Notebookcheck Logo

Intel Core i7-3940XM vs Intel Core i7-3615QM vs Intel Core i7-3689Y

Intel Core i7-3940XM

► remove from comparison Intel 3940XM

The Intel Core i7-3940XM is the fastest quad-core processor for laptops (at the time of introduction in September 2012) an successor of the i7-3920XM. Due to Hyperthreading, the four cores can handle up to eight threads in parallel leading to better utilization of the CPU. Each core offers a base speed of 3.0 GHz but can dynamically increase clock rates with Turbo Boost up to 3.7 GHz (for 4 active cores), 3.8 GHz (for 2 active cores) and 3.9 GHz (for 1 active core). Furthermore, the Extreme CPUs offer an unlocked multiplicator for easy overclocking.

Ivy Bridge is an enhanced die shrink of the Sandy Bridge architecture with improvements on both GPU and CPU performance. The CPUs are produced in 22nm (versus 32nm Sandy Bridge CPUs) and are the first to introduce 3D transistors for increased energy efficiency when compared to similarly clocked Sandy Bridge processors. Other new features are integrated PCI Express 3.0 and  DDR3(L)-1600 support.

The performance of the Core i7-3940XM should be slightly above a similarly clocked Sandy Bridge processor due to slight architectural improvements. Because of the higher clock speed, the former champion Core i7-3920XM should be outperformed by about 3%.

The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 offers 16 Execution Units (EUs) clocked at 650 MHz up to 1350 MHz with Turbo Boost, making it the fastest variant.

The XM CPUs are rated at a TDP of 55 Watts including graphics card and memory controller and therefore 10 Watt higher than the other quad-core models.  Therefore, the CPU is well-suited for laptops 17-inches or greater.

Intel Core i7-3615QM

► remove from comparison Intel 3615QM

The Intel Core i7-3615QM is a fast quad-core processor for laptops based on the Ivy Bridge architecture. Due to Hyperthreading, the four cores can handle up to eight threads in parallel leading to better utilization of the CPU. Each core offers a base speed of 2.3 GHz but can dynamically increase clock rates with Turbo Boost up to 3.1 GHz (for 4 active cores), 3.2 GHz (for 2 active cores) and 3.3 GHz (for 1 active core).

Ivy Bridge is an enhanced die shrink of the Sandy Bridge architecture with improvements on both GPU and CPU performance. The CPUs are produced in 22nm (versus 32nm Sandy Bridge CPUs) and are the first to introduce 3D transistors for increased energy efficiency when compared to similarly clocked Sandy Bridge processors. Other new features are integrated PCI Express 3.0 and  DDR3(L)-1600 support.

The performance of the Core i7-3615QM is slightly above a similarly clocked Sandy Bridge processor due to the architectural improvements. As a result, overall performance is similar to the former fastest model, the Core i7-2920XM.

The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 offers 16 Execution Units (EUs) clocked at 650 MHz up to 1200 MHz with Turbo Boost, making it one of the faster variants.

As with most quad-core Ivy Bridge models, the Core i7-3615QM is specified at a TDP of 45 Watts including graphics card and memory controller. Therefore, the CPU is well-suited for laptops 15-inches or greater.

Intel Core i7-3689Y

► remove from comparison

The Intel Core i7-3689Y is an ULV-processor for ultrabooks and tablets based on the Ivy Bridge architecture. Due to Hyperthreading, the two cores can handle up to four threads in parallel leading to better utilization of the CPU. Each core offers a base speed of 1.5 GHz but can dynamically increase clock rates with Turbo Boost up to 2.4 GHz (for 2 active cores) and 2.6 GHz (for 1 active core). As other dual core Core i7, it offers a 4 MB L3-Cache.

Ivy Bridge is an enhanced die shrink of the Sandy Bridge architecture with improvements on both GPU and CPU performance. The CPUs are produced in 22nm (versus 32nm Sandy Bridge CPUs) and are the first to introduce 3D transistors for increased energy efficiency when compared to similarly clocked Sandy Bridge processors. Other new features are integrated PCI Express 3.0 and  DDR3(L)-1600 support.

