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 i5-3570T vs Core i7-3610QM 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 i5-3570T vs Core i7-3610QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3570T

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $184 less on MSRP ($194 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 91.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 26.1 vs 13.6 PassMark/$ ($194 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-3610QM.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3610QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,055 vs 5,132).

Core i7-3610QM

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +14.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.6 vs 26.1 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $194 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-3570T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3610QM better than Core i5-3570T?

Yes. Core i7-3610QM 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, 1.5% 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 i7-3610QM 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 i7-3610QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-3610QM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-3610QM comes in 94.8% more expensive on MSRP at $378 MSRP versus $194 MSRP, and it still gives you a 14.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-3570T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 91.9% better value on paper (26.1 vs 13.6 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on that older platform.

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

Core i7-3610QM is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Core i5-3570T vs Core i7-3610QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3570T

The Core i5-3570T is manufactured by Intel. Passmark benchmark score: 5,055 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i7-3610QM

The Core i7-3610QM 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: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,132 points. Launch price was $378.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-3610QM is built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i5-3570T scores 5,055 against the Core i7-3610QM's 5,132 — a 1.5% lead for the Core i7-3610QM. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 657 vs 800, a 19.6% lead for the Core i7-3610QM that directly translates to higher frame rates.

Feature	Core i5-3570T	Core i7-3610QM
Cores / Threads	—	4 / 8
Boost Clock	—	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	—	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	—	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	—	256K (per core)
Process	—	22 nm
Architecture	—	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	5,055	5,132+2%
Geekbench 6 Single	657	800+22%
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	3,000

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Memory & Platform

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: H61,B75,H77,Z75,Z77 (Core i5-3570T) and HM77,QM77 (Core i7-3610QM).

Feature	Core i5-3570T	Core i7-3610QM
Socket	—	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-3570T) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3610QM). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 2500 (Core i5-3570T) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3610QM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3570T targets Legacy Low Power Desktop, Core i7-3610QM targets High Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3570T rivals A8-5600K; Core i7-3610QM rivals AMD A10-5750M.

Feature	Core i5-3570T	Core i7-3610QM
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 2500	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Legacy Low Power Desktop	High Performance Laptop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-3570T was priced at $194, while the Core i7-3610QM came in at $378. On launch pricing ($194 vs $378), Core i5-3570T was $184 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-3570T delivers 26.1 pts/$ vs 13.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-3610QM — making the Core i5-3570T the 63% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-3570T	Core i7-3610QM
MSRP	$194-49%	$378
Performance per Dollar	26.1+92%	13.6
Release Date	2012	2012

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