CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-3632QM vs Intel Core i7-4700HQ
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-3632QM is a highly efficient mobile processor introduced in late 2012 as part of the Ivy Bridge lineup. What sets this quad-core chip apart from its siblings is its remarkably low 35-watt thermal design power, making it ideal for thinner and lighter laptops that still require workstation-class multitasking capabilities. It features four cores and eight threads, operating at a base frequency of 2.2 GHz and dynamically boosting up to 3.2 GHz via Intel Turbo Boost 2.0. Despite the lower power envelope, it retains a 6 MB L3 SmartCache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. The integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics handle everyday multimedia tasks efficiently. This CPU was a favorite for premium ultraportables and thin-and-light gaming laptops, proving that users did not have to sacrifice multi-threaded performance for portability and battery life in the Ivy Bridge era.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
8 threads handle everyday multitasking and office workloads smoothly.
Adequate for basic multitasking and office apps.
Gaming
Can handle older games or light eSports, but thermal limits in thin laptops restrict sustained performance.
Handles older eSports titles well, bottlenecks modern GPUs.
Virtualization
Capable of running light VMs, though limited by thermal constraints.
Can run lightweight VMs for development.
Efficiency
Excellent power-to-performance ratio for a 2012 mobile chip.
47W TDP results in poor battery life by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
- No NPU or modern AI acceleration
Content Creation
Gaming
- Integrated graphics are weak for modern titles
- Thermal throttling can occur in thin chassis
- Good for retro gaming
- Bottlenecks modern mid-range GPUs
- Great for 2013-2015 titles
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Low 35W TDP for cool operation
- Good quad-core performance for its era
- Removable PGA socket
- Decent 6MB L3 cache
Cons
- Older 22nm process
- Supports only DDR3
- Weak integrated graphics
- Locked multiplier
Pros
- Reliable quad-core performance
- Widely compatible laptop ecosystem
- Good turbo boost headroom
- VT-d and AES-NI support
Cons
- Soldered to motherboard
- No eDRAM for graphics
- End-of-life and unsupported
- High heat output under load
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-3632QM
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3630QMRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3360MRival
Mobile
- AMD A8-4500MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3520MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4702MQAlt
Newer Haswell architecture with better efficiency.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500UAlt
Modern mobile alternative with vastly superior efficiency and iGPU.
- Intel Core i5-8250UAlt
Much faster and more efficient for budget ultrabooks.
- Alt
Incredible performance per watt.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-4700HQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3630QMRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-4200MRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-7500Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4702HQRival
Mobile
Slight refresh with higher clocks.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3500UAlt
Modern budget alternative with vastly better iGPU.
Modern budget gaming alternative.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Massive leap in mobile efficiency and performance.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Core i7-4720HQAlt
Better performing drop-in replacement.
Our Verdict on Each
A remarkably efficient quad-core CPU for its time, bringing 8 threads to the 35W mobile power envelope.
Best for: Buying a cheap, used thin-and-light laptop for coding or writing.
Read the full reviewA reliable workhorse that powered countless mid-range gaming laptops, though obsolete by modern standards.
Best for: Locating an Intel Core i7-4700HQ today means searching the used market, as it has been end-of-life for several years. For consumers looking to purchase a budget-friendly used laptop, a machine equipped with this processor can still handle everyday tasks, light photo editing, and older games reasonably well. However, its 47-watt power draw and older 22nm architecture mean battery life will be subpar compared to modern ultrabooks. If you are repairing an existing laptop, this CPU remains a solid component, provided the motherboard and cooling system are in good condition. Do not invest in a system with this chip if your goal is modern AAA gaming or heavy video editing; the lack of modern instruction sets and single-core performance will be a severe bottleneck. Instead, view it as a capable retro-gaming or basic productivity companion.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-3632QM or Intel Core i7-4700HQ?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4700HQ leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Intel Core i7-3632QM and Intel Core i7-4700HQ.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-3632QM has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-3632QM (35 W), Intel Core i7-4700HQ (47 W).
Do Intel Core i7-3632QM and Intel Core i7-4700HQ use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-3632QM: Intel Socket G2 (988B), Intel Core i7-4700HQ: Intel BGA 1364), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-4700HQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-3632QM (4,600), Intel Core i7-4700HQ (7,400). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.