Core i3-1000NG4 vs Core i7-2630QM

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.

Core i3-1000NG4 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.

Core i3-1000NG4 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.

Core i3-1000NG4

2020

Why buy it

✅Draws 9W instead of 45W, a 36W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2630QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (3,530 vs 3,550).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2630QM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-2630QM

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +14.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Core i3-1000NG4 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $378 MSRP, while Core i3-1000NG4 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌400% higher power demand at 45W vs 9W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2630QM better than Core i3-1000NG4?

Yes. Core i7-2630QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 14.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-2630QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 14.3% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

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 $378 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 14.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (9.4 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-1000NG4 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-1000NG4 vs Core i7-2630QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-1000NG4

The Core i3-1000NG4 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 18 March 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Ice Lake-Y (2020) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1044. Thermal design power (TDP): 9 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR4-3733. Passmark benchmark score: 3,530 points. Launch price was $69.

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 (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: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 3,550 points. Launch price was $378.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-1000NG4 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-2630QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-2630QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-1000NG4 versus 2.9 GHz on the Core i7-2630QM — a 9.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-1000NG4 (base: 1.1 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i3-1000NG4 uses the Ice Lake-Y (2020) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i7-2630QM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1000NG4 scores 3,530 against the Core i7-2630QM's 3,550 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-2630QM. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-1000NG4 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-2630QM.

Feature	Core i3-1000NG4	Core i7-2630QM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+10%	2.9 GHz
Base Clock	1.1 GHz	2 GHz+82%
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	10 nm-69%	32 nm
Architecture	Ice Lake-Y (2020)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	3,530	3,550

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-1000NG4 uses the BGA1044 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2630QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-1000NG4	Core i7-2630QM
Socket	BGA1044	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-1000NG4) / true (Core i7-2630QM). The Core i7-2630QM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i3-1000NG4 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-2630QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.