CPU Comparison
Core i7-3615QM vs Intel Core i7-3635QM
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-3615QM 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 key differentiator of this SKU is its exclusive use of the BGA 1224 socket, meaning it is soldered directly to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. 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 i7-3615QM was a popular choice for Apple's 2012 MacBook Pro lineup and other premium laptops where space-saving and durability were prioritized over modularity.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
8 threads handle everyday multitasking and office workloads without issues.
Gaming
Handles older or eSports titles well when paired with a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Can run light VMs, but limited by DDR3 bandwidth and 45W power.
Efficiency
22nm Ivy Bridge is not as efficient as modern mobile processes.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
No data
- No dedicated AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
No data
- Needs a discrete GPU for gaming
- Capable of 60fps in older titles
- Will bottleneck modern high-end mobile GPUs
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Good quad-core performance for its era
- BGA design allows for thinner laptops
- Strong turbo boost frequencies
- Decent 6MB L3 cache
Cons
- Soldered to motherboard, cannot be upgraded
- Older 22nm process
- Supports only DDR3
- Weak integrated graphics
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-3615QM
- AMD A10-4600MRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3610QMRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2720QMRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3612QMRival
High-Performance Mobile
- AMD A8-4500MRival
Mainstream Mobile
Slightly faster refresh of the same BGA chip.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-3635QM
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3630QMRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3612QMRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-6100Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3210MRival
Mobile
Newer Haswell architecture with better efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3500UAlt
Modern mobile alternative with vastly superior efficiency.
- Intel Core i5-8250UAlt
Much faster and more efficient for budget laptops.
- Alt
Incredible performance per watt.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
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 reviewA capable mobile CPU that provided excellent quad-core performance for laptops in its era, utilizing a space-saving BGA design.
Best for: Purchasing a budget, used laptop for basic tasks or retro gaming.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-3615QM or Intel Core i7-3635QM?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-3615QM comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-3615QM or Intel Core i7-3635QM?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-3635QM leads with a gaming performance score of 50/100 among Core i7-3615QM and Intel Core i7-3635QM.
Do Core i7-3615QM and Intel Core i7-3635QM use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-3615QM: BGA 1224, Intel Core i7-3635QM: Intel BGA 1224), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-3635QM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-3615QM (0), Intel Core i7-3635QM (4,900). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.