Core i5-3610ME vs Core i7-3687U

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 i5-3610ME vs Core i7-3687U 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 i5-3610ME vs Core i7-3687U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3610ME

2012

Why buy it

✅+1.2% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (585 vs 640).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $276 MSRP, while Core i7-3687U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i7-3687U

2013

Why buy it

✅+9.4% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,621 vs 2,652).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3610ME better than Core i7-3687U?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-3687U is ahead with a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3610ME pulls ahead with 1.2% better PassMark. Core i7-3687U also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3610ME is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3610ME is the better buy right now. Core i5-3610ME comes in at an unclear MSRP at $276 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1.2% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-3687U is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (9.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-3687U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-3610ME vs Core i7-3687U Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3610ME

The Core i5-3610ME is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 June 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: G2. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 2,652 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i7-3687U

The Core i7-3687U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,621 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3610ME and Core i7-3687U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-3610ME versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-3687U — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-3610ME scores 2,652 against the Core i7-3687U's 2,621 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i5-3610ME. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 585 vs 640, a 9% lead for the Core i7-3687U that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3610ME vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3687U.

Feature	Core i5-3610ME	Core i7-3687U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+29%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,652+1%	2,621
Geekbench 6 Single	585	640+9%
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,240

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3610ME uses the G2 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3687U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. The Core i7-3687U supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,QM77,QM67 (Core i5-3610ME) and QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3687U).

Feature	Core i5-3610ME	Core i7-3687U
Socket	G2	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	32 GB+100%
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 i5-3610ME) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3687U). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3610ME) and HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3687U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3610ME targets Embedded, Core i7-3687U targets Enthusiast. Direct competitor: Core i5-3610ME rivals Embedded R-Series; Core i7-3687U rivals Ryzen 7 3700U.

Feature	Core i5-3610ME	Core i7-3687U
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4000	HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Embedded	Enthusiast