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Intel Core i7-4790K vs Intel Core i7-3840QM vs Intel Core i7-3517U

Intel Core i7-4790K

► remove from comparison Intel 4790K

The Intel Core i7-4790K is a high end quad-core desktop processor using the Haswell architecture. It was announced in the second quarter of 2014 and was the top model of the 4000 series consumer processors. Compared to the Core i7-4770K, the 4790K offers 500 MHz more base and turbo clock speed and reaches 4.4 GHz. 

Intel Core i7-3840QM

► remove from comparison Intel 3840QM

The Intel Core i7-3840QM is a fast quad-core processor for laptops based on the Ivy Bridge architecture and successor of the i7-3820QM. 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 2.8 GHz but can dynamically increase clock rates with Turbo Boost up to 3.6 GHz (for 4 active cores), 3.7 GHz (for 2 active cores) and 3.8 GHz (for 1 active core). Furthermore, the CPU offers 8 MB Last Level 3 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 i7-3840QM should be slightly above a similarly clocked Sandy Bridge processor due to slight architectural improvements. Overall, performance should be similar to the Core i7-3920XM.

The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 offers 16 Execution Units (EUs) clocked at 650 MHz up to 1300 MHz with Turbo Boost, making it one of the faster variants.

As with most quad-core Ivy Bridge models, the Core i7-3840QM 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 i7-3517U

► remove from comparison

The Intel Core i7-3517U is a fast ULV-processor for laptops based on the Ivy Bridge architecture released in Q2 2012. 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 1.9 GHz but can dynamically increase clock rates with Turbo Boost up to 2.8 GHz (for 2 active cores) and 3.0 GHz (for 1 active core). As its Sandy-Bridge-based predecessors, 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 i7-3517U is slightly above a similarly clocked Sandy Bridge processor due to the architectural improvements. Therefore, and because of the higher clock speed, the older Core i7-2677M is easily outperformed.

The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 offers 16 Execution Units (EUs) clocked at 350 MHz up to 1150 MHz with Turbo Boost, delivering a performance comparable with an AMD Radeon HD 6620G.

The ULV-CPUs are rated at a TDP of 17 W including graphics card and memory controller.  Therefore, the CPU is suited for small laptops and ultrabooks.

ModelIntel Core i7-4790KIntel Core i7-3840QMIntel Core i7-3517U
SeriesIntel Core i7 (Desktop)Intel Core i7Intel Core i7
CodenameHaswellIvy BridgeIvy Bridge
Series: Core i7 Ivy Bridge
Intel Core i7-4790K « 4 - 4.4 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-47903.6 - 4 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-4770K3.5 - 3.9 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-4790S3.2 - 4 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-4790T2.7 - 3.9 GHz4 / 8 cores8 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 i7-3840QM « 2.8 - 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 i7-3615QM2.3 - 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 i7-3517U « 1.9 - 3 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3689Y1.5 - 2.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Clock4000 - 4400 MHz2800 - 3800 MHz1900 - 3000 MHz
L1 Cache256 KB256 KB128 KB
L2 Cache1 MB1 MB512 KB
L3 Cache8 MB8 MB4 MB
Cores / Threads4 / 84 / 82 / 4
TDP88 Watt45 Watt17 Watt
Transistors1400 Million1400 Million
Technology22 nm22 nm22 nm
Die Size177 mm2160 mm2
SocketFCLGA1150
FeaturesHD Graphics 4600 (Turbo 1350 MHz), DDR3-1600 Memory Controller, HyperThreading, AVX, AVX2, Quick Sync, Virtualization, vProHD Graphics 4000, 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 4600 (350 - 1250 MHz)Intel HD Graphics 4000 (650 - 1300 MHz)Intel HD Graphics 4000 (350 - 1150 MHz)
Architecturex86x86x86
$339 U.S.$568 U.S.
Announced
Manufacturerark.intel.comark.intel.com
max. Temp.105 °C

