Quick Verdict
A high-end mobile CPU for its time, offering excellent multi-threaded performance and high clock speeds for demanding applications.
Overview
Launch
Sep 3rd, 2012
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
Core i7 (Ivy Bridge)
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i7-3740QM is a high-end mobile processor released in late 2012 as an Ivy Bridge refresh. Designed for premium gaming and workstation laptops, it features four cores and eight threads, delivering robust parallel processing capabilities. It operates at a base clock of 2.7 GHz and can boost up to 3.7 GHz via Intel Turbo Boost 2.0. This represented a slight frequency bump over the preceding 3720QM, offering marginally better single-threaded and burst performance. It retains the 6 MB of L3 SmartCache, ensuring excellent performance in data-heavy applications and gaming. With a 45-watt thermal design power, it balances high performance with the thermal constraints of premium mobile chassis. The integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics offer capable multimedia decoding. This CPU was a favorite for enthusiasts seeking top-tier mobile performance without stepping up to the extreme edition MX series.
The Intel Core i7-3740QM is an Ivy Bridge processor with 4 cores and 8 threads. It features a base clock of 2.7 GHz and boosts up to 3.
7 GHz. With a 45W TDP, it was a top-tier mobile CPU in late 2012, offering strong performance for gaming and rendering.
Specifications
Performance
8 threads and high clocks make quick work of office and compiling tasks.
Good for running light VMs on the go.
Handles older games easily and provides good frame rates with a discrete GPU.
22nm Ivy Bridge is less efficient than modern mobile chips.
- •Excellent for 2012-era games
- •Won't bottleneck mid-range mobile GPUs
- •Needs discrete graphics for serious gaming
- •No AI hardware
- •CPU inference is slow
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Ivy Bridge
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
6 MB
L3 Cache
45 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
Built on Intel's 22nm Ivy Bridge microarchitecture, the Core i7-3740QM is engineered for premium mobile performance. It features a 4-core, 8-thread design via Hyper-Threading. It includes 6 MB of L3 SmartCache. The chip integrates the Intel HD 4000 graphics engine, dynamically scaling between 650 MHz and 1250 MHz. The architecture supports dual-channel DDR3 memory at 1600 MT/s and provides 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes. Tuned for a 45W TDP, the 3740QM utilizes aggressive turbo boosting to maximize clock speeds up to 3.7 GHz within the thermal limits of premium laptop cooling systems. Its combination of high clocks and decent cache makes it uniquely suited for data-heavy mobile workloads. It was available in both PGA and BGA packages, offering flexibility for laptop manufacturers.
CPU Design
4 cores, 8 threads, locked multiplier.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3-1600.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Locked.
- Higher base and turbo clocks
- Refined 22nm process
Key Highlights
- Good quad-core performance
- High 3.7 GHz turbo boost
- Removable PGA socket option
- Decent 6MB L3 cache
- High 45W TDP
- Older 22nm process
- DDR3 only
- Runs hot under load
History
Launched in September 2012, the Core i7-3740QM was a minor refresh of the 3720QM, offering slightly higher clock speeds to maintain Intel's competitive edge in the mobile sector. During this era, the demand for mobile workstations and gaming laptops was surging. The 3740QM served as the premium standard for these high-end systems, providing the multi-threaded horsepower needed for video editing, 3D rendering, and modern gaming.
It represented a period where laptop CPUs were nearing desktop parity for quad-core performance. The 3740QM became a highly sought-after upgrade part for users looking to maximize the lifespan of their early 2012 Ivy Bridge laptops, as its PGA socket allowed for relatively easy swapping. It remains a notable chip for marking the peak of Intel's 45W mobile quad-core designs.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Higher base and turbo clocks
- Refined 22nm process
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Buying a cheap, used laptop for retro gaming or basic coding.
Avoid if…
- Buying a new laptop
- Modern AAA gaming
- Need modern features like Wi-Fi 6 or Thunderbolt
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
Features 6 MB of L3 cache.
Uses the Socket G2 (988B) or BGA 1224.
Contains 1.4 billion transistors.
Die size is 160 mm².
Integrated graphics boost up to 1250 MHz.
Launched in September 2012.
Part number SR0UV.
Supports Intel vPro.
Has a tCase max of 105°C.
Max turbo frequency is 3.7 GHz.
People Also Ask
Is the Core i7-3740QM good for gaming?
Yes, for older games. It handles 2012-era titles perfectly with a discrete GPU.
Can the Core i7-3740QM be overclocked?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What socket does the i7-3740QM use?
It uses the Intel Socket G2 (988B) or BGA 1224.
Does the i7-3740QM support DDR4?
No, it supports DDR3 only.
Can I upgrade the i7-3740QM in my laptop?
Yes, if it uses the PGA socket version, it can be physically removed and upgraded.
What is the TDP of the Core i7-3740QM?
45 Watts.
How many cores does it have?
4 cores and 8 threads.
Is it compatible with Windows 11?
Officially not supported, but can run it.
What are the integrated graphics?
Intel HD Graphics 4000.
What is the max turbo frequency?
3.7 GHz.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the i7-3740QM support Hyper-Threading?
Yes, 4 cores and 8 threads.
Does it support ECC memory?
No, ECC is not supported.
What is the L3 cache size?
6 MB.
What chipsets are compatible?
QM77, HM77, HM76, HM75.
Is it good for video editing?
It can handle 1080p editing well, but 4K will be slow.
Can it run 4K video?
Yes, via hardware decoding on the iGPU.
Does it support Intel Optane?
No, Optane was introduced much later.
What is the base clock?
2.7 GHz.
Does it have vPro?
Yes, this SKU supports vPro.
Is it unlocked?
No.