Intel Core i7-740QM

The Intel Core i7-740QM is a mobile processor built on the Nehalem architecture, specifically the Clarksfield codename. It features 4 cores and 8 threads, with a base clock of 1733 MHz and a boost clock of 2.93 GHz. Manufactured on Intel's 45nm process, it contains 774 million transistors on a 296 mm² die. Released in June 2010, it carries a launch MSRP of $378. It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory with a bandwidth of 21.3 GB/s and provides 16 PCIe Gen 2 lanes, but lacks integrated graphics. The processor is now end-of-life.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark data paints a clear picture of a processor that was competitive at launch but has since fallen to the 12th percentile of all CPUs. In Cinebench R23, the i7-740QM scores 1564 in multi-core and 220 in single-core. The Cinebench R20 scores are 656 multi-core and 92 single-core, while the older R15 test yields a multi-core score of 157. Geekbench results show 974 multi-core and 349 single-core. The aggregate average benchmark score is 573.

Comparing this to its nearest rivals reveals a remarkably tight grouping. The Intel Xeon E5506 matches the 573 average exactly, with a 0% delta. The AMD Athlon II X4 610e also matches at 573, with a 0% delta. The Intel Core i7-820QM is marginally faster, posting a 0.1% positive delta, while the AMD Athlon II X4 605e is slightly ahead with a 574 average score, representing a -0.2% delta from the i7-740QM's perspective. This indicates that within this performance tier, architectural differences and clock speeds have minimal impact on the aggregate score, but the specific workload composition can shift results significantly.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The divergence between single-thread and multi-thread performance is stark. In Cinebench R23, the multi-core score of 1564 far exceeds the single-core score of 220. The Geekbench multi-core score of 974 also greatly outpaces the single-core score of 349. This scaling suggests that the 8 threads are effectively utilized in heavily parallel workloads like rendering or video encoding. However, the absolute single-core scores are very low by modern standards. A score of 220 in Cinebench R23 single-core indicates that legacy or lightly-threaded applications, such as web browsers or office suites, will experience noticeable lag.

The boost clock of 2.93 GHz is the maximum for a single core, but the base clock of 1733 MHz implies that sustained multi-core loads will likely throttle down to near base clock speeds due to the 45W TDP envelope. The dual-channel DDR3 memory bandwidth of 21.3 GB/s may also become a bottleneck in multi-threaded scenarios, preventing the 4 cores from achieving perfect scaling. The data implies a processor that excels in batch processing but struggles with interactive, latency-sensitive tasks.

Power and Thermals

The 45W TDP is a critical specification for a mobile processor. It classifies the i7-740QM within a power envelope that requires a dedicated cooling solution, typically found in larger laptops or mobile workstations. The 45nm process node, containing 774 million transistors on a 296 mm² die, generates significant heat density. Without integrated graphics, the CPU package is dedicated solely to the cores, but the system still requires a discrete GPU, adding to overall thermal load.

The gap between the 1733 MHz base clock and the 2.93 GHz boost clock highlights the reliance on Turbo Boost. In practice, this means the processor can briefly hit 2.93 GHz for single-threaded bursts, but under a full 8-thread load, the thermal and power constraints will force the clock speed down, likely towards the base clock. A capable air cooler with heat pipes is necessary to sustain any level of performance. The end-of-life status suggests that replacement parts and thermal solutions are becoming scarce, which is a practical consideration for anyone using this chip today.

Who Should Consider It

Given its 12th percentile ranking and end-of-life status, the i7-740QM is not a target for modern high-performance computing. Its benchmark scores indicate it is suitable for basic office productivity, where single-core performance is sufficient for word processing and spreadsheets, though heavy multitasking may cause slowdowns. For content creation, the multi-core Cinebench R23 score of 1564 allows for basic photo editing and light video rendering, but export times will be long.

Gaming is severely constrained by the single-core Geekbench score of 349; modern game engines require far higher IPC. The lack of integrated graphics means a discrete GPU is mandatory, which limits its use in ultra-portable or fanless designs. The data suggests this processor is best suited for legacy software testing, retro gaming, or as a low-cost entry point for users who need a functional laptop for basic tasks. The 16 PCIe Gen 2 lanes provide enough bandwidth for a mid-range discrete GPU of its era, but modern GPUs will be bottlenecked by the CPU and the PCIe Gen 2 interface.

How It Compares

The Intel Xeon E5506 is a server-class processor that matches the i7-740QM exactly with an average score of 573 and a 0% delta. This is surprising given the Xeon's different market segment, but the benchmark data shows they perform identically in aggregate.

The AMD Athlon II X4 610e also posts an average score of 573, with a 0% delta. The Athlon is a desktop part, yet it ties with the mobile i7-740QM, highlighting the thermal and power constraints that limit the Intel chip's sustained performance.

The Intel Core i7-820QM is the closest rival, with an average score of 573 and a 0.1% delta. This is essentially a binning difference; the 820QM is marginally faster, likely due to a slightly higher boost clock, but the difference is within statistical noise.

The AMD Athlon II X4 605e achieves an average score of 574, which is 0.2% higher than the i7-740QM. This negative delta indicates that the 605e is slightly faster in the aggregate benchmark, despite having fewer threads, suggesting that the i7's 8 threads do not translate to a decisive advantage in all workloads.

Platform and Compatibility

The i7-740QM is built for the Intel Socket G1, a mobile-specific socket that is now obsolete. It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory, with a peak bandwidth of 21.3 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported, which limits its use in error-sensitive server environments. The processor provides 16 PCIe Gen 2 lanes, which are allocated to the CPU. This is sufficient for a single discrete GPU or a couple of NVMe SSDs, though the lack of integrated graphics means a GPU is mandatory for any display output.

The architecture is Nehalem, specifically the Clarksfield codename, which is the first-generation Core i7 mobile design. The 45nm process node and 296 mm² die size are key characteristics. The cache hierarchy includes 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The multiplier is locked, preventing overclocking. As an end-of-life product, the upgrade path is limited to other Socket G1 processors, such as the i7-820QM, but the availability of such parts is dwindling. The memory bus is dual-channel, which was standard for the era, but is a limiting factor compared to modern quad-channel or LPDDR5 configurations.

FAQ

Q: Does the Intel Core i7-740QM support ECC memory?

A: No, the FACT PACK lists ECC memory support as false.

Q: What is the process node of the i7-740QM?

A: It is manufactured on Intel's 45nm process, containing 774 million transistors on a 296 mm² die.

Q: What socket does the i7-740QM use?

A: It uses the Intel Socket G1.

Q: What is the average benchmark score of the i7-740QM compared to the AMD Athlon II X4 605e?

A: The i7-740QM has an average score of 573, while the Athlon II X4 605e scores 574, giving the AMD part a 0.2% advantage.

Q: Does the i7-740QM have integrated graphics?

A: No, it has no integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is required.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth of the i7-740QM?

A: It supports dual-channel DDR3 with a bandwidth of 21.3 GB/s.