Benchmarks

Performance Rating - CB R15 + R20 + 7-Zip + X265 + Blender + 3DM11 CPU - 4790K
31 pt (43%)
Cinebench R20 - Cinebench R20 CPU (Single Core)
100%
1 4790K +
407 Points (45%)
Cinebench R20 - Cinebench R20 CPU (Multi Core)
100%
1 4790K +
2043 Points (5%)
Cinebench R15 - Cinebench R15 CPU Multi 64 Bit
100%
1 4790K +
min: 806     avg: 850     median: 846 (5%)     max: 890 Points
Cinebench R15 - Cinebench R15 CPU Single 64 Bit
100%
1 4790K +
min: 168     avg: 172.8     median: 174 (52%)     max: 176 Points
Cinebench R11.5 - Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64 Bit
min: 9.05     avg: 9.2     median: 9.1 (12%)     max: 9.4 Points
min: 7     avg: 7.1     median: 7.1 (9%)     max: 7.15 Points
min: 2.51     avg: 2.7     median: 2.8 (4%)     max: 2.82 Points
Cinebench R11.5 - Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64 Bit
min: 1.92     avg: 2     median: 2 (49%)     max: 2.07 Points
min: 1.58     avg: 1.6     median: 1.6 (39%)     max: 1.59 Points
min: 1.14     avg: 1.2     median: 1.2 (30%)     max: 1.25 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Single (32bit)
min: 6398     avg: 6558     median: 6520 (39%)     max: 6756 Points
min: 5137     avg: 5145     median: 5144.5 (31%)     max: 5152 Points
min: 3860     avg: 4041     median: 4024.5 (24%)     max: 4170 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Multi (32bit)
min: 24857     avg: 25258     median: 25082 (18%)     max: 25835 Points
min: 20132     avg: 20135     median: 20135 (15%)     max: 20138 Points
min: 8015     avg: 8524     median: 8596.5 (6%)     max: 8704 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Multi (64bit)
min: 31767     avg: 32779     median: 32596 (23%)     max: 33974 Points
min: 25111     avg: 25178     median: 25178 (17%)     max: 25245 Points
min: 9842     avg: 10589     median: 10674 (7%)     max: 10904 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Single (64bit)
min: 8528     avg: 8679     median: 8597 (10%)     max: 8911 Points
min: 6405     avg: 6478     median: 6478 (8%)     max: 6551 Points
wPrime 2.10 - wPrime 2.0 1024m *
min: 174.8     avg: 185.4     median: 185.4 (2%)     max: 196 s
min: 245     avg: 246.3     median: 246.3 (3%)     max: 247.5 s
wPrime 2.10 - wPrime 2.0 32m *
min: 5.585     avg: 5.9     median: 5.9 (1%)     max: 6.3 s
min: 7.348     avg: 7.4     median: 7.4 (1%)     max: 7.441 s
WinRAR - WinRAR 4.0
5534 Points (9%)
4712 Points (7%)
min: 2376     avg: 2631     median: 2465 (4%)     max: 3682 Points
7-Zip 18.03 - 7-Zip 18.03 Multli Thread 4 runs
100%
1 4790K +
25134 MIPS (14%)
7-Zip 18.03 - 7-Zip 18.03 Single Thread 4 runs
100%
1 4790K +
4979 MIPS (60%)
X264 HD Benchmark 4.0 - x264 Pass 2
min: 50.7     avg: 51.6     median: 51.6 (18%)     max: 52.4 fps
min: 37.11     avg: 38.2     median: 38.2 (13%)     max: 39.23 fps
min: 14.38     avg: 15.6     median: 15.9 (6%)     max: 16 fps
X264 HD Benchmark 4.0 - x264 Pass 1
min: 180     avg: 189.2     median: 189.2 (44%)     max: 198.3 fps
min: 156.2     avg: 157.8     median: 157.8 (36%)     max: 159.4 fps
min: 82.3     avg: 83.3     median: 83 (19%)     max: 85 fps
HWBOT x265 Benchmark v2.2 - HWBOT x265 4k Preset
100%
1 4790K +
7.1 fps (12%)
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt Serpent
