CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4930MX vs Intel Core i7-4940MX
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4930MX is an extreme edition mobile processor designed for the absolute highest-performance gaming and workstation laptops. Released in 2013 as part of the Haswell lineup, it features four cores and eight threads. What sets it apart from standard MQ chips is its unlocked multiplier, allowing enthusiasts to overclock the CPU for maximum performance. Operating at a base clock of 3.0 GHz and boosting up to 3.9 GHz, it delivers exceptional single-threaded and multi-threaded speed. It includes a full 8 MB of L3 SmartCache and carries a 57-watt thermal design power, reflecting its focus on raw performance over battery life. The integrated Intel HD 4600 graphics are present, though such systems invariably use discrete GPUs. This CPU was the pinnacle of mobile computing power in 2013, catering to a niche audience of hardcore enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for unlocked mobile overclocking.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
8 threads and high clocks make quick work of compiling and rendering.
8 threads and 4.0 GHz boost make quick work of compiling and rendering.
Gaming
Excellent for older games and can handle modern eSports easily with a discrete GPU.
Excellent for older games and can handle modern eSports easily with a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Good for running VMs, though limited by mobile platform constraints.
Good for running VMs, though limited by mobile platform constraints.
Efficiency
57W TDP is very power-hungry for a mobile chip, resulting in poor battery life.
57W TDP is very power-hungry for a mobile chip, resulting in poor battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
Content Creation
Gaming
- Won't bottleneck 2013-era GPUs
- Can be overclocked for extra FPS
- Requires massive laptop cooling
- Won't bottleneck 2014-era GPUs
- Can be overclocked for extra FPS
- Requires massive laptop cooling
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Unlocked multiplier
- Full 8MB L3 cache
- High 3.9 GHz turbo boost
- Removable PGA socket
Cons
- Extremely high 57W TDP
- Runs very hot
- Expensive launch price
- Poor battery life
Pros
- 4.0 GHz turbo boost
- Unlocked multiplier
- Full 8MB L3 cache
- Removable PGA socket
Cons
- Extremely high 57W TDP
- Runs very hot
- Expensive launch price
- Poor battery life
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-4930MX
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4900MQRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3940XMRival
Mobile Extreme
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4940MXRival
Mobile Extreme
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-5700HQAlt
Newer Broadwell architecture with better efficiency.
- AMD Ryzen 7 3750HAlt
Modern mobile alternative with better efficiency.
6-core modern alternative that destroys it in performance.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Incredible modern performance per watt.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-4940MX
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4900MQRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4930MXRival
Mobile Extreme
- Intel Core i7-3940XMRival
Mobile Extreme
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-5950HQAlt
Newer Broadwell architecture with better efficiency.
- AMD Ryzen 7 3750HAlt
Modern mobile alternative with better efficiency.
6-core modern alternative that destroys it in performance.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Incredible modern performance per watt.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A legendary mobile CPU that brought unlocked overclocking to laptops, offering desktop-level performance for enthusiasts.
Best for: Collecting vintage gaming laptops or extreme budget used systems.
Read the full reviewA legendary mobile CPU that hit 4.0 GHz and offered unlocked overclocking, providing desktop-level performance for laptops.
Best for: Collecting vintage gaming laptops or extreme budget used systems.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-4930MX or Intel Core i7-4940MX?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4940MX leads with a gaming performance score of 66/100 among Intel Core i7-4930MX and Intel Core i7-4940MX.
Do Intel Core i7-4930MX and Intel Core i7-4940MX use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket G3 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-4940MX posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-4930MX (6,000), Intel Core i7-4940MX (6,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.