CPU Comparison
Core i7-840QM vs Core i7-2960XM
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-840QM is a high-end 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 1.86 GHz and a turbo boost up to 3.2 GHz. With a 45W TDP, it was a premium offering for workstation and gaming laptops. Built on a 45nm process, it includes 8MB 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 and 8MB cache help with heavy multitasking.
High clocks make it very capable for legacy applications.
Gaming
Good for 2010 games but low single-core by modern standards.
Excellent for retro games, but lacks modern instruction sets.
Virtualization
Excellent for legacy VMs with VT-d support.
VT-d and high clocks make it decent for basic VMs.
Efficiency
45W TDP on 45nm is very hot and power-hungry.
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
- 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
- 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
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 i7-840QM
- AMD Phenom II X4 X940Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-820QMRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-740QMRival
Mobile
- Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9300Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-920XMRival
Mobile Extreme
- Intel Core i7-2720QMAlt
Newer Sandy Bridge alternative with vastly better efficiency.
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 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 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 i7-840QM 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 i7-840QM or Core i7-2960XM?
For gaming, the Core i7-840QM leads with a gaming performance score of 35/100 among Core i7-840QM and Core i7-2960XM.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-840QM has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-840QM (45 W), Core i7-2960XM (55 W).
Do Core i7-840QM and Core i7-2960XM use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-840QM: 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.