min: 0.43     avg: 0.4     median: 0.4 (0%)     max: 0.44 GB/s
min: 0.375     avg: 0.4     median: 0.4 (0%)     max: 0.376 GB/s
min: 0.144     avg: 0.1     median: 0.1 (0%)     max: 0.15 GB/s
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt Twofish
min: 0.77     avg: 0.8     median: 0.8 (14%)     max: 0.831 GB/s
min: 0.638     avg: 0.6     median: 0.6 (11%)     max: 0.642 GB/s
min: 0.245     avg: 0.2     median: 0.2 (4%)     max: 0.25 GB/s
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt AES
5 GB/s (13%)
3.6 GB/s (9%)
min: 0.274     avg: 1.2     median: 1.4 (4%)     max: 1.4 GB/s
Blender - Blender 2.79 BMW27 CPU *
100%
1 4790K +
min: 506     avg: 509     median: 508.5 (4%)     max: 511 Seconds
3DMark 06 - CPU - 3DMark 06 - CPU
min: 8442     avg: 9326     median: 9485 (20%)     max: 9615 Points
min: 6946     avg: 6998     median: 6998 (15%)     max: 7050 Points
min: 2949     avg: 3382     median: 3430 (7%)     max: 3570 Points
Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 1M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 1M *
min: 7     avg: 7.7     median: 7.7 (2%)     max: 8.4 s
min: 9     avg: 9.4     median: 9.4 (2%)     max: 9.703 s
Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 2M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 2M *
min: 18     avg: 18.5     median: 18.5 (1%)     max: 18.9 s
min: 21.97     avg: 22     median: 22 (1%)     max: 22 s
Super Pi Mod 1.5 XS 32M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 32M *
min: 437     avg: 448.5     median: 448.5 (2%)     max: 460 s
541 s (2%)
SiSoft Sandra Dhrystone (MIPS) - SiSoft Sandra Dhrystone (MIPS)
100%
1 3840QM +
124100 MIPS (59%)
41%
1 3517U +
min: 47300     avg: 50913     median: 50800 (24%)     max: 54750 MIPS
SiSoft Sandra Whetstone (MFLOPS) - SiSoft Sandra Whetstone (MFLOPS)
100%
1 3840QM +
85000 MFLOPS (65%)
41%
1 3517U +
min: 34130     avg: 34858     median: 35035 (27%)     max: 35230 MFLOPS
Windows 7 Experience Index - Win7 CPU
100%
1 3840QM +
7.7 Points (99%)
92%
1 3517U +
min: 7     avg: 7.1     median: 7.1 (91%)     max: 7.1 Points
3DMark Vantage - 3DM Vant. Perf. CPU no Physx
min: 30076     avg: 32048     median: 32372 (28%)     max: 32834 Points
min: 24545     avg: 24741     median: 24740.5 (22%)     max: 24936 Points
min: 6288     avg: 8846     median: 9288.5 (8%)     max: 9552 Points
3DMark 11 - 3DM11 Performance Physics
min: 9898     avg: 10753     median: 10886 (29%)     max: 11304 Points
min: 7360     avg: 7787     median: 7786.5 (21%)     max: 8213 Points
min: 2966     avg: 3437     median: 3409 (9%)     max: 3988 Points
3DMark - 3DMark Ice Storm Physics
100%
1 4790K +
min: 54775     avg: 57738     median: 57555.5 (47%)     max: 60983 Points
55%
1 3517U +
31781 Points (26%)
3DMark - 3DMark Ice Storm Extreme Physics
100%
1 4790K +
min: 56383     avg: 58092     median: 58091.5 (47%)     max: 59800 Points
3DMark - 3DMark Ice Storm Unlimited Physics
100%
1 4790K +
min: 56530     avg: 61027     median: 61551.5 (52%)     max: 63023 Points
3DMark - 3DMark Cloud Gate Physics
100%
1 4790K +
min: 8055     avg: 8538     median: 8598.5 (22%)     max: 8838 Points
32%
1 3517U +
2734 Points (7%)
3DMark - 3DMark Fire Strike Standard Physics
100%
