Core i7-2860QM vs FX-6350

Core i7-2860QM vs FX-6350 Performance Spectrum

Core i7-2860QM

4 / 8

4,597

0.0%

4,640

+0.9%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7965WX

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 i7-2860QM vs FX-6350 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 i7-2860QM vs FX-6350: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-2860QM

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 125W, a 80W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while FX-6350 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,597 vs 4,640).

FX-6350

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $132 MSRP, while Core i7-2860QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌177.8% higher power demand at 125W vs 45W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2860QM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is FX-6350 better than Core i7-2860QM?

Yes. FX-6350 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.9% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, FX-6350 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.3% 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, FX-6350 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 6 cores and 6 threads.

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

FX-6350 is the better buy right now. FX-6350 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $132 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (35.2 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

FX-6350 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 6 cores / 6 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-2860QM vs FX-6350 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-2860QM

The Core i7-2860QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 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, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 4,597 points. Launch price was $568.

FX-6350

The FX-6350 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 29 April 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L2 cache: 6144 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,640 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-2860QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the FX-6350 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the FX-6350 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-2860QM versus 4.2 GHz on the FX-6350 — a 15.4% clock advantage for the FX-6350 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The Core i7-2860QM uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the FX-6350 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2860QM scores 4,597 against the FX-6350's 4,640 — a 0.9% lead for the FX-6350.

Feature	Core i7-2860QM	FX-6350
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 6+50%
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz	4.2 GHz+17%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	3.9 GHz+56%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	6144 kB+2300%
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Vishera (2012−2015)
PassMark	4,597	4,640

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2860QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the FX-6350 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-2860QM	FX-6350
Socket	PGA988	AM3+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i7-2860QM) / not specified (FX-6350). The Core i7-2860QM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the FX-6350 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-2860QM rivals AMD A8-3510MX.