Quick Verdict
A solid mobile quad-core for 2010, offering good multi-threaded performance, but heavily outdated and inefficient by modern standards.
Overview
Launch
2010
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
1st Gen Core i7 (Clarksfield)
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i7-740QM is a 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 1.73 GHz and a turbo boost up to 2.93 GHz. With a 45W TDP, it was a popular choice for mid-range gaming and performance laptops. Built on a 45nm process, it includes 6MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3-1333 memory, but lacks integrated graphics.
Released in mid-2010, the i7-740QM was a slight refresh of the 720QM, offering higher clocks and turbo boost up to 2.93 GHz. It became a staple in mid-range gaming laptops.
While obsolete today, it was a capable performer for its era.
Specifications
Performance
8 threads help with multitasking.
Capable of running legacy VMs.
Handles older games well but lacks modern single-core speed.
45W TDP on 45nm is hot and inefficient.
- •Requires discrete GPU
- •Low base clock can bottleneck modern games
- •Good for retro gaming
- •No AI hardware
Architecture
45nm
Process Node
Clarksfield
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
6 MB
L3 Cache
45 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-740QM is a Clarksfield processor, utilizing a monolithic 45nm die with four cores and 6MB of shared L3 cache. It was introduced as a refresh to the original 720QM, offering slightly higher base and turbo frequencies. The chip operates at a 1.73 GHz base clock to stay within the 45W TDP, but Intel Turbo Boost 1.0 can scale the frequency up to 2.93 GHz when fewer cores are active. This dynamic scaling was crucial for providing adequate single-threaded performance for gaming, which was common in the era. The integrated memory controller supports dual-channel DDR3-1333, providing high memory bandwidth. As with all Clarksfield chips, the 740QM lacks integrated graphics, necessitating a discrete GPU. The processor uses the Socket G1 (rPGA988A) interface, making it a popular upgrade path for users with Core i5 or i7 dual-core laptops. The combination of 8 threads and Socket G1 made it a favorite among laptop gamers in 2010.
CPU Design
4 cores, 8 threads, 6MB L3 cache.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3-1333.
PCIe & I/O
PCIe 2.0 x16.
Overclocking
Locked.
- Higher base and turbo clocks
Key Highlights
- True 4-core, 8-thread design
- Socketed (Socket G1)
- Good turbo boost (2.93 GHz)
- Supports DDR3-1333
- High power consumption (45W)
- Low base clock (1.73 GHz)
- No integrated graphics
- Obsolete 45nm process
History
Launched in June 2010, the Core i7-740QM was a refresh of the original Clarksfield 720QM, offering slightly higher clock speeds to maintain competitiveness against AMD's Phenom II mobile line. The 740QM quickly became the most popular mobile quad-core for mid-range gaming laptops, striking a balance between price and performance. Its 1.
73 GHz base clock and 2.93 GHz turbo boost, combined with 6MB of cache, provided excellent performance for the gaming workloads of the era. Because it used Socket G1, many users with dual-core Arrandale laptops could upgrade to the 740QM, extending the life of their systems.
The chip's 45W TDP required substantial cooling, confining it to thicker chassis. The 740QM marked the maturity of the Clarksfield platform before it was replaced by the vastly superior Sandy Bridge architecture in 2011.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Higher base and turbo clocks
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Upgrading a legacy Socket G1 laptop
Avoid if…
- Modern computing
- Battery-powered use
- New laptop purchase
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
It was a refresh of the 720QM with higher clocks.
It uses the Clarksfield 45nm monolithic die.
It lacks integrated graphics entirely.
It can turbo boost up to 2.93 GHz.
It uses the Socket G1 (rPGA) interface.
It has 6MB of L3 Smart Cache.
Tjmax is 100°C.
Launched in June 2010.
It was very popular in mid-range gaming laptops like the Acer Aspire.
Part numbers include SLBQG and Q3SH.
People Also Ask
When was the Core i7-740QM released?
It was released on June 20th, 2010.
Is the Core i7-740QM good for gaming?
It is okay for retro gaming, but its low base clock and lack of modern features make it unsuitable for new games.
Does the Core i7-740QM have integrated graphics?
No, it requires a discrete GPU.
How many cores does the Core i7-740QM have?
It has 4 cores and 8 threads.
What is the TDP of the Core i7-740QM?
The TDP is 45 Watts.
What socket does the Core i7-740QM use?
It uses Intel Socket G1 (rPGA988A).
Can the Core i7-740QM be upgraded?
Yes, it is socketed and can be swapped in compatible laptops.
What is the base clock of the Core i7-740QM?
The base clock is 1.73 GHz.
What is the turbo boost speed of the Core i7-740QM?
It can turbo boost up to 2.93 GHz.
Does the Core i7-740QM support ECC memory?
No, it does not support ECC memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cache size of the Core i7-740QM?
It has 6MB of L3 Smart Cache.
What memory speed does the Core i7-740QM support?
It supports DDR3 memory up to 1333 MT/s.
Does the Core i7-740QM support virtualization?
Yes, it supports VT-x and VT-d.
What is the maximum temperature for the Core i7-740QM?
The maximum junction temperature is 100°C.
Is the Core i7-740QM still manufactured?
No, it is End-of-life.
What process node is the Core i7-740QM built on?
It is built on a 45nm process.
What chipsets support the Core i7-740QM?
Compatible chipsets include PM55, HM55, QM57, and HM57.
What was the launch price of the Core i7-740QM?
The launch price was $378.
Does the Core i7-740QM support Hyper-Threading?
Yes, it supports 8 threads on 4 cores.
Is the 740QM better than the 720QM?
Yes, it has slightly higher base and turbo clocks.