Core i5-4590S vs Core i7-3610QM

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 i5-4590S 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 i5-4590S 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 i5-4590S

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $186 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 96.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 26.7 vs 13.6 PassMark/$ ($192 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 (5,131 vs 5,132).
❌44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Core i7-3610QM

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 13.6 vs 26.7 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-4590S.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3610QM better than Core i5-4590S?

Yes. Core i7-3610QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 10.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3610QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 10.3% 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 0% 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 96.9% more expensive on MSRP at $378 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-4590S only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 96.8% better value on paper (26.7 vs 13.6 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4590S makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4590S vs Core i7-3610QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4590S

The Core i5-4590S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 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 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,131 points. Launch price was $291.

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 i5-4590S packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-3610QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-4590S versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-3610QM — a 11.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-4590S (base: 3 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i5-4590S uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-3610QM uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4590S scores 5,131 against the Core i7-3610QM's 5,132 — a 0% lead for the Core i7-3610QM. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,116 vs 800, a 33% lead for the Core i5-4590S that directly translates to higher frame rates. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-4590S	Core i7-3610QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz+12%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz+30%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	5,131	5,132
Geekbench 6 Single	1,116+40%	800
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	3,000

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4590S uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3610QM uses PGA988 (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,Q85,Q87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i5-4590S) and HM77,QM77 (Core i7-3610QM).

Feature	Core i5-4590S	Core i7-3610QM
Socket	LGA1150	PGA988
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. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-4590S) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3610QM). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4600 (Core i5-4590S) 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 i5-4590S targets Desktop, Core i7-3610QM targets High Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4590S rivals A10-7850K; Core i7-3610QM rivals AMD A10-5750M.

Feature	Core i5-4590S	Core i7-3610QM
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
Target Use	Desktop	High Performance Laptop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4590S was priced at $192, while the Core i7-3610QM came in at $378. On launch pricing ($192 vs $378), Core i5-4590S was $186 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4590S delivers 26.7 pts/$ vs 13.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-3610QM — making the Core i5-4590S the 65.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4590S	Core i7-3610QM
MSRP	$192-49%	$378
Performance per Dollar	26.7+96%	13.6
Release Date	2014	2012

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