CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-3632QM vs Intel Core i7-4870HQ
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 standard office tasks and light content creation.
Gaming
Can handle older games or light eSports, but thermal limits in thin laptops restrict sustained performance.
Handles older or less demanding games well, but struggles with modern titles.
Virtualization
Capable of running light VMs, though limited by thermal constraints.
Can handle basic VMs but limited by 47W TDP and older architecture.
Efficiency
Excellent power-to-performance ratio for a 2012 mobile chip.
22nm process is inefficient compared to modern mobile chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Slow inference times
Content Creation
Gaming
- Integrated graphics are weak for modern titles
- Thermal throttling can occur in thin chassis
- Good for retro gaming
- Good for retro gaming
- Iris Pro eDRAM helps frame rates
- Not suitable for modern AAA games
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
- Strong integrated graphics for its era
- Good multi-threaded performance
- Includes eDRAM cache
Cons
- End-of-life platform
- High TDP for mobile
- Poor efficiency by modern standards
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 i7-4870HQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4700HQRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-7500Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-4200HRival
Mobile
- NVIDIA Tegra K1Rival
Mobile
Vastly superior performance and efficiency in the mobile space.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 4600HAlt
More cores, better integrated graphics, and modern architecture.
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Massive leap in single-thread speed and battery life.
- Alt
Revolutionary ARM-based efficiency and performance.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 7 5800UAlt
Excellent multi-core scaling and low power consumption.
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 reviewAn innovative mobile processor for its time, offering strong integrated graphics, though outclassed by modern efficiency standards.
Best for: Buying a used laptop for basic computing or retro gaming at a heavily discounted price. Buying Advice for the Core i7-4870HQ in the modern context is straightforward: it is no longer viable for new builds, and purchasing a used laptop with this processor requires careful consideration. While it still offers respectable performance for basic productivity, web browsing, and media consumption, its age means it lacks support for modern instruction sets and efficiency improvements found in current-generation chips. If you are buying a used laptop heavily discounted, ensure the battery is healthy, as older systems degrade over time. For any serious gaming or content creation, a newer processor—even a budget modern one—will vastly outperform this aging chip. Avoid spending significant money on this platform today.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-3632QM or Intel Core i7-4870HQ?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4870HQ leads with a gaming performance score of 45/100 among Intel Core i7-3632QM and Intel Core i7-4870HQ.
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 i7-4870HQ (47 W).
Do Intel Core i7-3632QM and Intel Core i7-4870HQ use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-3632QM: Intel Socket G2 (988B), Intel Core i7-4870HQ: Intel BGA 1364), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-4870HQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-3632QM (4,600), Intel Core i7-4870HQ (8,520). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.