Core i7-2630QM vs Pentium G4560

Intel

Core i7-2630QM

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium G4560

2 Cores4 Thrd51 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2017
Similar parts
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Core i7-2630QM vs Pentium G4560 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 G4560 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 G4560: 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: +8.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
  • Draws 45W instead of 51W, a 6W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.4 vs 55.3 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $64 MSRP).

Pentium G4560

2017

Why buy it

  • Costs $314 less on MSRP ($64 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
  • Delivers 488.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 55.3 vs 9.4 PassMark/$ ($64 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-2630QM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (3,536 vs 3,550).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 6 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2630QM better than Pentium G4560?
Yes. Core i7-2630QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 8.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-2630QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.8% 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 i7-2630QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 3 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-2630QM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-2630QM comes in 490.6% more expensive on MSRP at $378 MSRP versus $64 MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium G4560 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 488.3% better value on paper (55.3 vs 9.4 PassMark/$), 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?
Pentium G4560 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-2630QM vs Pentium G4560 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Pentium G4560

The Pentium G4560 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 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 54 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2133/2400, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 3,536 points. Launch price was $108.

Processing Power

The Core i7-2630QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Pentium G4560 offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-2630QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i7-2630QM versus 3.5 GHz on the Pentium G4560 — a 18.8% clock advantage for the Pentium G4560 (base: 2 GHz vs 3.5 GHz). The Core i7-2630QM uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium G4560 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2630QM scores 3,550 against the Pentium G4560's 3,536 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-2630QM. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-2630QM vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium G4560.

FeatureCore i7-2630QMPentium G4560
Cores / Threads
4 / 8+100%
2 / 4
Boost Clock
2.9 GHz
3.5 GHz+21%
Base Clock
2 GHz
3.5 GHz+75%
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)+100%
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
256 kB (per core)
Process
32 nm
14 nm-56%
Architecture
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark
3,550
3,536
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2630QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium G4560 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i7-2630QM versus DDR4-2400 on the Pentium G4560 — the Pentium G4560 supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Pentium G4560 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.

FeatureCore i7-2630QMPentium G4560
Socket
PGA988
LGA1151
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed
1600
DDR4-2400+50%
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
64 GB+100%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-2630QM) vs VT-x, VT-d (Pentium G4560). Both include integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2630QM) and HD Graphics 610 (Pentium G4560) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Pentium G4560 targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2630QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.

FeatureCore i7-2630QMPentium G4560
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 3000
HD Graphics 610
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
true
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Desktop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-2630QM was priced at $378, while the Pentium G4560 came in at $64. On launch pricing ($378 vs $64), Pentium G4560 was $314 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-2630QM delivers 9.4 pts/$ vs 55.3 pts/$ for the Pentium G4560 — making the Pentium G4560 the 141.9% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-2630QMPentium G4560
MSRP
$378
$64-83%
Performance per Dollar
9.4
55.3+488%
Release Date
2011
2017

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