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CPU Comparison

Core i7-3840QM vs Core i7-3940XM

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-3840QM (Socket G2 variant) is a premium mobile processor released in 2012, leveraging the Ivy Bridge architecture. Operating at 2.8 GHz with a turbo boost up to 3.8 GHz, it features 4 cores and 8 threads to handle demanding mobile workloads. This PGA version utilizes the Socket G2 (988B) interface, a departure from the soldered BGA counterpart, allowing for socketed installation in thicker, upgradeable gaming and workstation laptops. Built on a 22nm process, it packs 1.4 billion transistors into a 160 mm² die and maintains a 45W TDP. The processor includes 8MB of L3 cache to accelerate data retrieval. It is equipped with Intel HD Graphics 4000, offering DirectX 11 support and decent graphical fidelity for integrated graphics of its era. This model was highly favored by enthusiasts who preferred the ability to swap out CPUs, a feature becoming increasingly rare in modern laptops. It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory and PCIe 3.0, ensuring solid system responsiveness for 2012-era high-end mobile computing.

Intel · Core i7
Core i7-3840QM
4C / 8T3.8 GHz45 W
7.8
Full review
Top pick
Intel · Core i7 Extreme
Core i7-3940XM
4C / 8T3.9 GHz55 W
8.2
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Mobile
Segment
Mobile
Mobile
Generation
3rd Generation
3rd Generation
Launched
2012
2012
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Ivy Bridge
Ivy Bridge
Series
Core i7
Core i7 Extreme
Family
Ivy Bridge
Ivy Bridge
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-2860QM
Intel Core i7-3920XM
Successor
Intel Core i7-4900MQ
Intel Core i7-4930MX

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
4
Threads
8
8
Base Clock
2.8 GHz
3 GHz
Boost Clock
3.8 GHz
3.9 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
8 MB
8 MB
TDP
45 W
55 W
Architecture
Architecture
Ivy Bridge
Ivy Bridge
Process Node
22nm
22nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR3
DDR3
Memory Speed
DDR3-1600
DDR3-1600
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
32 GB
32 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel Socket G2 (988B)
Intel Socket G2 (988B)
PCIe Version
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
Yes

Performance Compared

Productivity

Core i7-3840QM75

Handles older productivity suites and web browsing fine.

Core i7-3940XMBest79

High clocks keep it surprisingly snappy for basic tasks.

Gaming

Core i7-3840QM60

Adequate for 2012 games, but lacks power for modern AAA titles.

Core i7-3940XMBest66

Excellent for 2012 games, can still handle older esports titles.

Virtualization

Core i7-3840QM70

Good support for light virtualization on the go.

Core i7-3940XMBest76

Great for running VMs on the go.

Efficiency

Core i7-3840QMBest65

45W TDP was efficient then, but runs hot compared to modern mobile chips.

Core i7-3940XM45

55W TDP is terrible for battery life.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Core i7-3840QMNone
  • No NPU or AI hardware
  • Unsupported by modern AI software
Core i7-3940XMNone
  • No modern AI support
  • Instruction sets outdated

Content Creation

Core i7-3840QMLimited
1080p Video EditingBasic Photo EditingAudio Recording
Core i7-3940XMModerate
Video EditingHeavy PhotoshopCAD

Gaming

Core i7-3840QMFair
  • HD 4000 insufficient for modern games
  • Pairs well with mobile GTX 600M series
  • Good for indie and legacy titles
Core i7-3940XMGood
  • Max Ivy Bridge single-core speed
  • Needs discrete GPU
  • Overclockable for extra headroom

Industry Impact

Gaming
Moderate
High
Workstations
Moderate
High
Content Creation
Moderate
Moderate
Virtualization
Moderate
Moderate

Best CPU by Use Case

Mobile Workstation
Excellent
Retro Gaming
Good
Heavy Office Use
Excellent
Extreme Mobile Gaming
Excellent
3D Rendering
Very Good
Enthusiast Tuning
Excellent

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Targeted
Content Creators
Targeted
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Targeted
Targeted
Streamers
Office / Productivity
Students

Strengths & Weaknesses

Core i7-3840QM

Pros

  • Socketed design allows upgrades
  • Strong multi-core performance for 2012
  • PCIe 3.0 support
  • VT-d virtualization support

Cons

  • Highly outdated architecture
  • Lacks AVX2 support
  • 45W TDP is hot for modern laptops
  • Weak integrated graphics
Core i7-3940XM

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

Core i7-3840QM

Core i7-3940XM

Our Verdict on Each

Core i7-3840QMSituational

A rare socketed high-end mobile CPU that offered excellent performance and upgrade paths for 2012 laptops, though it is heavily outdated today.

Best for: Upgrading an old Socket G2 laptop.

Read the full review
Core i7-3940XMSituational

A 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 review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Core i7-3840QM 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, Core i7-3840QM or Core i7-3940XM?

For gaming, the Core i7-3940XM leads with a gaming performance score of 66/100 among Core i7-3840QM and Core i7-3940XM.

Which uses less power?

The Core i7-3840QM has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-3840QM (45 W), Core i7-3940XM (55 W).

Do Core i7-3840QM 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: Core i7-3840QM (8,100), Core i7-3940XM (9,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.