Core i7-3630QM vs Core i7-4702MQ

Intel

Core i7-3630QM

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-4702MQ

4 Cores8 Thrd37 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Core i7-3630QM vs Core i7-4702MQ Performance Spectrum

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 i7-3630QM vs Core i7-4702MQ 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 i7-3630QM vs Core i7-4702MQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3630QM

2012

Why buy it

  • Costs $5 less on MSRP ($378 MSRP vs $383 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (600 vs 965).
  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (2,000 vs 3,180).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
  • 21.6% higher power demand at 45W vs 37W.

Core i7-4702MQ

2013

Why buy it

  • +60.8% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Draws 37W instead of 45W, a 8W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • 1.3% HIGHER MSRP
    $383 MSRPvs$378 MSRP

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4702MQ better than Core i7-3630QM?
Yes. Core i7-4702MQ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 59% better Geekbench multi-core, 1.0% higher 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 i7-4702MQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.7% 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 i7-4702MQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 59% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-4702MQ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-4702MQ comes in 1.3% more expensive on MSRP at $383 MSRP versus $378 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-3630QM only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 0.3% better value on paper (13.6 vs 13.5 PassMark/$), 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 i7-4702MQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012), 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB), and 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 i7-3630QM vs Core i7-4702MQ Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Core i7-4702MQ

The Core i7-4702MQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 May 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,187 points. Launch price was $378.

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-3630QM and Core i7-4702MQ share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-3630QM versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-4702MQ — a 6.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-3630QM (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.2 GHz). The Core i7-3630QM uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-4702MQ uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3630QM scores 5,136 against the Core i7-4702MQ's 5,187 — a 1% lead for the Core i7-4702MQ. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 600 vs 965, a 46.6% lead for the Core i7-4702MQ that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 2,000 vs 3,180 (45.6% advantage for the Core i7-4702MQ). L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-3630QM vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4702MQ.

FeatureCore i7-3630QMCore i7-4702MQ
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.4 GHz+6%
3.2 GHz
Base Clock
2.4 GHz+9%
2.2 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
256K (per core)
Process
22 nm
22 nm
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark
5,136
5,187
Geekbench 6 Single
600
965+61%
Geekbench 6 Multi
2,000
3,180+59%
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3630QM uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4702MQ uses PGA946 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM76,HM77,QM77 (Core i7-3630QM) and HM86,QM87 (Core i7-4702MQ).

FeatureCore i7-3630QMCore i7-4702MQ
Socket
PGA988
PGA946
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i7-3630QM) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-4702MQ). Both include integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3630QM) and HD Graphics 4600 (Core i7-4702MQ) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3630QM targets Mainstream Laptop, Core i7-4702MQ targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i7-3630QM rivals AMD A10-5750M; Core i7-4702MQ rivals Ryzen 7 3750H.

FeatureCore i7-3630QMCore i7-4702MQ
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 4000
HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Mainstream Laptop
Gaming
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-3630QM was priced at $378, while the Core i7-4702MQ came in at $383. On launch pricing ($378 vs $383), Core i7-3630QM was $5 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3630QM delivers 13.6 pts/$ vs 13.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-4702MQ — making the Core i7-3630QM the 0.3% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-3630QMCore i7-4702MQ
MSRP
$378-1%
$383
Performance per Dollar
13.6
13.5
Release Date
2012
2013

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