CPU
GPU
Core i7-3612QM
Core i7-2600S
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 i7-3612QM is positioned at rank 1030 and the Core i7-2600S is on rank 889, so the Core i7-2600S offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3612QM
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2600S
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3612QM | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) | ✅ More affordable ($99) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3612QM | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+280%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) | ✅ More affordable ($99) |
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 i7-3612QM and Core i7-2600S
Core i7-3612QM
The Core i7-3612QM 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: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1224. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,661 points. Launch price was $69.
Core i7-2600S
The Core i7-2600S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 9 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 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,637 points. Launch price was $210.
Processing Power
Both the Core i7-3612QM and Core i7-2600S share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-3612QM versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-2600S — a 20.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-2600S (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i7-3612QM uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-2600S uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3612QM scores 4,661 against the Core i7-2600S's 4,637 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-3612QM. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 600 vs 630, a 4.9% lead for the Core i7-2600S that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-3612QM vs 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-2600S.
| Feature | Core i7-3612QM | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.8 GHz+23% |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 2.8 GHz+33% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 8192 kB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,661 | 4,637 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 600 | 630+5% |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 2,600 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3612QM uses the FCBGA1224 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2600S uses LGA1155 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. 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: HM75,HM76,HM77,QM77 (Core i7-3612QM) and H61,H67,Z68,B75 (Core i7-2600S).
| Feature | Core i7-3612QM | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1224 | LGA1155 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3612QM) and HD Graphics 2000 (Core i7-2600S) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3612QM targets Mainstream Laptop, Core i7-2600S targets Low Power Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3612QM rivals AMD A10-5750M; Core i7-2600S rivals Phenom II X4 910e.
| Feature | Core i7-3612QM | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | HD Graphics 2000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Target Use | Mainstream Laptop | Low Power Desktop |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-3612QM launched at $378 MSRP, while the Core i7-2600S debuted at $297.
| Feature | Core i7-3612QM | Core i7-2600S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $378 | $297-21% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $99 |
| Release Date | 2012 | 2011 |
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