Core i7-2630QM vs Pentium Dual Core T3200

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 Pentium Dual Core T3200 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 Pentium Dual Core T3200: 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

✅Better for gaming: +9.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Pentium Dual Core T3200 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,550 vs 3,600).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.4 vs 56.3 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $64 MSRP).
❌4400% higher power demand at 45W vs 1W.

Pentium Dual Core T3200

2008

Why buy it

✅+1.4% higher PassMark.
✅Costs $314 less on MSRP ($64 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 498.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 56.3 vs 9.4 PassMark/$ ($64 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Draws 1W instead of 45W, a 44W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2630QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2630QM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium Dual Core T3200 better than Core i7-2630QM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-2630QM is ahead with a 9.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Pentium Dual Core T3200 pulls ahead with 1.4% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium Dual Core T3200 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium Dual Core T3200 is the better buy right now. Pentium Dual Core T3200 comes in $314 cheaper on MSRP at $64 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you 1.4% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-2630QM is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 9.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 498.9% better value on MSRP (56.3 vs 9.4 PassMark/$), 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 a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2008). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-2630QM vs Pentium Dual Core T3200 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.

Pentium Dual Core T3200

The Pentium Dual Core T3200 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the NetBurst (2000−2006) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 1 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 3,600 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-2630QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Pentium Dual Core T3200 offers 2 cores / 2 threads — the Core i7-2630QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i7-2630QM versus 2 GHz on the Pentium Dual Core T3200 — a 36.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-2630QM. The Core i7-2630QM uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium Dual Core T3200 uses NetBurst (2000−2006) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2630QM scores 3,550 against the Pentium Dual Core T3200's 3,600 — a 1.4% lead for the Pentium Dual Core T3200.

Feature	Core i7-2630QM	Pentium Dual Core T3200
Cores / Threads	4 / 8+100%	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.9 GHz+45%	2 GHz
Base Clock	2 GHz	—
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB
Process	32 nm-51%	65 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	NetBurst (2000−2006)
PassMark	3,550	3,600+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	—	235
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	408

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Memory & Platform

Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i7-2630QM versus DDR2-667 on the Pentium Dual Core T3200 — the Core i7-2630QM supports 139.9% 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 4 GB — 700% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-2630QM) vs 0 (Pentium Dual Core T3200) — the Core i7-2630QM offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i7-2630QM) and PM965,GM965,GL960 (Pentium Dual Core T3200).

Feature	Core i7-2630QM	Pentium Dual Core T3200
Socket	PGA988	—
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0+82%	PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed	1600+140%	DDR2-667
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+700%	4 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	0

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: true (Core i7-2630QM) vs No (Pentium Dual Core T3200). The Core i7-2630QM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Pentium Dual Core T3200 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-2630QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.

Feature	Core i7-2630QM	Pentium Dual Core T3200
Integrated GPU	Yes	No
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 3000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	true	No

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-2630QM was priced at $378, while the Pentium Dual Core T3200 came in at $64. On launch pricing ($378 vs $64), Pentium Dual Core T3200 was $314 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-2630QM delivers 9.4 pts/$ vs 56.3 pts/$ for the Pentium Dual Core T3200 — making the Pentium Dual Core T3200 the 142.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-2630QM	Pentium Dual Core T3200
MSRP	$378	$64-83%
Performance per Dollar	9.4	56.3+499%
Release Date	2011	2008

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