Core i5-4430 vs Core i7-3635QM

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 i7-3635QM 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 i7-3635QM: 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

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Core i7-3635QM needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-3635QM.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3635QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,653 vs 4,728).
❌Launch MSRP is still $182 MSRP, while Core i7-3635QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌86.7% higher power demand at 84W vs 45W.

Core i7-3635QM

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 45W instead of 84W, a 39W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4430 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4430.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3635QM better than Core i5-4430?

Yes. Core i7-3635QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 8.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3635QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.5% 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 i7-3635QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-3635QM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-3635QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $182 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-4430 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2013 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (25.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-3635QM 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 i7-3635QM

The Core i7-3635QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1224. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,728 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-4430 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-3635QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-4430 versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-3635QM — a 6.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-3635QM (base: 3 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i5-4430 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-3635QM uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4430 scores 4,653 against the Core i7-3635QM's 4,728 — a 1.6% lead for the Core i7-3635QM. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-4430	Core i7-3635QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.4 GHz+6%
Base Clock	3 GHz+25%	2.4 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	4,728+2%
Geekbench 6 Single	1,015	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4430 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3635QM uses FCBGA1224 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-4430	Core i7-3635QM
Socket	LGA1150	FCBGA1224
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
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 i5-4430) / not specified (Core i7-3635QM). The Core i5-4430 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i7-3635QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4430 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4430 rivals FX-6300.