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 i5-4460 vs Core i7-3612QE 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 i5-4460 vs Core i7-3612QE: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4460

2014

Why buy it

✅+31.9% higher Geekbench multi-core.
✅Costs $244 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $426 MSRP).
✅Delivers 133.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 27.0 vs 11.6 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $426 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-3612QE.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3612QE across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌140% higher power demand at 84W vs 35W.

Core i7-3612QE

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 35W instead of 84W, a 49W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (2,200 vs 2,901).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 11.6 vs 27.0 PassMark/$ ($426 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4460.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4460 better than Core i7-3612QE?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-3612QE is ahead with a 6.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4460 pulls ahead with 31.9% better Geekbench multi-core.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4460 is the stronger fit. You are getting 31.9% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4460 is the better buy right now. Core i5-4460 comes in $244 cheaper on MSRP at $182 MSRP versus $426 MSRP, and it still gives you 31.9% better Geekbench multi-core. The compromise is that Core i7-3612QE is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 6.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 133.4% better value on MSRP (27.0 vs 11.6 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4460 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2012) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-4460 vs Core i7-3612QE Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4460

The Core i5-4460 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 May 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,915 points. Launch price was $182.

Core i7-3612QE

The Core i7-3612QE 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: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 4,929 points. Launch price was $69.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-4460 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-3612QE's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-4460 versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-3612QE — a 9.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-4460 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i5-4460 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-3612QE uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4460 scores 4,915 against the Core i7-3612QE's 4,929 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-3612QE. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,104 vs 640, a 53.2% lead for the Core i5-4460 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,901 vs 2,200 (27.5% advantage for the Core i5-4460). L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-4460 vs 6144 kB (total) on the Core i7-3612QE.

Feature	Core i5-4460	Core i7-3612QE
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz+10%	3.1 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+52%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6144 kB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	4,915	4,929
Cinebench R23 Multi	512	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,104+73%	640
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,901+32%	2,200

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4460 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3612QE uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. The Core i5-4460 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: H81,B85,H87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i5-4460) and HM76,QM77 (Core i7-3612QE).

Feature	Core i5-4460	Core i7-3612QE
Socket	LGA1150	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD 4600 (Core i5-4460) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3612QE) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4460 targets Budget, Core i7-3612QE targets Industrial/Embedded. Direct competitor: Core i5-4460 rivals Core i5-4440.

Feature	Core i5-4460	Core i7-3612QE
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD 4600	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Budget	Industrial/Embedded

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4460 was priced at $182, while the Core i7-3612QE came in at $426. On launch pricing ($182 vs $426), Core i5-4460 was $244 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4460 delivers 27.0 pts/$ vs 11.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-3612QE — making the Core i5-4460 the 80% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4460	Core i7-3612QE
MSRP	$182-57%	$426
Performance per Dollar	27.0+133%	11.6
Release Date	2014	2012

Search Core i5-4460 on Amazon

Search Core i7-3612QE on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.