Core i7-3612QM vs FX-6350

Core i7-3612QM vs FX-6350 Performance Spectrum

Core i7-3612QM

4 / 8

4,661

+0.5%

4,640

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7965WX

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.

Core i7-3612QM vs FX-6350 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 FX-6350: 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

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 35W instead of 125W, a 90W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while FX-6350 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.3 vs 35.2 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $132 MSRP).

FX-6350

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $246 less on MSRP ($132 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 185.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 35.2 vs 12.3 PassMark/$ ($132 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (4,640 vs 4,661).
❌257.1% higher power demand at 125W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3612QM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is FX-6350 better than Core i7-3612QM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, FX-6350 is ahead with a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3612QM pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3612QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

FX-6350 is the better buy right now. FX-6350 comes in $246 cheaper on MSRP at $132 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-3612QM is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.5% better PassMark. It is also 185.1% better value on MSRP (35.2 vs 12.3 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

FX-6350 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-3612QM vs FX-6350 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.

FX-6350

The FX-6350 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 29 April 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.9 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L2 cache: 6144 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,640 points. Launch price was $69.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-3612QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the FX-6350 offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the FX-6350 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-3612QM versus 4.2 GHz on the FX-6350 — a 30.1% clock advantage for the FX-6350 (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.9 GHz). The Core i7-3612QM uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the FX-6350 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3612QM scores 4,661 against the FX-6350's 4,640 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-3612QM.

Feature	Core i7-3612QM	FX-6350
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	6 / 6+50%
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz	4.2 GHz+35%
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	3.9 GHz+86%
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	6144 kB+2300%
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Vishera (2012−2015)
PassMark	4,661	4,640
Geekbench 6 Single	600	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,600	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3612QM uses the FCBGA1224 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-6350 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-3612QM	FX-6350
Socket	FCBGA1224	AM3+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-3612QM) / not specified (FX-6350). The Core i7-3612QM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the FX-6350 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3612QM targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3612QM rivals AMD A10-5750M.

Feature	Core i7-3612QM	FX-6350
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 4000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	—
Target Use	Mainstream Laptop	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-3612QM was priced at $378, while the FX-6350 came in at $132. On launch pricing ($378 vs $132), FX-6350 was $246 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3612QM delivers 12.3 pts/$ vs 35.2 pts/$ for the FX-6350 — making the FX-6350 the 96.1% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-3612QM	FX-6350
MSRP	$378	$132-65%
Performance per Dollar	12.3	35.2+186%
Release Date	2012	2013

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