Main points
- The Intel Core i7 3940XM, being a discontinued product, can be found at a much lower price point compared to the Intel Core i9 10920X.
- However, if you require a powerhouse for multi-threaded workloads, the 10920X is the clear winner, offering superior performance and a future-proofed architecture.
- Upgrading from the 3940XM to the 10920X would require a new motherboard and possibly a new power supply due to the different socket and power requirements.
Choosing the right CPU for your needs can be a daunting task, especially when comparing processors from different generations. Today, we’re diving into a head-to-head comparison between two powerhouse CPUs: the Intel Core i7 3940XM and the Intel Core i9 10920X. This duel pits a seasoned veteran from the Ivy Bridge era against a more recent contender from the Comet Lake generation.
A Glimpse into the Past: The Intel Core i7 3940XM
Released in 2012, the Intel Core i7 3940XM was a top-of-the-line mobile processor designed for high-performance laptops. This quad-core beast boasted a base clock speed of 3.0 GHz, capable of turbo boosting up to 3.9 GHz. With 8MB of L3 cache, the 3940XM was a formidable force for its time, handling demanding tasks with ease.
The Rise of the Intel Core i9 10920X
Fast forward to 2019, and we encounter the Intel Core i9 10920X, a desktop-grade processor from the Comet Lake series. This 10-core behemoth operates at a base clock speed of 3.5 GHz, capable of turbo boosting up to 4.6 GHz. The 10920X boasts a larger 19.25 MB of L3 cache, significantly enhancing its performance in multi-threaded applications.
Comparing the Core Counts: A Tale of Two Numbers
The most striking difference between the two processors lies in their core count. The Intel Core i7 3940XM offers a modest four cores, while the Intel Core i9 10920X boasts a staggering ten cores. This disparity translates into a significant performance advantage for the 10920X in multi-threaded workloads, where each core can tackle a separate task simultaneously.
Benchmarking the Powerhouses: Performance Showdown
To understand the real-world performance differences, let’s delve into some benchmark results. In single-threaded benchmarks, the 10920X edges out the 3940XM due to its higher clock speeds and newer architecture. However, the 10920X truly shines in multi-threaded benchmarks, demonstrating a significant performance lead thanks to its ten cores.
Power Consumption: A Balancing Act
While the 10920X offers superior performance, it comes at a cost. Its ten cores demand more power, resulting in a higher TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 165W compared to the 3940XM’s 55W. This means the 10920X requires a more robust cooling solution and will consume more energy during operation.
The Price Tag: A Reflection of Power
The price difference between the two processors is substantial. The Intel Core i7 3940XM, being a discontinued product, can be found at a much lower price point compared to the Intel Core i9 10920X. However, it’s worth noting that the 10920X offers significantly more performance, justifying its higher price tag.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Champion
Choosing between the Intel Core i7 3940XM and the Intel Core i9 10920X boils down to your specific needs and budget. If you’re on a tight budget and primarily use single-threaded applications, the 3940XM can still provide a decent performance. However, if you require a powerhouse for multi-threaded workloads, the 10920X is the clear winner, offering superior performance and a future-proofed architecture.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which processor is better for gaming?
A: While both processors can handle modern games, the 10920X offers a significant advantage in multi-threaded games, particularly with its higher core count. However, for single-threaded games, the difference might not be noticeable.
Q: Which processor is more energy-efficient?
A: The Intel Core i7 3940XM boasts a much lower TDP and consumes less power compared to the Intel Core i9 10920X.
Q: Can I upgrade from the 3940XM to the 10920X?
A: Upgrading from the 3940XM to the 10920X would require a new motherboard and possibly a new power supply due to the different socket and power requirements.
Q: Is the 10920X still relevant in 2023?
A: While the 10920X is a powerful processor, newer processors like the 12th and 13th generation Intel CPUs offer significant performance improvements. However, the 10920X can still provide a solid performance for many tasks, especially if you’re on a budget.
