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 i5-4430 vs Core i7-3612QM 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 i5-4430 vs Core i7-3612QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4430

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $196 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 107.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.6 vs 12.3 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-3612QM.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3612QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,653 vs 4,661).
❌140% higher power demand at 84W vs 35W.

Core i7-3612QM

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 35W instead of 84W, a 49W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.3 vs 25.6 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4430.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3612QM better than Core i5-4430?

Yes. Core i7-3612QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3612QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.5% 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 i7-3612QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-3612QM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-3612QM comes in 107.7% more expensive on MSRP at $378 MSRP versus $182 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-4430 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 107.3% better value on paper (25.6 vs 12.3 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1150.

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

Core i5-4430 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4430 vs Core i7-3612QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4430

The Core i5-4430 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,653 points. Launch price was $182.

Core i7-3612QM

The Core i7-3612QM 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 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1224. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,661 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4430 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-3612QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-4430 versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-3612QM — a 3.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-4430 (base: 3 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i5-4430 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-3612QM uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4430 scores 4,653 against the Core i7-3612QM's 4,661 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-3612QM. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,015 vs 600, a 51.4% lead for the Core i5-4430 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-4430	Core i7-3612QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+3%	3.1 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz+43%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	4,653	4,661
Geekbench 6 Single	1,015+69%	600
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	2,600

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4430 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3612QM uses FCBGA1224 (PCIe 3.0) — 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 i5-4430) and HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77 (Core i7-3612QM).

Feature	Core i5-4430	Core i7-3612QM
Socket	LGA1150	FCBGA1224
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
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. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4430) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3612QM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4430 targets Desktop, Core i7-3612QM targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4430 rivals FX-6300; Core i7-3612QM rivals AMD A10-5750M.

Feature	Core i5-4430	Core i7-3612QM
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4600	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Desktop	Mainstream Laptop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4430 was priced at $182, while the Core i7-3612QM came in at $378. On launch pricing ($182 vs $378), Core i5-4430 was $196 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4430 delivers 25.6 pts/$ vs 12.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-3612QM — making the Core i5-4430 the 69.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4430	Core i7-3612QM
MSRP	$182-52%	$378
Performance per Dollar	25.6+108%	12.3
Release Date	2013	2012

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