Core i7-3612QE vs Processor N150

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 i7-3612QE vs Processor N150 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 i7-3612QE vs Processor N150: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3612QE

2012

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +14.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Processor N150 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,929 vs 5,016).
❌Launch MSRP is still $426 MSRP, while Processor N150 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌Older platform position on BGA1023, while Processor N150 moves to FCBGA1264 and DDR5.

Processor N150

2024

Why buy it

✅+1.8% higher PassMark.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1264 with DDR5 support instead of BGA1023 and older memory support.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-3612QE across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3612QE can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3612QE better than Processor N150?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-3612QE is ahead with a 14.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Processor N150 pulls ahead with 1.8% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Processor N150 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i7-3612QE is the better buy right now. Core i7-3612QE comes in at an unclear MSRP at $426 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 14.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Processor N150 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.8% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (11.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Processor N150 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2024 vs 2012), a healthier platform with FCBGA1264 and DDR5 instead of BGA1023, and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i7-3612QE vs Processor N150 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-3612QE

The Core i7-3612QE 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 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: unknown Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 4,929 points. Launch price was $69.

Processor N150

The Processor N150 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 November 2024 (1 year ago). It is based on the Twin Lake (2024−2025) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 0.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): + 6 MB. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 5,016 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-3612QE packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Processor N150's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-3612QE versus 3.6 GHz on the Processor N150 — a 14.9% clock advantage for the Processor N150 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 0.1 GHz). The Core i7-3612QE uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Processor N150 uses Twin Lake (2024−2025) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3612QE scores 4,929 against the Processor N150's 5,016 — a 1.7% lead for the Processor N150. L3 cache: 6144 kB (total) on the Core i7-3612QE vs 6 MB (total) on the Processor N150.

Feature	Core i7-3612QE	Processor N150
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz	3.6 GHz+16%
Base Clock	2.1 GHz+2000%	0.1 GHz
L3 Cache	6144 kB (total)	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	2 MB (total)+700%
Process	22 nm	10 nm-55%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Twin Lake (2024−2025)
PassMark	4,929	5,016+2%
Geekbench 6 Single	640	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,200	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3612QE uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Processor N150 uses FCBGA1264 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-3612QE	Processor N150
Socket	BGA1023	FCBGA1264
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 4.0+33%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3612QE) / not specified (Processor N150). The Core i7-3612QE includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Processor N150 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3612QE targets Industrial/Embedded.