The performance of the Core i7-3689Y is limited by the very low TDP. Therefore, the maximum turbo clocks are rarely achieved. Overall, the 3689Y should be a bit slower than the Core i5-3317U.

The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 offers 16 Execution Units (EUs) clocked at 350 MHz up to 850 MHz with Turbo Boost, delivering a performance comparable with an AMD Radeon HD 6520G.

The 3689Y is rated at a TDP of 13 W including graphics card and memory controller. If necessary, the TDP can be set to an even lower value of 10 W (cTDP Down). Therefore, the CPU is suited for tablets and ultrabooks.

ModelIntel Core i7-3940XMIntel Core i7-3615QMIntel Core i7-3689Y
SeriesIntel Core i7Intel Core i7Intel Core i7
CodenameIvy BridgeIvy BridgeIvy Bridge
Series: Core i7 Ivy Bridge
Intel Core i7-3940XM « 3 - 3.9 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3920XM2.9 - 3.8 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3840QM2.8 - 3.8 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3820QM2.7 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3740QM2.7 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3720QM2.6 - 3.6 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3635QM2.4 - 3.4 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3630QM2.4 - 3.4 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3615QM2.3 - 3.3 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3610QM2.3 - 3.3 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3632QM2.2 - 3.2 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3612QM2.1 - 3.1 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3540M3 - 3.7 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3520M2.9 - 3.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3687U2.1 - 3.3 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3667U2 - 3.2 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3537U2 - 3.1 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3517U1.9 - 3 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3689Y1.5 - 2.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3940XM3 - 3.9 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3920XM2.9 - 3.8 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3840QM2.8 - 3.8 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3820QM2.7 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3740QM2.7 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3720QM2.6 - 3.6 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3635QM2.4 - 3.4 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3630QM2.4 - 3.4 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3615QM « 2.3 - 3.3 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3610QM2.3 - 3.3 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3632QM2.2 - 3.2 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3612QM2.1 - 3.1 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3540M3 - 3.7 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3520M2.9 - 3.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3687U2.1 - 3.3 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3667U2 - 3.2 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3537U2 - 3.1 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3517U1.9 - 3 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3689Y1.5 - 2.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3940XM3 - 3.9 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3920XM2.9 - 3.8 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3840QM2.8 - 3.8 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3820QM2.7 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3740QM2.7 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3720QM2.6 - 3.6 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3635QM2.4 - 3.4 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3630QM2.4 - 3.4 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3615QM2.3 - 3.3 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3610QM2.3 - 3.3 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3632QM2.2 - 3.2 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3612QM2.1 - 3.1 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3540M3 - 3.7 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3520M2.9 - 3.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3687U2.1 - 3.3 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3667U2 - 3.2 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3537U2 - 3.1 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3517U1.9 - 3 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3689Y « 1.5 - 2.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Clock3000 - 3900 MHz2300 - 3300 MHz1500 - 2600 MHz
L1 Cache256 KB256 KB128 KB
L2 Cache1 MB1 MB512 KB
L3 Cache8 MB6 MB4 MB
Cores / Threads4 / 84 / 82 / 4
TDP55 Watt45 Watt13 Watt
Transistors1400 Million1400 Million
Technology22 nm22 nm22 nm
Die Size160 mm2160 mm2
max. Temp.105 °C105 °C105 °C
SocketFCPGA988FCBGA1224, FCPGA988BGA
FeaturesHD Graphics 4000, DDR3(L)-1600 Memory Controller, HyperThreading, AVX, Quick Sync, VirtualizationHD Graphics 4000 (650-1200MHz), DDR3(L)-1600 Memory Controller, HyperThreading, AVX, Quick Sync, VirtualizationTurbo Boost 2.0, Hyper-Threading, Virtualization VT-x, Virtualization for Directed I/O (VT-d), Trusted Execution, AES, Intel 64, Anti-Theft, My WiFi, Idle States, Enhanced SpeedStep, Thermal Monitorin, Execute Disable Bit
iGPUIntel HD Graphics 4000 (650 - 1350 MHz)Intel HD Graphics 4000 (650 - 1200 MHz)Intel HD Graphics 4000 (350 - 850 MHz)
Architecturex86x86x86
$1096 U.S.$378 U.S.
Announced
Manufacturerark.intel.comark.intel.com

