CPU Comparison
Core i7-740QM vs Core i7-2960XM
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.
High clocks make it very capable for legacy applications.
Gaming
Handles older games well but lacks modern single-core speed.
Excellent for retro games, but lacks modern instruction sets.
Virtualization
Capable of running legacy VMs.
VT-d and high clocks make it decent for basic VMs.
Efficiency
45W TDP on 45nm is hot and inefficient.
55W TDP is terrible for battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No AI hardware
- Lacks AVX2
Content Creation
Gaming
- Requires discrete GPU
- Low base clock can bottleneck modern games
- Good for retro gaming
- Very strong single-core for its time
- Needs discrete GPU
- Runs extremely hot
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
- Unlocked multiplier
- Highest Sandy Bridge mobile clocks
- 8MB L3 cache
- Excellent for retro overclocking
Cons
- Extremely high 55W TDP
- Runs very hot
- Obsolete for modern tasks
- Rare and expensive
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.
Core i7-2960XM
- AMD A8-3550MXRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2920XMRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2860QMRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2820QMRival
Mobile
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3920XMAlt
Ivy Bridge successor with better efficiency.
Ivy Bridge alternative with lower TDP.
Compare head-to-headStandard Ivy Bridge quad-core.
Compare head-to-head
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 reviewThe fastest Sandy Bridge mobile CPU, offering great overclocking potential but extreme heat and power draw.
Best for: Maxing out a high-end Socket G2 laptop
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-740QM or Core i7-2960XM?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-2960XM comes out ahead with a score of 7.2/10. 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 i7-2960XM?
For gaming, the Core i7-740QM leads with a gaming performance score of 32/100 among Core i7-740QM and Core i7-2960XM.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-740QM has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-740QM (45 W), Core i7-2960XM (55 W).
Do Core i7-740QM and Core i7-2960XM use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-740QM: Intel Socket G1, Core i7-2960XM: Intel Socket G2 (988B)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-2960XM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-2960XM (6,100). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.