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CPU Comparison

Core i7-3840QM vs Intel Core i7-4980HQ

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.

Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Core i7-3840QM
4C / 8T3.8 GHz45 W
7.8
Full review
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-4980HQ
4C / 8T4 GHz47 W
7.5
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Mobile
Segment
Mobile
Mobile
Generation
3rd Generation
4th Gen Core i7 (Crystal Well)
Launched
2012
2013
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Ivy Bridge
Crystalwell
Series
Core i7
Core i7
Family
Ivy Bridge
4th Gen Crystal Well
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-2860QM
Core i7-4960HQ
Successor
Intel Core i7-4900MQ
Broadwell mobile series

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
4
Threads
8
8
Base Clock
2.8 GHz
2.8 GHz
Boost Clock
3.8 GHz
4 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
8 MB
6 MB
TDP
45 W
47 W
Architecture
Architecture
Ivy Bridge
Crystalwell
Process Node
22nm
22nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR3
DDR3
Memory Speed
DDR3-1600
1600 MT/s
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
32 GB
32 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel Socket G2 (988B)
Intel BGA 1364
PCIe Version
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Core i7-3840QMBest75

Handles older productivity suites and web browsing fine.

Intel Core i7-4980HQ60

4.0 GHz turbo helps single-threaded productivity tasks.

Gaming

Core i7-3840QMBest60

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

Intel Core i7-4980HQ50

Strong for 2013 games, but shows its age in modern titles.

Virtualization

Core i7-3840QMBest70

Good support for light virtualization on the go.

Intel Core i7-4980HQ55

Capable of running multiple VMs efficiently.

Efficiency

Core i7-3840QMBest65

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

Intel Core i7-4980HQ30

High clock speeds result in high heat and power draw.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Core i7-3840QMNone
  • No NPU or AI hardware
  • Unsupported by modern AI software
Intel Core i7-4980HQPoor
  • No AI acceleration hardware
  • High clocks don't compensate for lack of modern matrix math support

Content Creation

Core i7-3840QMLimited
1080p Video EditingBasic Photo EditingAudio Recording
Intel Core i7-4980HQGood
Adobe Premiere ProAfter EffectsCinema 4D

Gaming

Core i7-3840QMFair
  • HD 4000 insufficient for modern games
  • Pairs well with mobile GTX 600M series
  • Good for indie and legacy titles
Intel Core i7-4980HQGood
  • 4.0 GHz turbo helps CPU-heavy games
  • Iris Pro eDRAM smooths textures
  • Still struggles with modern AAA games

Industry Impact

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

Best CPU by Use Case

Mobile Workstation
Excellent
Retro Gaming
Good
Heavy Office Use
Excellent
High-End Gaming
Very Good
Video Encoding
Very Good
3D Rendering
Good
Intense Multitasking
Excellent

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Targeted
Content Creators
Targeted
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Targeted
Targeted
Streamers
Targeted
Office / Productivity
Targeted
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
Intel Core i7-4980HQ

Pros

  • Hits 4.0 GHz turbo
  • Strong Iris Pro graphics
  • Excellent single-threaded performance for its era

Cons

  • End-of-life
  • Runs hot under load
  • Poor power efficiency

Competitors & Alternatives

Core i7-3840QM

Intel Core i7-4980HQ

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

The fastest Crystalwell mobile CPU, hitting 4.0 GHz, offering top-tier 2013 performance but now outclassed by modern efficiency.

Best for: Always-plugged-in secondary machine. Purchasing a system featuring the Core i7-4980HQ today is generally not recommended for new builds or primary workstations. While it was a top-tier performer in 2013, its 22nm architecture and 47W TDP mean it is significantly less efficient than modern processors. A used laptop containing this chip might still handle basic productivity, web browsing, and older games, but it will struggle with modern, demanding applications and its battery life will likely be poor due to its age. If you are considering it for a low-cost, always-plugged-in secondary machine, it may suffice. Otherwise, investing in a modern system will provide vastly superior performance, efficiency, and security features.

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Core i7-3840QM or Intel Core i7-4980HQ?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-3840QM comes out ahead with a score of 7.8/10. 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 Intel Core i7-4980HQ?

For gaming, the Core i7-3840QM leads with a gaming performance score of 60/100 among Core i7-3840QM and Intel Core i7-4980HQ.

Which uses less power?

The Core i7-3840QM has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-3840QM (45 W), Intel Core i7-4980HQ (47 W).

Do Core i7-3840QM and Intel Core i7-4980HQ use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Core i7-3840QM: Intel Socket G2 (988B), Intel Core i7-4980HQ: Intel BGA 1364), so each needs a compatible motherboard.

Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?

The Intel Core i7-4980HQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-3840QM (8,100), Intel Core i7-4980HQ (8,900). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.