Core i7-2630QM vs Core i7-2635QM

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 i7-2630QM vs Core i7-2635QM 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 i7-2630QM vs Core i7-2635QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-2630QM

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

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

Core i7-2635QM

2011

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,541 vs 3,550).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2630QM better than Core i7-2635QM?

Yes. Core i7-2630QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 0.3% better PassMark and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-2630QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-2630QM is the better buy right now. Core i7-2630QM comes in in basically the same MSRP band at $378 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.3% higher PassMark. It is also 0.3% better value on MSRP (9.4 vs 9.4 PassMark/$), 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 i7-2630QM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-2630QM vs Core i7-2635QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-2630QM

The Core i7-2630QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 3,550 points. Launch price was $378.

Core i7-2635QM

The Core i7-2635QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1224. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 3,541 points. Launch price was $378.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-2630QM and Core i7-2635QM share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i7-2630QM versus 2.9 GHz on the Core i7-2635QM — identical boost frequencies (base: 2 GHz vs 2 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-2630QM scores 3,550 against the Core i7-2635QM's 3,541 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-2630QM. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-2630QM	Core i7-2635QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	2.9 GHz	2.9 GHz
Base Clock	2 GHz	2 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	3,550	3,541

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2630QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-2635QM uses FCBGA1224 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i7-2630QM versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2635QM — the Core i7-2630QM supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-2630QM 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.

Feature	Core i7-2630QM	Core i7-2635QM
Socket	PGA988	FCBGA1224
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1600+20%	DDR3-1333
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-2630QM) vs VT-x (Core i7-2635QM). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2630QM) and HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2635QM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2635QM targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i7-2630QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.

Feature	Core i7-2630QM	Core i7-2635QM
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 3000	HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	VT-x
Target Use	—	Mobile

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-2630QM was priced at $378, while the Core i7-2635QM came in at $378. On launch pricing ($378 vs $378), Core i7-2635QM was $0 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-2630QM delivers 9.4 pts/$ vs 9.4 pts/$ for the Core i7-2635QM — making the Core i7-2630QM the 0.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-2630QM	Core i7-2635QM
MSRP	$378	$378
Performance per Dollar	9.4	9.4
Release Date	2011	2011

Search Core i7-2630QM on Amazon

Search Core i7-2635QM 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.