Quick Verdict
A capable but poor-value CPU at launch due to the 920's overclocking prowess. Today, it's a rare collector's item.
Overview
Launch
2008
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
1st Generation (Nehalem)
Market
Desktop
The Intel Core i7-940 launched alongside the i7-920 in November 2008 as the step-up model in the inaugural Bloomfield lineup. Operating at a base clock of 2.93GHz with a turbo boost of 3.2GHz, it offered slightly higher out-of-the-box performance than the 920. It featured the same four-core, eight-thread configuration and 8MB of L3 cache. While it was a capable processor, it occupied an awkward middle ground. Its price was significantly higher than the 920, yet it didn't offer the unlocked multiplier of the Extreme Edition 965. This positioning made it a relatively rare sight in enthusiast builds, as most users either opted for the value of the 920 or waited for later refreshes. Nevertheless, it remains a part of the foundational Nehalem architecture that reintroduced Hyper-Threading and integrated memory controllers, setting the stage for Intel's dominance in the high-end desktop market for the next decade.
The Intel Core i7-940 was part of the original Nehalem launch. With 4 cores, 8 threads, and 2.93GHz clocks, it was a fast chip.
However, it was overshadowed by the cheaper 920 which could be overclocked to match it. It is an obsolete relic today.
Specifications
Performance
Slow by modern standards.
Adequate for basic legacy VMs.
Similar to the 920, bottlenecks modern games.
130W TDP is highly inefficient.
- •Low IPC
- •No AVX2
- •Bottlenecks modern GPUs
- •Incompatible with modern AI workloads
Architecture
45nm
Process Node
Bloomfield
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
8 MB
L3 Cache
130 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-940 is based on the 45nm Bloomfield die, featuring 731 million transistors on a 263 mm² piece of silicon.
CPU Design
The Nehalem microarchitecture introduced a paradigm shift by moving the memory controller from the motherboard chipset directly onto the CPU die. This specific model supports triple-channel DDR3 memory.
Memory Subsystem
The 8MB of shared L3 cache ensures low latency access to frequently used data. The processor communicates with the X58 chipset via the QuickPath Interconnect.
PCIe & I/O
PCIe 2.0 lanes were provided by the X58 chipset, offering 36 lanes for multi-GPU configurations.
Overclocking
While it includes Hyper-Threading for eight logical threads, the CPU multiplier is locked upwards, limiting overclocking to Base Clock adjustments.
- Integrated memory controller
- Hyper-Threading
- Triple-channel memory
Key Highlights
- High stock clock speed
- Hyper-Threading for 8 threads
- Triple-channel memory support
- Part of the foundational Nehalem architecture
- Good multi-threaded performance for its era
- Poor value at launch
- High 130W TDP
- Locked CPU multiplier
- Obsolete platform
- Lacks modern instruction sets
History
The Core i7-940 was launched as a premium offering for early adopters of the LGA 1366 platform. However, its historical impact is largely overshadowed by the i7-920. The 940 existed primarily to fill a price gap, but enthusiasts quickly realized that the 920 could be easily overclocked to match or exceed the 940's stock speeds.
This realization made the 940 a poor value proposition, and it was quietly phased out or ignored by the community. It represents a common industry practice of binning slightly better silicon for a higher margin, only for consumers to bypass the artificial limitations. The 940's brief lifespan on the market highlights the importance of community-driven overclocking in shaping CPU sales.
It was eventually superseded by the i7-950, which offered even higher clocks at a better price point.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Integrated memory controller
- Hyper-Threading
- Triple-channel memory
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Completing a period-accurate 2008 retro build.
Avoid if…
- Building new
- Modern gaming
- Need value
- Need modern instruction sets
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 940 was largely ignored by enthusiasts because the 920 could be overclocked to match it.
It launched at $562, significantly more than the $284 920.
It was quickly replaced by the i7-950 which offered even higher clocks.
The chip was often found in pre-built boutique gaming PCs.
It uses the C0 stepping, which ran hotter than later revisions.
Like the 920, it lacks an integrated GPU.
It was one of the first CPUs to support QuickPath Interconnect.
The processor is highly sought after by CPU collectors today due to its rarity.
It supported SLI and CrossFire natively via the X58 chipset.
The 940 proved that binning higher clocks was viable on the 45nm node.
People Also Ask
Is the i7-940 better than the i7-920?
Slightly better at stock, but the 920 can be overclocked to match it easily.
Can the i7-940 be overclocked?
Yes, via the Base Clock (BCLK).
What socket does the i7-940 use?
LGA 1366.
Does the i7-940 have integrated graphics?
No, it requires a dedicated GPU.
Is the Core i7-940 good for modern gaming?
No, it will bottleneck modern GPUs heavily.
How many cores does the i7-940 have?
4 cores and 8 threads.
What RAM does the i7-940 support?
Triple-channel DDR3.
Can the i7-940 run Windows 11?
Not officially.
What is the TDP of the i7-940?
130 Watts.
What is the max turbo of the i7-940?
3.2 GHz.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Core i7-940 released?
November 2008.
What is the base clock of the i7-940?
2.93 GHz.
What architecture is the i7-940 based on?
Nehalem (Bloomfield).
What process node is the i7-940 built on?
45nm.
Does the i7-940 have an unlocked multiplier?
No, the multiplier is locked.
How much L3 cache does the i7-940 have?
8MB shared.
Is the i7-940 good for video editing?
Only for basic legacy editing.
Can I use DDR4 on an i7-940?
No, it only supports DDR3.
Does the i7-940 support Hyper-Threading?
Yes, it has 8 logical threads.
Why was the i7-940 unpopular?
Because the cheaper i7-920 could be overclocked to the same speeds.