CPU Comparison

Core i7-3610QM vs Core i7-3615QM

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-3610QM is a high-performance mobile processor launched in April 2012. Based on the Ivy Bridge architecture, this 22nm quad-core CPU features Hyper-Threading, allowing it to process 8 threads simultaneously. It operates at a base frequency of 2.3 GHz and boosts up to 3.3 GHz, providing excellent multi-threaded performance for gaming and content creation. With a 45W TDP, it is designed for thicker, performance-oriented laptop chassis with robust cooling. The processor utilizes the Socket G2 (rPGA988B), meaning it is socketed and potentially upgradeable. It includes 6MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3-1600 memory. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 handles basic display outputs and media decoding. The i7-3610QM became the standard CPU for mid-range to high-end gaming laptops in 2012, offering a perfect balance of core count, clock speed, and thermal manageability for portable computing.

Intel · 3rd Generation Core i7
Core i7-3610QM
4C / 8T3.3 GHz45 W
7.5
Full review
Intel · 3rd Generation Core i7
Core i7-3615QM
4C / 8T3.3 GHz45 W
7.5
Full review

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Mobile
Segment
High-Performance Mobile
High-Performance Mobile
Generation
3rd Gen
3rd Gen
Launched
2012
2012
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Ivy Bridge
Ivy Bridge
Series
3rd Generation Core i7
3rd Generation Core i7
Family
Ivy Bridge
Ivy Bridge
Predecessor
Core i7-2670QM
Core i7-2720QM
Successor
Core i7-3630QM
Core i7-3635QM

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
4
Threads
8
8
Base Clock
2.3 GHz
2.3 GHz
Boost Clock
3.3 GHz
3.3 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
6 MB
6 MB
TDP
45 W
45 W
Architecture
Architecture
Ivy Bridge
Ivy Bridge
Process Node
22nm
22nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR3
DDR3
Memory Speed
1600 MT/s
1600 MT/s
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
32 GB
32 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Socket G2 (988B)
BGA 1224
PCIe Version
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Industry Impact

Gaming
High
Moderate
Workstations
Moderate
Moderate
Content Creation
Moderate
Moderate
Virtualization
Moderate
Moderate

Best CPU by Use Case

AAA Gaming (Legacy)
Good
Good
Video Editing
Good
Good

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Targeted
Content Creators
Targeted
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Streamers
Targeted
Targeted
Office / Productivity
Students

Strengths & Weaknesses

Core i7-3610QM

Pros

  • Solid quad-core multi-threading
  • Socketed design allows upgrades
  • Good base clock for mobile
  • Supports VT-d for virtualization

Cons

  • 45W TDP requires robust cooling
  • Uses obsolete DDR3 memory
  • Lacks official Windows 11 support
  • HD 4000 graphics are weak for modern gaming
Core i7-3615QM

Pros

  • Solid quad-core multi-threading
  • Enabled thinner laptop designs
  • Good base clock for mobile
  • Supports VT-d for virtualization

Cons

  • 45W TDP requires robust cooling
  • Soldered to motherboard (BGA)
  • Uses obsolete DDR3 memory
  • HD 4000 graphics are weak for modern gaming

Competitors & Alternatives

Core i7-3610QM

Core i7-3615QM

  • AMD A10-4600M

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-3610QM

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-2720QM

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-3612QM

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • AMD A8-4500M

    Mainstream Mobile

    Rival
  • Slightly faster refresh of the same BGA chip.

    Compare head-to-head

Our Verdict on Each

Core i7-3610QMSituational

A legendary mobile quad-core CPU that powered a generation of gaming laptops. Still capable for basic tasks, but shows its age in modern multi-threaded workloads.

Best for: Upgrading an old Socket G2 laptop for cheap

Read the full review
Core i7-3615QMSituational

A solid mobile quad-core CPU that powered premium laptops. Still capable for basic tasks, but its soldered design limits upgrades.

Best for: Purchasing a used 2012 MacBook Pro

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Core i7-3610QM and Core i7-3615QM use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Core i7-3610QM: Socket G2 (988B), Core i7-3615QM: BGA 1224), so each needs a compatible motherboard.