Benchmarks

Cinebench R11.5 - Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64 Bit
100%
1 3940XM +
min: 7.45     avg: 7.5     median: 7.5 (10%)     max: 7.46 Points
74%
1 3615QM +
min: 5.52     avg: 5.8     median: 5.5 (7%)     max: 6.26 Points
Cinebench R11.5 - Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64 Bit
100%
1 3940XM +
min: 1.62     avg: 1.6     median: 1.6 (40%)     max: 1.63 Points
83%
1 3615QM +
min: 1.32     avg: 1.3     median: 1.3 (33%)     max: 1.35 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Single (32bit)
100%
1 3940XM +
min: 5246     avg: 5255     median: 5252 (32%)     max: 5267 Points
84%
1 3615QM +
min: 4392     avg: 4436     median: 4436 (27%)     max: 4480 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Multi (32bit)
100%
1 3940XM +
min: 20438     avg: 20582     median: 20564 (15%)     max: 20744 Points
83%
1 3615QM +
min: 16907     avg: 16981     median: 16980.5 (12%)     max: 17054 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Multi (64bit)
100%
1 3940XM +
min: 25475     avg: 25600     median: 25624 (18%)     max: 25700 Points
83%
1 3615QM +
min: 20725     avg: 21245     median: 21365 (15%)     max: 21646 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Single (64bit)
100%
1 3940XM +
min: 6506     avg: 6621     median: 6669 (8%)     max: 6687 Points
84%
1 3615QM +
min: 5379     avg: 5576     median: 5618 (7%)     max: 5732 Points
wPrime 2.10 - wPrime 2.0 1024m *
100%
1 3940XM +
min: 208.8     avg: 219.2     median: 215.7 (3%)     max: 233 s
99%
1 3615QM +
min: 248     avg: 262.4     median: 262.4 (3%)     max: 276.8 s
wPrime 2.10 - wPrime 2.0 32m *
100%
1 3940XM +
min: 6.8     avg: 7     median: 7 (1%)     max: 7.169 s
100%
1 3615QM +
min: 8.1     avg: 8.5     median: 8.5 (2%)     max: 8.8 s
WinRAR - WinRAR 4.0
100%
1 3940XM +
min: 3467     avg: 4124     median: 4123.5 (7%)     max: 4780 Points
88%
1 3615QM +
min: 2965     avg: 3626     median: 3626 (6%)     max: 4287 Points
X264 HD Benchmark 4.0 - x264 Pass 2
100%
1 3940XM +
40.6 fps (14%)
85%
1 3615QM +
34.4 fps (12%)
X264 HD Benchmark 4.0 - x264 Pass 1
100%
1 3940XM +
161.1 fps (37%)
85%
1 3615QM +
137.5 fps (32%)
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt Serpent
100%
1 3940XM +
min: 0.373     avg: 0.4     median: 0.4 (0%)     max: 0.386 GB/s
84%
1 3615QM +
min: 0.316     avg: 0.3     median: 0.3 (0%)     max: 0.323 GB/s
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt Twofish
100%
1 3940XM +
min: 0.64     avg: 0.7     median: 0.7 (11%)     max: 0.66 GB/s
83%
1 3615QM +
min: 0.542     avg: 0.5     median: 0.5 (9%)     max: 0.55 GB/s
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt AES
100%
1 3940XM +
min: 3.5     avg: 3.6     median: 3.7 (10%)     max: 3.7 GB/s
81%
1 3615QM +
min: 2.9     avg: 3     median: 3 (8%)     max: 3.1 GB/s
3DMark 06 - CPU - 3DMark 06 - CPU
100%
1 3940XM +
min: 7166     avg: 7182     median: 7176 (15%)     max: 7203 Points
78%
1 3615QM +
min: 5453     avg: 5757     median: 5574 (12%)     max: 6244 Points
Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 1M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 1M *
100%
1 3940XM +
min: 9     avg: 9.2     median: 9 (2%)     max: 9.554 s
100%
1 3615QM +
min: 11     avg: 11.1     median: 11.1 (2%)     max: 11.2 s
Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 2M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 2M *
100%
1 3940XM +
min: 21     avg: 21.1     median: 21 (1%)     max: 21.26 s
100%
1 3615QM +
min: 25     avg: 25.4     median: 25.4 (1%)     max: 25.7 s
Super Pi Mod 1.5 XS 32M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 32M *
100%
1 3940XM +
min: 518     avg: 526     median: 525.5 (2%)     max: 533 s
100%
1 3615QM +
min: 616     avg: 623     median: 623 (3%)     max: 630 s
SiSoft Sandra Dhrystone (MIPS) - SiSoft Sandra Dhrystone (MIPS)
100%
1 3940XM +
min: 147240     avg: 147620     median: 147620 (70%)     max: 148000 MIPS
SiSoft Sandra Whetstone (MFLOPS) - SiSoft Sandra Whetstone (MFLOPS)
100%
1 3940XM +
min: 89600     avg: 89630     median: 89630 (69%)     max: 89660 MFLOPS
Windows 7 Experience Index - Win7 CPU
100%
1 3940XM +
7.7 Points (99%)
99%
1 3615QM +
7.6 Points (97%)
3DMark Vantage - 3DM Vant. Perf. CPU no Physx
100%
1 3940XM +
min: 25344     avg: 25795     median: 25885 (23%)     max: 26157 Points
74%
1 3615QM +
min: 18316     avg: 19453     median: 19047 (17%)     max: 20997 Points
3DMark 11 - 3DM11 Performance Physics
100%
1 3940XM +
min: 7611     avg: 8737     median: 9032 (24%)     max: 9568 Points
82%
1 3615QM +
min: 6894     avg: 7283     median: 7391 (20%)     max: 7564 Points
3DMark - 3DMark Ice Storm Physics
100%
1 3940XM +
48410 Points (39%)
3DMark - 3DMark Cloud Gate Physics
100%
1 3940XM +
7208 Points (18%)
3DMark - 3DMark Fire Strike Standard Physics
100%
1 3940XM +
9863 Points (18%)

