Core i7-3610QM vs Core i7-3630QM

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 i7-3630QM 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 i7-3630QM: 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

✅+33.3% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i7-3630QM

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (600 vs 800).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (2,000 vs 3,000).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3610QM better than Core i7-3630QM?

Yes. Core i7-3610QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 50% better Geekbench multi-core, 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, Core i7-3610QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.1% 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 i7-3610QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 50% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-3610QM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-3610QM comes in in basically the same MSRP band at $378 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-3630QM only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 0.1% better value on paper (13.6 vs 13.6 PassMark/$), 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 i7-3610QM 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 i7-3630QM 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 i7-3630QM

The Core i7-3630QM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 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: 5,136 points. Launch price was $284.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-3610QM and Core i7-3630QM share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-3610QM versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-3630QM — a 3% clock advantage for the Core i7-3630QM (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.4 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 i7-3630QM's 5,136 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-3630QM. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 800 vs 600, a 28.6% lead for the Core i7-3610QM that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 3,000 vs 2,000 (40% advantage for the Core i7-3610QM). Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-3610QM	Core i7-3630QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.4 GHz+3%
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	2.4 GHz+4%
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	5,136
Geekbench 6 Single	800+33%	600
Geekbench 6 Multi	3,000+50%	2,000

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the PGA988 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM77,QM77 (Core i7-3610QM) and HM76,HM77,QM77 (Core i7-3630QM).

Feature	Core i7-3610QM	Core i7-3630QM
Socket	PGA988	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3610QM) vs VT-x (Core i7-3630QM). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3610QM) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3630QM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3610QM targets High Performance Laptop, Core i7-3630QM targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3610QM rivals AMD A10-5750M; Core i7-3630QM rivals AMD A10-5750M.

Feature	Core i7-3610QM	Core i7-3630QM
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 4000	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x
Target Use	High Performance Laptop	Mainstream Laptop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-3610QM was priced at $378, while the Core i7-3630QM came in at $378. On launch pricing ($378 vs $378), Core i7-3630QM was $0 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3610QM delivers 13.6 pts/$ vs 13.6 pts/$ for the Core i7-3630QM — making the Core i7-3630QM the 0.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-3610QM	Core i7-3630QM
MSRP	$378	$378
Performance per Dollar	13.6	13.6
Release Date	2012	2012

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