A10-7890K vs Core i7-2635QM

A10-7890K vs Core i7-2635QM Performance Spectrum

A10-7890K

4 / 4

3,537

0.0%

Athlon II X3 460

Athlon II X4 641

Athlon X4 850

Ryzen Embedded R1305G

Ryzen 7 6800HS

Ryzen AI Max 390

Ryzen 9 9955HX3D

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i7-2635QM

4 / 8

3,541

+0.1%

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

A10-7890K vs Core i7-2635QM FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A10-7890K vs Core i7-2635QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A10-7890K

2016

Why buy it

✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-2635QM.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,537 vs 3,541).
❌111.1% higher power demand at 95W vs 45W.

Core i7-2635QM

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 45W instead of 95W, a 50W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $378 MSRP, while A10-7890K mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A10-7890K.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2635QM better than A10-7890K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A10-7890K is ahead with a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-2635QM pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-2635QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-2635QM is the better buy right now. Core i7-2635QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at $378 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark. The compromise is that A10-7890K is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (9.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

A10-7890K makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A10-7890K vs Core i7-2635QM Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

A10-7890K

The A10-7890K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 11 January 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 4096 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 3,537 points. Launch price was $150.

Core i7-2635QM

The Core i7-2635QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1224. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 3,541 points. Launch price was $378.

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Processing Power

The A10-7890K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2635QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 4.3 GHz on the A10-7890K versus 2.9 GHz on the Core i7-2635QM — a 38.9% clock advantage for the A10-7890K (base: 4 GHz vs 2 GHz). The A10-7890K uses the Godaveri (2014−2016) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i7-2635QM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A10-7890K scores 3,537 against the Core i7-2635QM's 3,541 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-2635QM. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A10-7890K vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-2635QM.

Feature	A10-7890K	Core i7-2635QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.3 GHz+48%	2.9 GHz
Base Clock	4 GHz+100%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	4096 kB+1500%	256K (per core)
Process	28 nm-13%	32 nm
Architecture	Godaveri (2014−2016)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	3,537	3,541
Geekbench 6 Single	600	—

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Memory & Platform

The A10-7890K uses the FM2+ socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2635QM uses FCBGA1224 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-2133 on the A10-7890K versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2635QM — the A10-7890K supports 60% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A10-7890K supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	A10-7890K	Core i7-2635QM
Socket	FM2+	FCBGA1224
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-2133+60%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Only the A10-7890K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A10-7890K) vs VT-x (Core i7-2635QM). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon R7 (A10-7890K) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2635QM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A10-7890K targets Budget, Core i7-2635QM targets Mobile. Direct competitor: A10-7890K rivals Core i3-6100.