prime, modern applications and operating systems demand greater efficiency and newer instruction sets. If you encounter a used laptop featuring this chip at a very low price, it can still serve adequately for web browsing, office tasks, and media playback. However, its 47-watt TDP and older 22nm process mean it will run warmer and consume more power than modern equivalents. For gaming or content creation, its integrated graphics, while historically significant, no longer meet modern baseline requirements. Save your budget for a newer system that offers better longevity.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-3840QM or Intel Core i7-4950HQ?
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 i7-4950HQ?
For gaming, the Core i7-3840QM leads with a gaming performance score of 60/100 among Core i7-3840QM and Intel Core i7-4950HQ.
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 i7-4950HQ (47 W).
Do Core i7-3840QM and Intel Core i7-4950HQ use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-3840QM: Intel BGA 1224, Intel Core i7-4950HQ: Intel BGA 1364), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-4950HQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-3840QM (8,100), Intel Core i7-4950HQ (8,400). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.