Quick Verdict
A rare socketed high-end mobile CPU that offered excellent performance and upgrade paths for 2012 laptops, though it is heavily outdated today.
Overview
Launch
2012
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
3rd Generation
Market
Mobile
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.
The Core i7-3840QM (PGA) provides 4 cores, 8 threads, and a 2.8 GHz base clock in a 45W package. Its Socket G2 compatibility makes it a unique enthusiast choice for older laptops, offering robust performance for its time alongside HD 4000 graphics.
Specifications
Performance
Handles older productivity suites and web browsing fine.
Good support for light virtualization on the go.
Adequate for 2012 games, but lacks power for modern AAA titles.
45W TDP was efficient then, but runs hot compared to modern mobile chips.
- •HD 4000 insufficient for modern games
- •Pairs well with mobile GTX 600M series
- •Good for indie and legacy titles
- •No NPU or AI hardware
- •Unsupported by modern AI software
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Ivy Bridge
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
8 MB
L3 Cache
45 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
This PGA variant of the Core i7-3840QM utilizes the identical Ivy Bridge microarchitecture as its BGA counterpart, built on Intel's 22nm Tri-Gate process. The innovation here is not in the silicon, but in the packaging. By utilizing the Socket G2 (988B) interface, Intel catered to the enthusiast and mobile workstation market that valued repairability and upgrades. The architecture features a 4-core, 8-thread design with 8MB of shared L3 cache. The ring bus architecture ensures low-latency communication between cores, cache, and the integrated HD 4000 graphics. Ivy Bridge also brought official support for PCIe 3.0, allowing laptops equipped with this CPU to fully utilize high-end discrete GPUs of the era, like the GTX 680M. Memory support was enhanced to natively run DDR3-1600 in dual-channel mode, providing 25.6 GB/s of bandwidth. This architecture struck a balance between power and performance, maximizing output within the 45W thermal limits typical of larger, socketed mobile systems.
CPU Design
4 physical cores, 8 threads, Hyper-Threading enabled.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3-1600.
PCIe & I/O
PCIe 3.0 with 16 lanes.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier, limited BCLK adjustments.
- 22nm process
- Native DDR3-1600
- PCIe 3.0 support
Key Highlights
- Socketed design allows upgrades
- Strong multi-core performance for 2012
- PCIe 3.0 support
- VT-d virtualization support
- Highly outdated architecture
- Lacks AVX2 support
- 45W TDP is hot for modern laptops
- Weak integrated graphics
History
The socketed version of the Core i7-3840QM represents an interesting footnote in laptop history. Released in September 2012, it catered to a market segment that was rapidly disappearing. As laptops grew thinner, Intel pushed BGA packaging to save space.
However, high-end gaming laptops and mobile workstations still demanded socketed CPUs for repairability and upgrades. The Socket G2 (988B) interface allowed enthusiasts to swap processors, extending the life of their expensive investments. This CPU powered many high-end Clevo and MSI barebone laptops of the era.
It offered a blend of Ivy Bridge's 22nm efficiency with the flexibility of PGA packaging. Ultimately, this would be one of the last generations to feature socketed mobile CPUs widely, as the industry permanently shifted to BGA. Today, finding a laptop with a socketed CPU is reserved almost exclusively for desktop replacements and extreme enthusiast machines, making the i7-3840QM a relic of a more modular past.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- 22nm process
- Native DDR3-1600
- PCIe 3.0 support
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Upgrading an old Socket G2 laptop.
Avoid if…
- Buying a new laptop
- Need modern connectivity
- Require long battery life
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
Uses the FC-PGA12F package.
Socket G2 was one of the last widely used mobile sockets.
Supports Intel TXT for trusted execution.
Features 1.4 billion transistors.
Max turbo boost is 3.8 GHz.
Supports dual-channel DDR3 memory.
HD 4000 graphics run at 650-1250 MHz.
Released in September 2012.
Part of the Ivy Bridge 3rd Gen family.
Often paired with GTX 600M series GPUs.
People Also Ask
What socket does the PGA i7-3840QM use?
It uses Intel Socket G2 (988B).
Can I upgrade an i7-3840QM?
Yes, because it uses a PGA socket, it can be removed and upgraded.
Does it have integrated graphics?
Yes, it includes Intel HD 4000 graphics.
What is the base clock of the i7-3840QM?
The base clock is 2.8 GHz.
Is the i7-3840QM unlocked?
No, only the XM series are unlocked in this generation.
What memory does the i7-3840QM support?
It supports DDR3 memory up to 1600 MT/s.
Does the i7-3840QM support PCIe 3.0?
Yes, it supports PCIe 3.0.
How many threads does the i7-3840QM have?
It has 8 threads.
What is the TDP of the i7-3840QM?
The TDP is 45 Watts.
What generation is the i7-3840QM?
It is a 3rd Gen Ivy Bridge processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the i7-3840QM good for gaming?
It can play older games but is too slow for modern AAA titles.
Does it support AVX2?
No, it supports AVX but not AVX2.
What package does it use?
It uses the FC-PGA12F package.
Can I overclock the i7-3840QM?
Only via base clock, the multiplier is locked.
What is the max memory support?
It supports up to 32GB of DDR3.
Does it support virtualization?
Yes, it supports VT-x and VT-d.
What is the turbo boost speed?
The max turbo boost speed is 3.8 GHz.
Is it soldered to the motherboard?
No, this PGA variant is socketed.
How much L3 cache does it have?
It has 8MB of L3 cache.
What is the die size?
The die size is 160 mm².