Core i7-3635QM vs Opteron 6220

Intel

Core i7-3635QM

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2012
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Opteron 6220

8 Cores8 Thrd115 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2011
Similar parts
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Core i7-3635QM vs Opteron 6220 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 i7-3635QM vs Opteron 6220 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 i7-3635QM vs Opteron 6220: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3635QM

2012

Why buy it

  • Draws 45W instead of 115W, a 70W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (4,728 vs 4,753).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Less compelling for workstation-style loads than Opteron 6220, which brings 8 cores / 8 threads.

Opteron 6220

2011

Why buy it

  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Better for workstations and heavier parallel workloads: 8 cores / 8 threads.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $523 MSRP, while Core i7-3635QM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 155.6% higher power demand at 115W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Opteron 6220 better than Core i7-3635QM?
Not really, because they are built for different jobs. Opteron 6220 makes more sense for workstation-style multi-core throughput, while Core i7-3635QM is the more practical desktop choice for gaming, platform cost, and everyday use.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Opteron 6220 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.7% 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, Opteron 6220 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 8 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?
Opteron 6220 is the better buy right now. Opteron 6220 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $523 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (9.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-3635QM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-3635QM vs Opteron 6220 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

Opteron 6220

The Opteron 6220 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 14 November 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Interlagos (2011−2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (per module). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: G34. Thermal design power (TDP): 115 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 4,753 points. Launch price was $523.

Processing Power

The Core i7-3635QM packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Opteron 6220 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Opteron 6220 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-3635QM versus 3.6 GHz on the Opteron 6220 — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Opteron 6220 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i7-3635QM uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Opteron 6220 uses Interlagos (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3635QM scores 4,728 against the Opteron 6220's 4,753 — a 0.5% lead for the Opteron 6220. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-3635QM vs 8 MB (total) on the Opteron 6220.

FeatureCore i7-3635QMOpteron 6220
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock
3.4 GHz
3.6 GHz+6%
Base Clock
2.4 GHz
3 GHz+25%
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)+12700%
2 MB (per module)
Process
22 nm-31%
32 nm
Architecture
Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
Interlagos (2011−2012)
PassMark
4,728
4,753
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3635QM uses the FCBGA1224 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Opteron 6220 uses G34 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-3635QMOpteron 6220
Socket
FCBGA1224
G34
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0