CPU
GPU
Core i7-2635QM
Core i3-8130U
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-2635QM is positioned at rank 1096 and the Core i3-8130U is on rank 1024, so the Core i3-8130U offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2635QM
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-8130U
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-2635QM | Core i3-8130U |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-2635QM | Core i3-8130U |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-2635QM and Core i3-8130U
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.
Core i3-8130U
The Core i3-8130U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 13 February 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,521 points. Launch price was $281.
Processing Power
The Core i7-2635QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i3-8130U offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-2635QM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i7-2635QM versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-8130U — a 15.9% clock advantage for the Core i3-8130U (base: 2 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i7-2635QM uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i3-8130U uses Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2635QM scores 3,541 against the Core i3-8130U's 3,521 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-2635QM. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-2635QM vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-8130U.
| Feature | Core i7-2635QM | Core i3-8130U |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8+100% | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.9 GHz | 3.4 GHz+17% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 2.2 GHz+10% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total)+50% | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 14 nm-56% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019) |
| PassMark | 3,541 | 3,521 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 1,050 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-2635QM uses the FCBGA1224 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i3-8130U uses BGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2635QM versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-8130U — the Core i3-8130U supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-8130U supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-2635QM) vs 12 (Core i3-8130U) — the Core i7-2635QM offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i7-2635QM | Core i3-8130U |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1224 | BGA1356 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | DDR4-2400+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB | 32 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16+33% | 12 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i7-2635QM) vs VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-8130U). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2635QM) and UHD Graphics 620 (Core i3-8130U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2635QM targets Mobile, Core i3-8130U targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-8130U rivals Ryzen 3 2200U.
| Feature | Core i7-2635QM | Core i3-8130U |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 3000 | UHD Graphics 620 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Mobile | Mainstream Laptop |
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