CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-3635QM vs Intel Core i7-4910MQ
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.
8 threads and 8MB cache make quick work of office and compiling tasks.
Gaming
Handles older or eSports titles well when paired with a discrete GPU.
Handles older games easily and provides good frame rates with a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Can run light VMs, but limited by DDR3 bandwidth and 45W power.
Good for running light VMs on the go.
Efficiency
22nm Ivy Bridge is not as efficient as modern mobile processes.
22nm Haswell 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
- Needs a discrete GPU for gaming
- Capable of 60fps in older titles
- Will bottleneck modern high-end mobile GPUs
- Excellent for 2014-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
- 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
- Full 8MB L3 cache
- Good quad-core performance
- Removable PGA socket
- High turbo boost frequencies
Cons
- High 47W TDP
- Older 22nm process
- DDR3 only
- Runs hot under load
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 i7-4910MQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4700MQRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4800MQRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4930MXRival
Mobile Extreme
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
Slightly slower version of the same chip.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-5700HQAlt
Newer Broadwell 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 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 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 i7-3635QM or Intel Core i7-4910MQ?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-4910MQ 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 i7-4910MQ?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4910MQ leads with a gaming performance score of 62/100 among Intel Core i7-3635QM and Intel Core i7-4910MQ.
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 i7-4910MQ (47 W).
Do Intel Core i7-3635QM and Intel Core i7-4910MQ use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-3635QM: Intel BGA 1224, Intel Core i7-4910MQ: Intel Socket G3), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-4910MQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-3635QM (4,900), Intel Core i7-4910MQ (5,700). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.