CPU Comparison
Core i7-740QM vs Core i7-840QM
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.
8 threads and 8MB cache help with heavy multitasking.
Gaming
Handles older games well but lacks modern single-core speed.
Good for 2010 games but low single-core by modern standards.
Virtualization
Capable of running legacy VMs.
Excellent for legacy VMs with VT-d support.
Efficiency
45W TDP on 45nm is hot and inefficient.
45W TDP on 45nm is very hot and power-hungry.
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 3.2 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A solid mobile quad-core for 2010, offering good multi-threaded performance, but heavily outdated and inefficient by modern standards.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 top-tier mobile CPU in 2010, offering excellent multi-threaded performance and a large cache, but runs hot and is obsolete today.
Best for: Repairing a legacy mobile workstation
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-740QM or Core i7-840QM?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-840QM comes out ahead with a score of 6.5/10. 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 i7-740QM or Core i7-840QM?
For gaming, the Core i7-840QM leads with a gaming performance score of 35/100 among Core i7-740QM and Core i7-840QM.
Do Core i7-740QM and Core i7-840QM use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket G1 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.