CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-3635QM vs Intel Core i7-4760HQ
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-3635QM is a high-performance mobile processor launched in late 2012 as part of the Ivy Bridge generation. Designed for premium laptops and mobile workstations, it features four cores and eight threads, delivering robust parallel processing capabilities. It operates at a base clock of 2.4 GHz and can boost up to 3.4 GHz using Intel Turbo Boost 2.0. Unlike the socketed 3630QM, the 3635QM utilizes a BGA 1224 package, meaning it is soldered directly to the motherboard. This allows for slightly thinner laptop designs but prevents CPU upgrades. With a 45-watt thermal design power, it balances high performance with the thermal constraints of premium mobile chassis. The integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics offer capable multimedia decoding. This CPU was a popular choice for system integrators building compact, high-performance laptops where board space and component height were critical factors.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
8 threads handle everyday multitasking and office workloads without issues.
Better CPU clocks than 4750HQ improve responsiveness.
Gaming
Handles older or eSports titles well when paired with a discrete GPU.
Excellent integrated graphics for 2014 titles.
Virtualization
Can run light VMs, but limited by DDR3 bandwidth and 45W power.
Capable of running standard VMs.
Efficiency
22nm Ivy Bridge is not as efficient as modern mobile processes.
47W TDP is standard for its class.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
- No AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- Needs a discrete GPU for gaming
- Capable of 60fps in older titles
- Will bottleneck modern high-end mobile GPUs
- Iris Pro handles older games well
- Comparable to GT 740M
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Iris Pro 5200 graphics
- 128MB L4 eDRAM
- Good 3.3GHz turbo boost
- Solid quad-core performance
Cons
- Soldered BGA package
- 47W TDP runs warm
- Outdated 22nm process
- Low availability
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Intel Core i7-4760HQ
- AMD A10-7300MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4750HQRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4700HQRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4770HQRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700UAlt
Modern alternative with vastly better efficiency.
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Modern premium laptop alternative.
- Alt
Massive leap in integrated graphics and efficiency.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA well-balanced mobile processor offering a slight clock bump over the 4750HQ while retaining excellent Iris Pro graphics.
Best for: An Intel Core i7-4760HQ is a rare find today, typically only encountered when repairing older premium ultrabooks or all-in-one systems. If you are considering a purchase, the primary value lies in its Iris Pro graphics. For retro gaming or running older creative suites, the HD 5200 combined with the quad-core CPU still provides a surprisingly capable experience. However, the 47-watt TDP means battery life in older laptops will be poor, and thermals can be an issue if the machine hasn't been cleaned and repasted. If you are sourcing this chip for a board-level repair, ensure you have the correct BGA reballing equipment, as it is permanently soldered. For everyday use, modern budget laptops will outperform this chip in efficiency and single-core tasks. Only invest in a system with this CPU if it is exceptionally cheap, serving as a secondary device for light media creation or nostalgic gaming sessions.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-3635QM or Intel Core i7-4760HQ?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-4760HQ 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 i7-3635QM or Intel Core i7-4760HQ?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4760HQ leads with a gaming performance score of 72/100 among Intel Core i7-3635QM and Intel Core i7-4760HQ.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-3635QM has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-3635QM (45 W), Intel Core i7-4760HQ (47 W).
Do Intel Core i7-3635QM and Intel Core i7-4760HQ use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-3635QM: Intel BGA 1224, Intel Core i7-4760HQ: Intel BGA 1364), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-4760HQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-3635QM (4,900), Intel Core i7-4760HQ (8,100). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.