CPU Comparison
Core i7-720QM vs Core i7-940XM
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-720QM is a high-end mobile quad-core processor launched in September 2009. Based on the Clarksfield architecture, it features 4 cores and 8 threads with a base clock of 1.6 GHz and a turbo boost up to 2.8 GHz. With a 45W TDP, it brought Nehalem architecture to gaming and workstation laptops. Built on a 45nm process, it includes 6MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory, but lacks integrated graphics.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Multi-threading helps, but low base clock hurts responsiveness.
Slightly faster than the 920XM but still heavily outclassed by modern CPUs.
Gaming
Can run older games well but lacks single-core speed for modern titles.
Handles legacy games well but bottlenecks modern GPUs and games.
Virtualization
8 threads make it decent for legacy VMs.
Adequate for legacy mobile VMs but lacks modern I/O.
Efficiency
45W TDP on 45nm is very hot and inefficient.
Power hungry and inefficient by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No AI hardware support
- Pure legacy x86 performance
Content Creation
Gaming
- Requires a discrete GPU
- Low base clock can bottleneck modern games
- Good for retro gaming
- Highest clocks for Socket G1
- No integrated graphics
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- True 4-core, 8-thread design
- Socketed (Socket G1)
- Supports DDR3-1333
- Turbo Boost technology
Cons
- Very high power consumption (45W)
- Low 1.6 GHz base clock
- No integrated graphics
- Obsolete 45nm process
Pros
- Fastest Socket G1 CPU
- Unlocked multiplier
- High turbo clock
- 8MB L3 cache
Cons
- Extremely power hungry
- No integrated graphics
- Obsolete platform
- Produces excessive heat
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-720QM
- AMD Phenom II X4 X920Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-820QMRival
Mobile
- AMD Turion II Ultra M640Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-740QMRival
Mobile
Newer Sandy Bridge alternative with vastly better efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Phenom II N930Alt
AMD quad-core alternative without turbo boost.
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q9000Alt
Older generation alternative.
Core i7-940XM
- Intel Core i7-920XMRival
Mobile Extreme
- Intel Core i7-840QMRival
Mobile High-End
- AMD Phenom II X4 MobileRival
Mobile High-End
- Intel Core i7-740QMRival
Mobile Mid-Range
- Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9300Rival
Legacy Mobile Extreme
- Intel Core i7-2820QMAlt
Massive leap in efficiency and performance (Sandy Bridge).
- AMD A8-3550MXAlt
More efficient, though weaker, alternative.
- Intel Core i5-2520MAlt
Dual-core but vastly superior efficiency and single-thread speed.
Our Verdict on Each
A groundbreaking mobile CPU in 2009 that brought 4 cores and 8 threads to laptops, but heavily outdated and power-hungry by modern standards.
Best for: Retro gaming laptop repair
Read the full reviewThe fastest Clarksfield chip, offering a minor clock speed bump over the 920XM, but equally obsolete today.
Best for: Upgrading an existing high-end 2010 DTR laptop.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-720QM or Core i7-940XM?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-940XM 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 i7-720QM or Core i7-940XM?
For gaming, the Core i7-940XM leads with a gaming performance score of 42/100 among Core i7-720QM and Core i7-940XM.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-720QM has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-720QM (45 W), Core i7-940XM (55 W).
Do Core i7-720QM and Core i7-940XM use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket G1 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.