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i7-3940XM → 0% n=

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i7-3615QM → 0% n=

- Range of benchmark values for this graphics card
- Average benchmark values for this graphics card
* Smaller numbers mean a higher performance
1 This benchmark is not used for the average calculation

v1.26
log 19. 10:35:47

#0 checking url part for id 3345 +0s ... 0s

#1 checking url part for id 3085 +0s ... 0s

#2 checking url part for id 3648 +0s ... 0s

#3 not redirecting to Ajax server +0s ... 0s

#4 did not recreate cache, as it is less than 5 days old! Created at Tue, 19 Mar 2024 05:32:10 +0100 +0.001s ... 0.001s

#5 composed specs +0.037s ... 0.038s

#6 did output specs +0s ... 0.038s

#7 getting avg benchmarks for device 3345 +0.003s ... 0.041s

#8 got single benchmarks 3345 +0.013s ... 0.054s

#9 getting avg benchmarks for device 3085 +0.003s ... 0.057s

#10 got single benchmarks 3085 +0.019s ... 0.075s

#11 getting avg benchmarks for device 3648 +0.003s ... 0.078s

#12 got single benchmarks 3648 +0s ... 0.079s

#13 got avg benchmarks for devices +0s ... 0.079s

#14 min, max, avg, median took s +0.17s ... 0.248s

#15 return log +0s ... 0.248s

Please share our article, every link counts!
> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Benchmarks / Tech > Processor Comparison - Head 2 Head
Redaktion, 2017-09- 8 (Update: 2023-07- 1)