Core i7-3615QM vs Core i7-3630QM

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 i7-3615QM vs Core i7-3630QM 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 i7-3615QM vs Core i7-3630QM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3615QM

2012

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3630QM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-3630QM

2012

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Core i7-3615QM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,136 vs 5,167).
❌Launch MSRP is still $378 MSRP, while Core i7-3615QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3615QM better than Core i7-3630QM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-3630QM is ahead with a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3615QM pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3615QM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-3615QM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-3615QM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark. Core i7-3630QM only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (13.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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

Core i7-3615QM 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 i7-3615QM vs Core i7-3630QM Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-3615QM

The Core i7-3615QM 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 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 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: 5,167 points. Launch price was $378.

Core i7-3630QM

The Core i7-3630QM 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: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,136 points. Launch price was $284.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-3615QM and Core i7-3630QM share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-3615QM versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-3630QM — a 3% clock advantage for the Core i7-3630QM (base: 2.3 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-3615QM scores 5,167 against the Core i7-3630QM's 5,136 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-3615QM. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-3615QM	Core i7-3630QM
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz	3.4 GHz+3%
Base Clock	2.3 GHz	2.4 GHz+4%
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	5,167	5,136
Geekbench 6 Single	—	600
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	2,000

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3615QM uses the FCBGA1224 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3630QM uses PGA988 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-3615QM	Core i7-3630QM
Socket	FCBGA1224	PGA988
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

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-3615QM) / VT-x (Core i7-3630QM). The Core i7-3630QM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i7-3615QM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3630QM targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3630QM rivals AMD A10-5750M.