Quick Verdict
A top-tier mobile CPU in 2010, offering excellent multi-threaded performance and a large cache, but runs hot and is obsolete today.
Overview
Launch
2010
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
1st Gen Core i7 (Clarksfield)
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i7-840QM is a high-end 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 1.86 GHz and a turbo boost up to 3.2 GHz. With a 45W TDP, it was a premium offering for workstation and gaming laptops. Built on a 45nm process, it includes 8MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3-1333 memory, but lacks integrated graphics.
Released in mid-2010, the i7-840QM was an incremental upgrade over the 820QM, offering slightly higher clocks and a 3.2 GHz turbo boost. Its 8MB cache and 8 threads made it ideal for rendering and virtualization.
Like other Clarksfield chips, it lacks integrated graphics.
Specifications
Performance
8 threads and 8MB cache help with heavy multitasking.
Excellent for legacy VMs with VT-d support.
Good for 2010 games but low single-core by modern standards.
45W TDP on 45nm is very hot and power-hungry.
- •Requires discrete GPU
- •Can bottleneck modern games
- •Good for retro gaming
- •No AI hardware
Architecture
45nm
Process Node
Clarksfield
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
8 MB
L3 Cache
45 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-840QM is a premium Clarksfield processor, utilizing a monolithic 45nm die with four cores and 8MB of shared L3 cache. This was the largest cache available in a mobile processor at the time, significantly improving performance in data-heavy workloads like 3D rendering and virtualization. The chip operates at a base clock of 1.86 GHz, which is relatively low to manage the 45W TDP, but Intel Turbo Boost 1.0 can push single-core speeds up to 3.2 GHz. The integrated memory controller supports dual-channel DDR3-1333, providing ample bandwidth. As a Clarksfield chip, it completely lacks integrated graphics, necessitating a discrete GPU in all laptop designs. The 840QM uses the Socket G1 (rPGA988A) interface, allowing it to be swapped into compatible laptops. The combination of 8 threads and 8MB cache made it the top choice for mobile workstations in 2010, offering performance comparable to mid-range desktop chips of the era.
CPU Design
4 cores, 8 threads, 8MB L3 cache.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3-1333.
PCIe & I/O
PCIe 2.0 x16.
Overclocking
Locked.
- Higher clock speeds
- Slightly better turbo boost
Key Highlights
- Large 8MB L3 cache
- High 3.2 GHz turbo boost
- 8 threads for multitasking
- Socketed (Socket G1)
- Very hot running (45W)
- No integrated graphics
- Obsolete 45nm process
- Expensive at launch
History
Launched in June 2010, the Core i7-840QM was Intel's premium mobile quad-core offering, slotting just below the Extreme Edition 920XM. It was designed for the most demanding mobile workstations and gaming laptops. The Clarksfield architecture's monolithic 45nm die housed four cores and a massive 8MB L3 cache, providing workstation-class performance for CAD, 3D rendering, and virtualization.
The 840QM operated at 1.86 GHz base and 3.2 GHz turbo, carefully balancing multi-core heat output with single-core burst speed.
Its $568 launch price reflected its premium status, making it a rare sight in consumer laptops. Like other Clarksfield chips, it lacked integrated graphics, requiring large discrete GPUs and robust cooling systems. The 840QM was a short-lived flagship, as the Sandy Bridge architecture in early 2011 offered dramatically better performance and efficiency at lower price points, instantly rendering the 45nm Clarksfield line obsolete.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Higher clock speeds
- Slightly better turbo boost
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Repairing a legacy mobile workstation
Avoid if…
- Modern computing
- Battery-powered use
- New laptop purchase
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
It has 8MB of L3 cache, the maximum for Clarksfield.
It was launched in June 2010.
It has a turbo boost of 3.2 GHz.
It lacks integrated graphics entirely.
The base clock is 1.86 GHz.
It uses the Socket G1 (rPGA) interface.
Tjmax is 100°C.
Part numbers include SLBMP and Q3SE.
It was one of the most expensive mobile CPUs of its time.
It was commonly found in Dell Precision and HP EliteBook workstations.
People Also Ask
When was the Core i7-840QM released?
It was released on June 20th, 2010.
Is the Core i7-840QM good for gaming?
It is okay for older games, but lacks modern single-core speed.
Does the Core i7-840QM have integrated graphics?
No, it requires a discrete GPU.
How many cores does the Core i7-840QM have?
It has 4 cores and 8 threads.
What is the TDP of the Core i7-840QM?
The TDP is 45 Watts.
What socket does the Core i7-840QM use?
It uses Intel Socket G1 (rPGA988A).
Can the Core i7-840QM be overclocked?
No, the multiplier is locked. Only the XM series could be overclocked.
What is the base clock of the Core i7-840QM?
The base clock is 1.86 GHz.
What is the turbo boost speed of the Core i7-840QM?
It can turbo boost up to 3.2 GHz.
Does the Core i7-840QM support ECC memory?
No, it does not support ECC memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cache size of the Core i7-840QM?
It has 8MB of L3 Smart Cache.
What memory speed does the Core i7-840QM support?
It supports DDR3 memory up to 1333 MT/s.
Does the Core i7-840QM support virtualization?
Yes, it supports VT-x and VT-d.
What is the maximum temperature for the Core i7-840QM?
The maximum junction temperature is 100°C.
Is the Core i7-840QM still manufactured?
No, it is End-of-life.
What process node is the Core i7-840QM built on?
It is built on a 45nm process.
What chipsets support the Core i7-840QM?
Compatible chipsets include PM55, HM55, QM57, and HM57.
What was the launch price of the Core i7-840QM?
The launch price was $568.
Does the Core i7-840QM support Hyper-Threading?
Yes, it supports 8 threads on 4 cores.
Is the 840QM better than the 820QM?
Yes, it has slightly higher base and turbo clocks.