CPU Comparison
Core i7-940XM vs Core i7-2920XM
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-940XM is a mobile Extreme Edition processor launched in June 2010 as a minor refresh to the 920XM. Built on the 45nm Clarksfield architecture, it offered a slight frequency bump, operating at a 2.133 GHz base and boosting up to 3.333 GHz. Like its predecessor, it features 4 cores, 8 threads, and an 8 MB L3 cache. The processor retains the fully unlocked multiplier, catering to mobile enthusiasts and high-end DTR (Desktop Replacement) laptops. With a 55W TDP and 120W maximum power draw, it demanded robust thermal solutions. The 940XM was the fastest mobile processor available for a brief period before the transition to the Sandy Bridge architecture. It utilized the Socket G1 interface and supported dual-channel DDR3-1333 memory. Today, it is an End-of-Life artifact, representing the peak of Intel's early mobile quad-core efforts before efficiency became the primary design goal.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Slightly faster than the 920XM but still heavily outclassed by modern CPUs.
High clocks and cache make it surprisingly capable for basic tasks.
Gaming
Handles legacy games well but bottlenecks modern GPUs and games.
Great for older games when overclocked, but lacks modern support.
Virtualization
Adequate for legacy mobile VMs but lacks modern I/O.
VT-d and high clocks make it decent for legacy VMs.
Efficiency
Power hungry and inefficient by modern standards.
55W TDP is very high for a mobile chip, resulting in poor battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware support
- Pure legacy x86 performance
- No AI hardware
- Lacks AVX2
Content Creation
Gaming
- Highest clocks for Socket G1
- No integrated graphics
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- Strong single-core performance
- Needs discrete GPU
- Runs very hot
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking
- High performance for its era
- 8MB L3 cache
- Socketed design
Cons
- Very high 55W TDP
- Runs extremely hot
- Obsolete for modern tasks
- Expensive collector's item
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Core i7-2920XM
- AMD A8-3550MXRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2860QMRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2820QMRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-2760QMRival
Mobile
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2960XMAlt
Slightly higher clocks and newer revision.
- Intel Core i7-3920XMAlt
Ivy Bridge successor with better efficiency and overclocking.
Ivy Bridge alternative with lower TDP.
Compare head-to-headStandard Ivy Bridge quad-core for laptops.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
The 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 reviewA legendary mobile CPU that brought unlocked overclocking to laptops, though it runs hot and is outdated.
Best for: Upgrading a Socket G2 enthusiast laptop
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-940XM or Core i7-2920XM?
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 i7-940XM or Core i7-2920XM?
For gaming, the Core i7-940XM leads with a gaming performance score of 42/100 among Core i7-940XM and Core i7-2920XM.
Do Core i7-940XM and Core i7-2920XM use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-940XM: Intel Socket G1, Core i7-2920XM: Intel Socket G2 (988B)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-2920XM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-2920XM (5,900). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.