CPU Comparison
Core i7-740QM vs Core i7-820QM
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-740QM is a mobile quad-core processor launched in June 2010. Based on the Clarksfield architecture, it features 4 cores and 8 threads with a base clock of 1.73 GHz and a turbo boost up to 2.93 GHz. With a 45W TDP, it was a popular choice for mid-range gaming and performance laptops. Built on a 45nm process, it includes 6MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3-1333 memory, but lacks integrated graphics.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
8 threads help with multitasking.
8MB cache and 8 threads help with heavy multitasking.
Gaming
Handles older games well but lacks modern single-core speed.
Good for 2009 games but lacks single-core speed for modern titles.
Virtualization
Capable of running legacy VMs.
Excellent for legacy VMs.
Efficiency
45W TDP on 45nm is hot and inefficient.
45W TDP on 45nm is very hot and inefficient.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- Requires discrete GPU
- Low base clock can bottleneck modern games
- Good for retro gaming
- Requires discrete GPU
- Can bottleneck modern games
- Good for retro gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- True 4-core, 8-thread design
- Socketed (Socket G1)
- Good turbo boost (2.93 GHz)
- Supports DDR3-1333
Cons
- High power consumption (45W)
- Low base clock (1.73 GHz)
- No integrated graphics
- Obsolete 45nm process
Pros
- Large 8MB L3 cache
- High 3.06 GHz turbo boost
- 8 threads for multitasking
- Socketed (Socket G1)
Cons
- Very hot running (45W)
- No integrated graphics
- Obsolete 45nm process
- Expensive at launch
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-740QM
- AMD Phenom II X4 X920Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-720QMRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-820QMRival
Mobile
- AMD Phenom II N930Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-840QMAlt
Higher tier with 8MB cache.
Newer Sandy Bridge alternative.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core 2 Quad Q9000Alt
Older generation alternative.
Our Verdict on Each
A solid mobile quad-core for 2010, offering good multi-threaded performance, but heavily outdated and inefficient by modern standards.
Best for: Upgrading a legacy Socket G1 laptop
Read the full reviewA groundbreaking mobile CPU in 2009 that brought 8MB of cache and 8 threads to laptops, but heavily outdated and power-hungry today.
Best for: Repairing a legacy mobile workstation
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-740QM or Core i7-820QM?
For gaming, the Core i7-820QM leads with a gaming performance score of 33/100 among Core i7-740QM and Core i7-820QM.
Do Core i7-740QM and Core i7-820QM use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket G1 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.