Core i3-8130U vs Core i7-2630QM
Core i3-8130U
Core i7-2630QM
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 i3-8130U is positioned at rank 1024 and the Core i7-2630QM is on rank 1094, so the Core i3-8130U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-8130U
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2630QM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-8130U | Core i7-2630QM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-8130U | Core i7-2630QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ 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 i3-8130U and Core i7-2630QM
Core i3-8130U
The Core i3-8130U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 13 February 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,521 points. Launch price was $281.
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 i3-8130U 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 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-8130U versus 2.9 GHz on the Core i7-2630QM — a 15.9% clock advantage for the Core i3-8130U (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i3-8130U uses the Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-2630QM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-8130U scores 3,521 against the Core i7-2630QM's 3,550 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-2630QM. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-8130U vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-2630QM.
| Feature | Core i3-8130U | Core i7-2630QM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz+17% | 2.9 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.2 GHz+10% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 6 MB (total)+50% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 3,521 | 3,550 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,050 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-8130U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2630QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-8130U versus 1600 on the Core i7-2630QM — the Core i7-2630QM supports 199% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i3-8130U) vs 16 (Core i7-2630QM) — the Core i7-2630QM offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i3-8130U | Core i7-2630QM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1356 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400 | 1600+39900% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+104857500% | 32 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 12 | 16+33% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-8130U) vs true (Core i7-2630QM). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 620 (Core i3-8130U) 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 i3-8130U targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-8130U rivals Ryzen 3 2200U; Core i7-2630QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.
| Feature | Core i3-8130U | Core i7-2630QM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 620 | Intel HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | true |
| Target Use | Mainstream Laptop | — |
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