Core i5-6300HQ vs Core i7-3632QM

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 i5-6300HQ vs Core i7-3632QM 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 i5-6300HQ vs Core i7-3632QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-6300HQ

2015

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3632QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,672 vs 4,754).
❌28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.

Core i7-3632QM

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +17.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3632QM better than Core i5-6300HQ?

Yes. Core i7-3632QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 17.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3632QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 17.7% 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 i7-3632QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-3632QM still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-3632QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 17.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i5-6300HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-6300HQ vs Core i7-3632QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-6300HQ

The Core i5-6300HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,672 points. Launch price was $250.

Core i7-3632QM

The Core i7-3632QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 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: FCBGA1224. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,754 points. Launch price was $359.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-6300HQ packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-3632QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-6300HQ versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-3632QM — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i5-6300HQ uses the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3632QM uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-6300HQ scores 4,672 against the Core i7-3632QM's 4,754 — a 1.7% lead for the Core i7-3632QM. L3 cache: 6 MB on the Core i5-6300HQ vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-3632QM.

Feature	Core i5-6300HQ	Core i7-3632QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.3 GHz+5%	2.2 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Skylake (2015−2016)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	4,672	4,754+2%
Geekbench 6 Single	1,000	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-6300HQ uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3632QM uses FCBGA1224 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6300HQ versus 1600 on the Core i7-3632QM — the Core i5-6300HQ supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-6300HQ supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM170,QM170 (Core i5-6300HQ) and HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3632QM).

Feature	Core i5-6300HQ	Core i7-3632QM
Socket	BGA1440	FCBGA1224
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2133+33%	1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	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 i5-6300HQ) vs true (Core i7-3632QM). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 530 (Core i5-6300HQ) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3632QM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-6300HQ targets Gaming Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-6300HQ rivals A12-9730P; Core i7-3632QM rivals AMD A10-5750M.