Core i3-4160 vs Core i7-2635QM
Core i3-4160
Core i7-2635QM
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i3-4160 is positioned at rank 596 and the Core i7-2635QM is on rank 1096, so the Core i3-4160 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-4160
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2635QM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-4160 | Core i7-2635QM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($52) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-4160 | Core i7-2635QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+620%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($52) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i3-4160 and Core i7-2635QM
Core i3-4160
The Core i3-4160 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 July 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 3,506 points. Launch price was $133.
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.
Processing Power
The Core i3-4160 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-2635QM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-2635QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i3-4160 versus 2.9 GHz on the Core i7-2635QM — a 21.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-4160 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i3-4160 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-2635QM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4160 scores 3,506 against the Core i7-2635QM's 3,541 — a 1% lead for the Core i7-2635QM. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-4160 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-2635QM.
| Feature | Core i3-4160 | Core i7-2635QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.6 GHz+24% | 2.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 3.6 GHz+80% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 6 MB (total)+100% |
| L2 Cache | 256 kB (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 3,506 | 3,541 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,100 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-4160 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2635QM uses FCBGA1224 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. The Core i3-4160 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i3-4160 | Core i7-2635QM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | LGA1150 | FCBGA1224 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+100% | 16 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-4160) vs VT-x (Core i7-2635QM). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4400 (Core i3-4160) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2635QM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4160 targets Budget Desktop, Core i7-2635QM targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i3-4160 rivals FX-6300.
| Feature | Core i3-4160 | Core i7-2635QM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 4400 | HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, EPT | VT-x |
| Target Use | Budget Desktop | Mobile |
Value Analysis
The Core i3-4160 launched at $117 MSRP, while the Core i7-2635QM debuted at $378.
| Feature | Core i3-4160 | Core i7-2635QM |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $117-69% | $378 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $52 | — |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2011 |
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