Intel Core i7-4940MX socket: Socket G3
The Intel Core i7-4940MX uses the Socket G3 socket. It is an unlocked Extreme quad Haswell mobile part with eight threads from 3.1 GHz to 4.0 GHz at 57 W with HD Graphics 4600.
- Socket
- Socket G3
- Launched
- February 2014
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 57 W
- Codename
- Haswell
- Segment
- Mobile (socketed)
- Family
- Intel Core i7
- Clocks
- 3.1 / 4.0 GHz
Intel Core i7-4940MX specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Haswell cores on 22 nm |
| Clocks | 3.1 GHz base, up to 4.0 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 8 MB Smart Cache |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 57 W |
| Manufacturing process | 22 nm |
| Memory support | DDR3L-1333 and 1600, two channels, up to 32 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe 3.0, 16 lanes |
| Integrated graphics | Intel HD Graphics 4600 (400 MHz to 1.35 GHz) |
| Multiplier | Unlocked (Extreme Edition) |
| Package | FCPGA946 (37.5 × 37.5 mm) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i7-4940MX needs a motherboard with a Socket G3 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| Lynx Point mobile (8 series) | HM87, HM86, QM87 | Works out of the box |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for Socket G3.
Socket G3 at a glance
| Type | rPGA, 946 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 37.5 × 37.5 mm |
| Introduced | June 2013 |
| Memory | DDR3L-1333 and 1600, two channels, up to 32 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | Board specific (laptop heatsink) |
What the Core i7-4940MX is
The Core i7-4940MX Extreme Edition is the unlocked Haswell mobile flagship for large laptops on Socket G3. Intel set four cores and eight threads at 3.1 GHz base with turbo to 4.0 GHz. Eight megabytes of Smart Cache back heavy builds and renders. Power is 57 W on 22 nm from February 2014. The unlocked multiplier allows tuning on HM87 boards with strong cooling.
Top mobile clocks of the season help single thread games and creation that favor speed. At 3.1 GHz base with bursts to 4.0 GHz, the chip matches desktop feel when thermals allow. Eight threads carry streaming beside play. Tuning past stock needs large pipes and steady power, since 57 W already taxes 17 inch bodies. Most owners pair it with flagship MXM graphics for gaming work.
HD Graphics 4600 from 400 MHz to 1.35 GHz covers setup without discrete power. DDR3L-1333 and 1600 over two channels to 32 GB feed cores and graphics. The Extreme tag suits tuners and collectors who want the fastest socketed Haswell mobile with ratio control.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 4940MX seats in Socket G3 as FCPGA946 at 37.5 × 37.5 mm. Ratio tuning needs HM87 boards with unlocked firmware. QM87 and HM86 may run it at stock but lack tuning paths. Check the maker list for Extreme support and minimum BIOS. Cooling must cover 57 W plus discrete graphics with large dual fans.
DDR3L SODIMMs to 32 GB carry memory on four slot gaming bodies. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide covers socketed mobile limits. Heatsinks are board specific per service manual, not desktop pattern.
A swap from a locked MQ to this MX on the same socket is possible where power and BIOS allow. Soldered HQ boards never accept pinned Extreme parts.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR3L-1333 and 1600 in dual channel to 32 GB with up to 25.6 GB/s suit gaming laptops. Sixteen to 32 gigabytes cover modern titles with background tools. Four matched sticks reach full capacity. Matched pairs help integrated graphics between discrete sessions.
Sixteen PCIe 3.0 lanes from the CPU feed MXM graphics and fast drives. Gaming designs wire x16 to graphics with mSATA paths for storage. Lynx Point adds PCIe 2.0 for USB and SATA. Exact splits sit in the service manual.
Cooling is a large dual fan assembly for 57 W plus flagship graphics. No boxed cooler ships. Noise under load follows fan tables and shared pipes. Repaste per manual and keep rear exhausts open for steady 3.1 GHz operation.
Upgrade paths
Within the socket the Intel Core i7-4910MQ at 2.9 GHz to 3.9 GHz with 8 MB of cache is the locked twin for the same boards at 47 W. The Intel Core i7-4810MQ at 2.8 GHz to 3.8 GHz is a lower cost quad where tuning is not needed. Both share DDR3L and G3 fit.
A newer platform means a new laptop with soldered parts. The 4940MX covers tuners who want unlocked Haswell mobile at 57 W.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Core i7-4940MX use?
It uses Socket G3 with pins for large laptops.
How many cores does the Core i7-4940MX have?
Four cores and eight threads at 3.1 GHz base with turbo to 4.0 GHz.
Can the Core i7-4940MX be overclocked?
Yes. It is an Extreme Edition with unlocked multiplier for HM87 tuning.
What is the TDP of the Core i7-4940MX?
57 W plus discrete graphics heat in 17 inch bodies.
Sources and verification
- Intel Core i7-4940MX Extreme specifications (Intel, 8M Cache up to 4.00 GHz 57W)
- Intel Core i7-4940MX Notebook Processor (Notebookcheck, 3.1 to 4.0 GHz)
- Socket G3 (Wikipedia, rPGA946 Extreme mobile)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .