CPU Comparison
Core i7-3610QM vs Intel Core i7-2670QM
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.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Fine for basic office work but struggles with heavy web apps.
Gaming
Handles old games well but bottlenecks modern GPUs.
Virtualization
Can run light VMs but limited by modern standards.
Efficiency
45W TDP is high, leading to poor battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
No data
- No AI hardware
- Too slow for AI workloads
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
No data
- Good for 2011-2014 games
- Lacks AVX2 for modern titles
- HD 3000 is obsolete
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Good multi-threaded performance for 2011
- Socketed design allows replacement
- Reliable Sandy Bridge architecture
- Higher clocks than 2630QM
Cons
- 45W TDP limits battery life
- Integrated graphics are obsolete
- Lacks AVX2 support
- End-of-life and unsupported
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-3610QM
- AMD A10-4600MRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-2670QMRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3720QMRival
High-Performance Mobile
- AMD A8-4500MRival
Mainstream Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3520MRival
Mainstream Mobile
Slightly faster refresh of the same chip.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-3612QMAlt
Lower 35W TDP version for thinner laptops.
Intel Core i7-2670QM
- AMD A8-3550MXRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-2630QMRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-2760QMRival
Mobile
- AMD Phenom II N950Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-2450MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3610QMAlt
Ivy Bridge successor with better efficiency.
- AMD Ryzen 3 3250UAlt
Modern budget mobile alternative.
- Intel Core i5-2430MAlt
Dual-core alternative for lighter laptops.
- Intel Pentium Silver N5000Alt
Modern low-power alternative.
Our Verdict on Each
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 reviewA solid mobile quad-core that provided a nice speed bump over the 2630QM, now obsolete.
Best for: The Core i7-2670QM is an obsolete processor that should not be sought out for new purchases. However, if you already own a laptop with this chip, it remains viable for basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media playback. In some compatible laptops, users could upgrade from an i5 or i3 to this i7, but that is no longer cost-effective. If your laptop still functions, adding an SSD and maxing out the RAM can breathe new life into it for light use. For any new computing needs, modern laptops offer vastly superior performance, battery life, and features. The i7-2670QM is best left as a component in functioning legacy devices rather than a target for upgrades.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-3610QM or Intel Core i7-2670QM?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-2670QM leads with a gaming performance score of 25/100 among Core i7-3610QM and Intel Core i7-2670QM.
Do Core i7-3610QM and Intel Core i7-2670QM use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Socket G2 (988B) socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-2670QM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-3610QM (0), Intel Core i7-2670QM (3,900). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.