CPU
GPU
Core i7-3612QM
Core i7-2960XM
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 i7-2960XM is on rank 60, so the Core i7-2960XM 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 i7-2960XM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3612QM | Core i7-2960XM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3612QM | Core i7-2960XM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i7-2960XM
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 i7-2960XM
The Core i7-2960XM 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 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,709 points. Launch price was $1,096.
Processing Power
Both the Core i7-3612QM and Core i7-2960XM share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-3612QM versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-2960XM — a 17.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-2960XM (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i7-3612QM uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-2960XM uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3612QM scores 4,661 against the Core i7-2960XM's 4,709 — a 1% lead for the Core i7-2960XM. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-3612QM vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2960XM.
| Feature | Core i7-3612QM | Core i7-2960XM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.7 GHz+19% |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 2.7 GHz+29% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 8 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 4,661 | 4,709+1% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 600 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 2,600 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3612QM uses the FCBGA1224 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2960XM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3612QM versus 1600 on the Core i7-2960XM — the Core i7-2960XM supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. 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 HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i7-2960XM).
| Feature | Core i7-3612QM | Core i7-2960XM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1224 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | 1600+53233% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB+104857500% | 32 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core i7-2960XM has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3612QM) vs true (Core i7-2960XM). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3612QM) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2960XM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3612QM targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3612QM rivals AMD A10-5750M; Core i7-2960XM rivals Core i7-2820QM.
| Feature | Core i7-3612QM | Core i7-2960XM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | Intel HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | true |
| Target Use | Mainstream Laptop | — |
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