Core i3-4350 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 i3-4350 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 i3-4350 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 i3-4350

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $240 less on MSRP ($138 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 178.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 26.2 vs 9.4 PassMark/$ ($138 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i7-2630QM.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
❌20% higher power demand at 54W vs 45W.

Core i7-2630QM

2011

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Draws 45W instead of 54W, a 9W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,550 vs 3,611).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.4 vs 26.2 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $138 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-4350.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-4350 better than Core i7-2630QM?

Yes. Core i3-4350 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 34 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.7% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-4350 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% more average FPS across 34 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-4350 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.7% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-4350 is the better buy right now. Core i3-4350 comes in $240 cheaper on MSRP at $138 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 34 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 178.6% better value on MSRP (26.2 vs 9.4 PassMark/$), 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 i3-4350 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-4350 vs Core i7-2630QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4350

The Core i3-4350 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 May 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: 4 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: 3,611 points. Launch price was $170.

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.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-4350 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 3.6 GHz on the Core i3-4350 versus 2.9 GHz on the Core i7-2630QM — a 21.5% clock advantage for the Core i3-4350 (base: 3.6 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i3-4350 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-2630QM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4350 scores 3,611 against the Core i7-2630QM's 3,550 — a 1.7% lead for the Core i3-4350. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-4350 vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-2630QM.

Feature	Core i3-4350	Core i7-2630QM
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	4 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	3,611+2%	3,550
Geekbench 6 Single	951	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,827	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4350 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2630QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H81,B85,H87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i3-4350) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i7-2630QM).

Feature	Core i3-4350	Core i7-2630QM
Socket	LGA1150	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i3-4350) vs true (Core i7-2630QM). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4600 (Core i3-4350) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2630QM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-4350 targets Office Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2630QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.

Feature	Core i3-4350	Core i7-2630QM
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 4600	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	true
Target Use	Office Desktop	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-4350 was priced at $138, while the Core i7-2630QM came in at $378. On launch pricing ($138 vs $378), Core i3-4350 was $240 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-4350 delivers 26.2 pts/$ vs 9.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-2630QM — making the Core i3-4350 the 94.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-4350	Core i7-2630QM
MSRP	$138-63%	$378
Performance per Dollar	26.2+179%	9.4
Release Date	2014	2011

Search Core i3-4350 on Amazon

Search Core i7-2630QM on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.