Core i7-3612QM vs Core i7-3635QM

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 i7-3612QM vs Core i7-3635QM 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 i7-3612QM vs Core i7-3635QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3612QM

2012

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 45W, a 10W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Core i7-3635QM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,661 vs 4,728).
❌Launch MSRP is still $378 MSRP, while Core i7-3635QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Core i7-3635QM

2012

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌28.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3612QM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3635QM better than Core i7-3612QM?

Yes. Core i7-3635QM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.4% better PassMark, 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 i7-3635QM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.9% 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 i7-3635QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-3635QM is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i7-3635QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-3612QM only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 1.9% in the shared gaming data.

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

Core i7-3635QM 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 i7-3612QM vs Core i7-3635QM Technical Specifications

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

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 i7-3635QM

The Core i7-3635QM 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: FCBGA1224. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,728 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-3612QM and Core i7-3635QM share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-3612QM versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-3635QM — a 9.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-3635QM (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-3612QM scores 4,661 against the Core i7-3635QM's 4,728 — a 1.4% lead for the Core i7-3635QM. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-3612QM	Core i7-3635QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz	3.4 GHz+10%
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	2.4 GHz+14%
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	4,661	4,728+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	600	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,600	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the FCBGA1224 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i7-3612QM	Core i7-3635QM
Socket	FCBGA1224	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, EPT (Core i7-3612QM) / not specified (Core i7-3635QM). The Core i7-3612QM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i7-3635QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3612QM targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3612QM rivals AMD A10-5750M.