Core i7-3630QM vs Core i5-7300HQ
Core i7-3630QM
Core i5-7300HQ
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 i7-3630QM is positioned at rank 1007 and the Core i5-7300HQ is on rank 698, so the Core i5-7300HQ offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3630QM
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-7300HQ
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3630QM | Core i5-7300HQ |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($378) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake-H (2017) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3630QM | Core i5-7300HQ |
|---|---|---|
| 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 i7-3630QM and Core i5-7300HQ
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.
Core i5-7300HQ
The Core i5-7300HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake-H (2017) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,077 points. Launch price was $250.
Processing Power
The Core i7-3630QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Core i5-7300HQ's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-3630QM versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i5-7300HQ — a 2.9% clock advantage for the Core i5-7300HQ (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i7-3630QM uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i5-7300HQ uses Kaby Lake-H (2017) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3630QM scores 5,136 against the Core i5-7300HQ's 5,077 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i7-3630QM. Both processors carry 6 MB (total) of L3 cache.
| Feature | Core i7-3630QM | Core i5-7300HQ |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz | 3.5 GHz+3% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 2.5 GHz+4% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | 6 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 14 nm-36% |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Kaby Lake-H (2017) |
| PassMark | 5,136+1% | 5,077 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 600 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 2,000 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3630QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-7300HQ uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-3630QM versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i5-7300HQ — the Core i5-7300HQ supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-7300HQ supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.
| Feature | Core i7-3630QM | Core i5-7300HQ |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | BGA1440 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1600 | DDR4-2400+33% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 64 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i7-3630QM) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-7300HQ). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3630QM) and HD Graphics 630 (Core i5-7300HQ) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3630QM targets Mainstream Laptop, Core i5-7300HQ targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i7-3630QM rivals AMD A10-5750M.
| Feature | Core i7-3630QM | Core i5-7300HQ |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | HD Graphics 630 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Mainstream Laptop | Mobile |
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