Core i7-3610QM vs Core i7-3615QM

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 i7-3610QM vs Core i7-3615QM 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 i7-3610QM vs Core i7-3615QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3610QM

2012

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Core i7-3615QM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,132 vs 5,167).
❌Launch MSRP is still $378 MSRP, while Core i7-3615QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i7-3615QM

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.7% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3610QM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3615QM better than Core i7-3610QM?

Yes. Core i7-3615QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.7% 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 i7-3615QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-3615QM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-3615QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-3610QM only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (13.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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

Core i7-3615QM 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 i7-3610QM vs Core i7-3615QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-3610QM

The Core i7-3610QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,132 points. Launch price was $378.

Core i7-3615QM

The Core i7-3615QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1224. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,167 points. Launch price was $378.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-3610QM and Core i7-3615QM share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-3610QM versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-3615QM — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-3610QM scores 5,132 against the Core i7-3615QM's 5,167 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-3615QM. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-3610QM	Core i7-3615QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	5,132	5,167
Geekbench 6 Single	800	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,000	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3610QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3615QM uses FCBGA1224 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-3610QM	Core i7-3615QM
Socket	PGA988	FCBGA1224
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3610QM) / not specified (Core i7-3615QM). The Core i7-3610QM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i7-3615QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3610QM targets High Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3610QM rivals AMD A10-5750M.