Core i5-4690T vs Core i7-3612QM

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 i5-4690T 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 i5-4690T 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 i5-4690T

2014

Why buy it

✅Costs $186 less on MSRP ($192 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 95.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 24.1 vs 12.3 PassMark/$ ($192 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3612QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,620 vs 4,661).
❌28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3612QM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-3612QM

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Core i5-4690T needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.3 vs 24.1 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $192 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3612QM better than Core i5-4690T?

Yes. Core i7-3612QM 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 0.9% 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 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 i7-3612QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% 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 96.9% more expensive on MSRP at $378 MSRP versus $192 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-4690T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 95.1% better value on paper (24.1 vs 12.3 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4690T 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 i5-4690T vs Core i7-3612QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4690T

The Core i5-4690T 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 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,620 points. Launch price was $69.

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 i5-4690T packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-3612QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-4690T versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-3612QM — a 12.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-4690T (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i5-4690T uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-3612QM uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4690T scores 4,620 against the Core i7-3612QM's 4,661 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i7-3612QM. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-4690T	Core i7-3612QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+13%	3.1 GHz
Base Clock	2.5 GHz+19%	2.1 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	4,620	4,661
Geekbench 6 Single	—	600
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	2,600

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4690T uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3612QM uses FCBGA1224 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-4690T	Core i7-3612QM
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: not specified (Core i5-4690T) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3612QM). The Core i7-3612QM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i5-4690T requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3612QM targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3612QM rivals AMD A10-5750M.

Feature	Core i5-4690T	Core i7-3612QM
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Mainstream Laptop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-4690T was priced at $192, while the Core i7-3612QM came in at $378. On launch pricing ($192 vs $378), Core i5-4690T was $186 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-4690T delivers 24.1 pts/$ vs 12.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-3612QM — making the Core i5-4690T the 64.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-4690T	Core i7-3612QM
MSRP	$192-49%	$378
Performance per Dollar	24.1+96%	12.3
Release Date	2014	2012

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