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 i5-7400T 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 i5-7400T 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 i5-7400T

2017

Why buy it

✅Costs $196 less on MSRP ($182 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 109.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.8 vs 12.3 PassMark/$ ($182 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-3612QM.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3612QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (2,463 vs 2,600).

Core i7-3612QM

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +10.1% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.3 vs 25.8 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $182 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i5-7400T.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3612QM better than Core i5-7400T?

Yes. Core i7-3612QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 10.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 5.6% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 10.1% 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 5.6% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 107.7% more expensive on MSRP at $378 MSRP versus $182 MSRP, and it still gives you a 10.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-7400T only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 109.1% better value on paper (25.8 vs 12.3 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.

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

Core i5-7400T makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-7400T vs Core i7-3612QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-7400T

The Core i5-7400T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,692 points. Launch price was $187.

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 i5-7400T packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-3612QM's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Core i5-7400T versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-3612QM — a 3.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-3612QM (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.1 GHz). The Core i5-7400T uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3612QM uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7400T scores 4,692 against the Core i7-3612QM's 4,661 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-7400T. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,069 vs 600, a 56.2% lead for the Core i5-7400T that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,463 vs 2,600 (5.4% advantage for the Core i7-3612QM). Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-7400T	Core i7-3612QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3 GHz	3.1 GHz+3%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz+14%	2.1 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	4,692	4,661
Cinebench R23 Multi	3,334	—
Geekbench 6 Single	1,069+78%	600
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,463	2,600+6%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-7400T uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3612QM uses FCBGA1224 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i5-7400T versus DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3612QM — the Core i5-7400T supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-7400T 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: B150,Q170,B250,Q250,H110,Q270,H170,Z170,H270,Z270 (Core i5-7400T) and HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77 (Core i7-3612QM).

Feature	Core i5-7400T	Core i7-3612QM
Socket	LGA1151	FCBGA1224
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+50%	DDR3-1600
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

Virtualization support: Yes (Core i5-7400T) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3612QM). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 630 (Core i5-7400T) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3612QM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3612QM targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3612QM rivals AMD A10-5750M.

Feature	Core i5-7400T	Core i7-3612QM
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 630	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	Yes	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	—	Mainstream Laptop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-7400T was priced at $182, while the Core i7-3612QM came in at $378. On launch pricing ($182 vs $378), Core i5-7400T was $196 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7400T delivers 25.8 pts/$ vs 12.3 pts/$ for the Core i7-3612QM — making the Core i5-7400T the 70.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-7400T	Core i7-3612QM
MSRP	$182-52%	$378
Performance per Dollar	25.8+110%	12.3
Release Date	2017	2012

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