Core i3-1115GRE vs Core i7-2860QM

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 i3-1115GRE vs Core i7-2860QM 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 i3-1115GRE vs Core i7-2860QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-1115GRE

2020

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 45W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2860QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,588 vs 4,597).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $338 MSRP, while Core i7-2860QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i7-2860QM

2011

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +14.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅300% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌200% higher power demand at 45W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2860QM better than Core i3-1115GRE?

Yes. Core i7-2860QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 14.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-2860QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 14.0% 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 i7-2860QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

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

Core i7-2860QM is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i7-2860QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $338 MSRP, and it still gives you a 14.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-1115GRE only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 14.0% in the shared gaming data.

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

Core i3-1115GRE 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 i3-1115GRE vs Core i7-2860QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-1115GRE

The Core i3-1115GRE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 September 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1449. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, LPDDR4X. Passmark benchmark score: 4,588 points. Launch price was $338.

Core i7-2860QM

The Core i7-2860QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 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, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,597 points. Launch price was $568.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-1115GRE packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-2860QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-2860QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-1115GRE versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-2860QM — a 8% clock advantage for the Core i3-1115GRE (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i3-1115GRE uses the Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i7-2860QM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-1115GRE scores 4,588 against the Core i7-2860QM's 4,597 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-2860QM. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i3-1115GRE vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2860QM.

Feature	Core i3-1115GRE	Core i7-2860QM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+8%	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	2.5 GHz+14%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	1.25 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+20380%
Process	10 nm-69%	32 nm
Architecture	Tiger Lake-U (2020−2021)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	4,588	4,597
Geekbench 6 Single	1,175	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,233	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-1115GRE uses the FCBGA1449 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i7-2860QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-3200 on the Core i3-1115GRE versus 1600 on the Core i7-2860QM — the Core i3-1115GRE supports 100% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-1115GRE supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 4 (Core i3-1115GRE) vs 16 (Core i7-2860QM) — the Core i7-2860QM offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SoC (Core i3-1115GRE) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i7-2860QM).

Feature	Core i3-1115GRE	Core i7-2860QM
Socket	FCBGA1449	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 4.0+100%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-3200+100%	1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	4	16+300%

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Advanced Features

Only the Core i3-1115GRE supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Virtualization support: Yes (Core i3-1115GRE) vs true (Core i7-2860QM). Both include integrated graphics — Intel UHD Graphics (Core i3-1115GRE) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2860QM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-2860QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.