CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-3632QM vs Intel Core i7-3820QM
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.
8 threads and 8MB cache make quick work of office and compiling tasks.
Gaming
Can handle older games or light eSports, but thermal limits in thin laptops restrict sustained performance.
Handles older games easily and provides good frame rates with a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Capable of running light VMs, though limited by thermal constraints.
Good for running light VMs on the go.
Efficiency
Excellent power-to-performance ratio for a 2012 mobile chip.
22nm Ivy Bridge is less efficient than modern mobile chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
Content Creation
Gaming
- Integrated graphics are weak for modern titles
- Thermal throttling can occur in thin chassis
- Good for retro gaming
- Excellent for 2012-era games
- Won't bottleneck mid-range mobile GPUs
- Needs discrete graphics for serious gaming
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
- Full 8MB L3 cache
- Good quad-core performance
- Removable PGA socket option
- High turbo boost frequencies
Cons
- High 45W TDP
- Older 22nm process
- DDR3 only
- Runs hot 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 i7-3820QM
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3610QMRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3720QMRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3920XMRival
Mobile Extreme
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3840QMAlt
Slightly faster refresh of the same chip.
- Intel Core i7-4700MQAlt
Newer Haswell architecture.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500UAlt
Modern mobile alternative with vastly superior efficiency.
- Intel Core i5-8300HAlt
Much faster and more efficient for budget gaming.
- Alt
Incredible performance per watt.
Compare head-to-head
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 high-end mobile CPU for its time, offering excellent multi-threaded performance and a large cache for demanding applications.
Best for: Buying a cheap, used laptop for retro gaming or basic coding.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-3632QM or Intel Core i7-3820QM?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-3820QM 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, Intel Core i7-3632QM or Intel Core i7-3820QM?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-3820QM leads with a gaming performance score of 60/100 among Intel Core i7-3632QM and Intel Core i7-3820QM.
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 i7-3820QM (45 W).
Do Intel Core i7-3632QM and Intel Core i7-3820QM use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket G2 (988B) socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-3820QM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-3632QM (4,600), Intel Core i7-3820QM (5,600). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.