1 4790K +
min: 11449     avg: 12153     median: 12201 (22%)     max: 12585 Points
32%
1 3517U +
3880 Points (7%)
3DMark - 3DMark Time Spy CPU
100%
1 4790K +
min: 4528     avg: 4788     median: 4838 (20%)     max: 4970 Points
Geekbench 4.4 - Geekbench 4.1 - 4.4 64 Bit Single-Core
100%
1 4790K +
4940 Points (49%)
Geekbench 4.4 - Geekbench 4.1 - 4.4 64 Bit Multi-Core
100%
1 4790K +
17483 Points (19%)
Geekbench 4.0 - Geekbench 4.0 64 Bit Single-Core
100%
1 4790K +
5104 Points (69%)
Geekbench 4.0 - Geekbench 4.0 64 Bit Multi-Core
100%
1 4790K +
16612 Points (40%)
Geekbench 3 - Geekbench 3 32 Bit Multi-Core
100%
1 4790K +
min: 15390     avg: 15557     median: 15557 (28%)     max: 15724 Points
Geekbench 3 - Geekbench 3 32 Bit Single-Core
100%
1 4790K +
min: 4176     avg: 4418     median: 4418 (86%)     max: 4660 Points
Geekbench 2 - 32 Bit - Geekbench Stream
100%
1 4790K +
9458 Points (76%)
55%
1 3517U +
5172 Points (42%)
Geekbench 2 - 32 Bit - Geekbench Memory
100%
1 4790K +
8861 Points (80%)
58%
1 3517U +
5174 Points (47%)
Geekbench 2 - 32 Bit - Geekbench Floating Point
100%
1 4790K +
16703 Points (33%)
37%
1 3517U +
6165 Points (12%)
Geekbench 2 - 32 Bit - Geekbench Integer
100%
1 4790K +
14900 Points (30%)
37%
1 3517U +
5564 Points (11%)
Geekbench 2 - 32 Bit - Geekbench Total Score
100%
1 4790K +
13779 Points (36%)
41%
1 3517U +
5657 Points (15%)
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 - Kraken 1.1 Total Score *
100%
1 4790K +
min: 871     avg: 1138     median: 972 (1%)     max: 1571 ms
Sunspider - Sunspider 1.0 Total Score *
100%
1 4790K +
min: 72.4     avg: 118.1     median: 137 (2%)     max: 145 ms
Octane V2 - Octane V2 Total Score
100%
1 4790K +
min: 20765     avg: 32789     median: 37851 (34%)     max: 39752 Points
Power Consumption - Prime95 Power Consumption - external Monitor *
100%
1 4790K +
min: 223     avg: 224     median: 224 (39%)     max: 225 Watt
Power Consumption - Cinebench R15 Multi Power Consumption - external Monitor *
100%
1 4790K +
min: 170     avg: 170.5     median: 170.5 (31%)     max: 171 Watt

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i7-4790K → 100% n=20

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i7-3840QM → 84% n=20

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i7-3517U → 54% n=20

- 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 18. 13:27:30

#0 checking url part for id 6457 +0s ... 0s

#1 checking url part for id 3346 +0s ... 0s

#2 checking url part for id 3098 +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 Fri, 17 May 2024 11:21:47 +0200 +0.001s ... 0.001s

#5 composed specs +0.028s ... 0.029s

#6 did output specs +0s ... 0.029s

#7 getting avg benchmarks for device 6457 +0.017s ... 0.046s

#8 got single benchmarks 6457 +0.053s ... 0.098s

#9 getting avg benchmarks for device 3346 +0.002s ... 0.101s

#10 got single benchmarks 3346 +0.01s ... 0.111s

#11 getting avg benchmarks for device 3098 +0.003s ... 0.113s

#12 got single benchmarks 3098 +0.068s ... 0.181s

#13 got avg benchmarks for devices +0s ... 0.181s

#14 min, max, avg, median took s +0.357s ... 0.538s

#15 return log +0s ... 0.538s

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> 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)