Core i5-1030NG7 vs Core i7-3615QE

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 i5-1030NG7 vs Core i7-3615QE 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 i5-1030NG7 vs Core i7-3615QE: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-1030NG7

2020

Why buy it

✅Draws 10W instead of 45W, a 35W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Plus Graphics G7, while Core i7-3615QE needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3615QE across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,600 vs 5,617).

Core i7-3615QE

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.6% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $400 MSRP, while Core i5-1030NG7 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌350% higher power demand at 45W vs 10W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-1030NG7 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3615QE better than Core i5-1030NG7?

Yes. Core i7-3615QE is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3615QE is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.6% 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 i7-3615QE is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-3615QE is the better buy right now. Core i7-3615QE comes in at an unclear MSRP at $400 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (14.0 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-1030NG7 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-1030NG7 vs Core i7-3615QE Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-1030NG7

The Core i5-1030NG7 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 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1044. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR4-3733. Passmark benchmark score: 5,600 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i7-3615QE

The Core i7-3615QE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 5,617 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-1030NG7 and Core i7-3615QE share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-1030NG7 versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-3615QE — a 5.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-1030NG7 (base: 1.1 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i5-1030NG7 uses the Ice Lake-Y (2020) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i7-3615QE uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-1030NG7 scores 5,600 against the Core i7-3615QE's 5,617 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-3615QE. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-1030NG7 vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i7-3615QE.

Feature	Core i5-1030NG7	Core i7-3615QE
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+6%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	1.1 GHz	2.3 GHz+109%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6144 kB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	10 nm-55%	22 nm
Architecture	Ice Lake-Y (2020)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	5,600	5,617
Geekbench 6 Single	1,239	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-1030NG7 uses the BGA1044 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3615QE uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-1030NG7	Core i7-3615QE
Socket	BGA1044	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR4-3733	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-1030NG7) / not specified (Core i7-3615QE). The Core i5-1030NG7 includes integrated graphics (Iris Plus Graphics G7), while the Core i7-3615QE requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-1030NG7 targets Thin & Light Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-1030NG7 rivals Ryzen 5 4500U.