CPU Comparison
Core i7-3612QM vs Core i7-4712MQ
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-3612QM is a high-performance mobile processor launched in April 2012 as part of the Ivy Bridge lineup. This 22nm quad-core CPU features Hyper-Threading, allowing it to process 8 threads concurrently. It operates at a base frequency of 2.1 GHz and boosts up to 3.1 GHz. The key differentiator of this SKU is its 35W TDP, significantly lower than the standard 45W found on the i7-3610QM, making it ideal for thinner gaming laptops and portable workstations. The processor is available in both Socket G2 (rPGA988B) and BGA 1224 formats. 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 i7-3612QM offered an excellent compromise for users who wanted quad-core multi-threaded performance without the extreme heat and battery drain of higher-wattage mobile chips.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Lower 35W TDP for thinner designs
- Solid quad-core multi-threading
- Available in socketed design for upgrades
- Good balance of power and efficiency
Cons
- Low 2.1 GHz base clock
- Uses obsolete DDR3 memory
- Lacks official Windows 11 support
- HD 4000 graphics are weak
Pros
- Lower 37W TDP for thinner designs
- Solid quad-core multi-threading
- Socketed design allows upgrades
- Good balance of power and efficiency
Cons
- Low 2.3 GHz base clock
- Uses obsolete DDR3 memory
- Lacks official Windows 11 support
- HD 4600 graphics are weak
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-3612QM
- AMD A10-4600MRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-2675QMRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3610QMRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3615QMRival
High-Performance Mobile
- AMD A8-4500MRival
Mainstream Mobile
Slightly faster refresh of the same low-power chip.
Compare head-to-head
Core i7-4712MQ
- AMD FX-7600PRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4702MQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4710MQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4712HQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- AMD A10-5745MRival
Ultra-Low Power Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4720HQAlt
Next-gen Broadwell soldered alternative.
Our Verdict on Each
A great low-power quad-core mobile CPU for 2012, offering excellent efficiency, but its lower clocks limit single-threaded performance.
Best for: Upgrading an old Socket G2 laptop for cheap
Read the full reviewA great low-power quad-core mobile CPU for 2014, offering excellent efficiency, but its lower clocks limit single-threaded performance.
Best for: Upgrading an old Socket G3 laptop for cheap
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-3612QM has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-3612QM (35 W), Core i7-4712MQ (37 W).
Do Core i7-3612QM and Core i7-4712MQ use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-3612QM: Socket G2 (988B) / BGA 1224, Core i7-4712MQ: Socket G3), so each needs a compatible motherboard.