CPU Comparison
Core i7-3612QM vs Intel Core i7-2675QM
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
Performance Compared
Productivity
Adequate for basic tasks but slow for heavy workloads.
Gaming
Obsolete for modern gaming; only handles old titles.
Virtualization
Supports VT-x but limited by locked nature.
Efficiency
45W TDP is inefficient for modern mobile standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
No data
- No AI hardware
- Extremely slow compute
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
No data
- No AVX2 support
- HD 3000 graphics are obsolete
- Low base clock
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
- Soldered design for durability
- Good multi-threaded performance for 2011
- Hardware AES-NI support
- Reliable Sandy Bridge architecture
Cons
- Cannot be upgraded (soldered)
- 45W TDP requires active cooling
- Obsolete integrated graphics
- Lacks AVX2 support
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
Intel Core i7-2675QM
- AMD A8-3550MXRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-2670QMRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-2635QMRival
Mobile
- AMD Phenom II N950Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-2455MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3615QMAlt
Ivy Bridge successor with lower power.
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200UAlt
Modern budget mobile alternative.
- Intel Core i3-3217UAlt
Lower power Ivy Bridge alternative.
- Intel Pentium 987Alt
Low power alternative for basic tasks.
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 reliable soldered mobile CPU that offered great performance for its time, now obsolete and non-upgradable.
Best for: The Core i7-2675QM is an obsolete, soldered mobile processor that cannot be upgraded. If you own a laptop with this chip, it is still functional for basic computing, media playback, and web browsing. Adding an SSD and upgrading the RAM can significantly improve the responsiveness of the system for legacy use. However, it is completely unsuitable for modern gaming or heavy productivity tasks. If the laptop fails, it is generally not worth repairing the motherboard due to the age of the platform. For new purchases, modern laptops offer exponentially better performance, battery life, and features. The i7-2675QM should only be maintained in working devices, not sought out for new builds or repairs.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-3612QM or Intel Core i7-2675QM?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-2675QM leads with a gaming performance score of 20/100 among Core i7-3612QM and Intel Core i7-2675QM.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-3612QM has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-3612QM (35 W), Intel Core i7-2675QM (45 W).
Do Core i7-3612QM and Intel Core i7-2675QM use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-3612QM: Socket G2 (988B) / BGA 1224, Intel Core i7-2675QM: BGA 1224), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-2675QM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-3612QM (0), Intel Core i7-2675QM (3,900). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.