A8-7680 vs Core i7-2630QM

AMD

A8-7680

4 Cores4 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2018
VS
Intel

Core i7-2630QM

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2011

A8-7680 vs Core i7-2630QM Performance Spectrum

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.

A8-7680 vs Core i7-2630QM 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.

A8-7680 vs Core i7-2630QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A8-7680

2018

Why buy it

  • βœ…Includes a boxed cooler (true), unlike Core i7-2630QM.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark (3,523 vs 3,550).

Core i7-2630QM

2011

Why buy it

  • βœ…+0.8% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Launch MSRP is still $378 MSRP, while A8-7680 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • ❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A8-7680.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2630QM better than A8-7680?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, A8-7680 is ahead with a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-2630QM pulls ahead with 0.8% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-2630QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-2630QM is the better buy right now. Core i7-2630QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at $378 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.8% better PassMark. The compromise is that A8-7680 is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (9.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
A8-7680 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A8-7680 vs Core i7-2630QM Technical Specifications

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

AMD

A8-7680

The A8-7680 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 26 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Excavator (2017βˆ’2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,523 points. Launch price was $56.

Intel

Core i7-2630QM

The Core i7-2630QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011βˆ’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: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 3,550 points. Launch price was $378.

⚑

Processing Power

The A8-7680 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-2630QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the A8-7680 versus 2.9 GHz on the Core i7-2630QM β€” a 26.9% clock advantage for the A8-7680 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2 GHz). The A8-7680 uses the Excavator (2017βˆ’2018) architecture (28 nm), while the Core i7-2630QM uses Sandy Bridge (2011βˆ’2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A8-7680 scores 3,523 against the Core i7-2630QM's 3,550 β€” a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-2630QM.

FeatureA8-7680Core i7-2630QM
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.8 GHz+31%
2.9 GHz
Base Clock
3.5 GHz+75%
2 GHz
L3 Cache
β€”
6 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1 MB (per core)
256K (per core)+25500%
Process
28 nm-13%
32 nm
Architecture
Excavator (2017βˆ’2018)
Sandy Bridge (2011βˆ’2013)
PassMark
3,523
3,550
🧠

Memory & Platform

The A8-7680 uses the FM2+ socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2630QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 2133 on the A8-7680 versus 1600 on the Core i7-2630QM β€” the A8-7680 supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The A8-7680 supports up to 64 of RAM compared to 32 β€” 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: FM2+ (A8-7680) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i7-2630QM).

FeatureA8-7680Core i7-2630QM
Socket
FM2+
PGA988
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
2133+33%
1600
Max RAM Capacity
64+100%
32
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
πŸ”§

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics β€” Radeon R7 Graphics (A8-7680) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2630QM) β€” useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: A8-7680 rivals Core i3-4150; Core i7-2630QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.

FeatureA8-7680Core i7-2630QM
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon R7 Graphics
Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
true
true