CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-3740QM vs Core i7-3940XM
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-3740QM is a high-end mobile processor released in late 2012 as an Ivy Bridge refresh. Designed for premium gaming and workstation laptops, it features four cores and eight threads, delivering robust parallel processing capabilities. It operates at a base clock of 2.7 GHz and can boost up to 3.7 GHz via Intel Turbo Boost 2.0. This represented a slight frequency bump over the preceding 3720QM, offering marginally better single-threaded and burst performance. It retains the 6 MB of L3 SmartCache, ensuring excellent performance in data-heavy applications and gaming. With a 45-watt thermal design power, it balances high performance with the thermal constraints of premium mobile chassis. The integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics offer capable multimedia decoding. This CPU was a favorite for enthusiasts seeking top-tier mobile performance without stepping up to the extreme edition MX series.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
8 threads and high clocks make quick work of office and compiling tasks.
High clocks keep it surprisingly snappy for basic tasks.
Gaming
Handles older games easily and provides good frame rates with a discrete GPU.
Excellent for 2012 games, can still handle older esports titles.
Virtualization
Good for running light VMs on the go.
Great for running VMs on the go.
Efficiency
22nm Ivy Bridge is less efficient than modern mobile chips.
55W TDP is terrible for battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
- No modern AI support
- Instruction sets outdated
Content Creation
Gaming
- Excellent for 2012-era games
- Won't bottleneck mid-range mobile GPUs
- Needs discrete graphics for serious gaming
- Max Ivy Bridge single-core speed
- Needs discrete GPU
- Overclockable for extra headroom
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Good quad-core performance
- High 3.7 GHz turbo boost
- Removable PGA socket option
- Decent 6MB L3 cache
Cons
- High 45W TDP
- Older 22nm process
- DDR3 only
- Runs hot under load
Pros
- Unlocked multiplier for extreme overclocking
- Highest Ivy Bridge mobile clocks
- Socketed for upgrades
- Excellent 2012 performance
Cons
- Extremely high 55W TDP
- Runs very hot
- Lacks AVX2
- Massive power draw for mobile
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-3740QM
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3630QMRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3720QMRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3940XMRival
Mobile Extreme
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4700MQAlt
Newer Haswell architecture.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500UAlt
Modern mobile alternative with vastly superior efficiency.
- Intel Core i5-8300HAlt
Much faster and more efficient for budget gaming.
- Alt
Incredible performance per watt.
Compare head-to-head
Core i7-3940XM
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3920XMAlt
Slightly slower but essentially the same chip.
The newer Haswell-based Extreme Edition.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A high-end mobile CPU for its time, offering excellent multi-threaded performance and high clock speeds for demanding applications.
Best for: Buying a cheap, used laptop for retro gaming or basic coding.
Read the full reviewA minor but potent refresh of the 3920XM, offering the absolute best Ivy Bridge mobile performance with unlocked overclocking potential.
Best for: Maxing out an old extreme gaming laptop.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-3740QM or Core i7-3940XM?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-3940XM comes out ahead with a score of 8.2/10. 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, Intel Core i7-3740QM or Core i7-3940XM?
For gaming, the Core i7-3940XM leads with a gaming performance score of 66/100 among Intel Core i7-3740QM and Core i7-3940XM.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-3740QM has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-3740QM (45 W), Core i7-3940XM (55 W).
Do Intel Core i7-3740QM and Core i7-3940XM use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket G2 (988B) socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-3940XM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-3740QM (5,400), Core i7-3940XM (9,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.