CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-3635QM vs Intel Core i7-3630QM
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.
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
8 threads handle everyday multitasking and office workloads without issues.
8 threads handle everyday multitasking and office workloads without issues.
Gaming
Handles older or eSports titles well when paired with a discrete GPU.
Handles older or eSports titles well when paired with a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Can run light VMs, but limited by DDR3 bandwidth and 45W power.
Can run light VMs, but limited by DDR3 bandwidth and 45W power.
Efficiency
22nm Ivy Bridge is not as efficient as modern mobile processes.
22nm Ivy Bridge is not as efficient as modern 10nm or 14nm processes.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
- No dedicated 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
- Needs a discrete GPU for gaming
- Capable of 60fps in older titles
- Will bottleneck modern high-end mobile GPUs
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
- Good quad-core performance for its era
- Removable PGA socket
- Strong turbo boost frequencies
- Decent 6MB L3 cache
Cons
- Older 22nm process
- High 45W TDP for mobile
- Supports only DDR3
- Weak integrated graphics
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 i7-3630QM
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3610QMRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3632QMRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-6100Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3210MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4700MQAlt
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 laptops.
- Alt
Incredible performance per watt for mobile computing.
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 capable mobile CPU that provided excellent quad-core performance for laptops in its era, though it is outclassed by modern mobile chips.
Best for: Purchasing a budget, used laptop for basic tasks or retro gaming.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Do Intel Core i7-3635QM and Intel Core i7-3630QM use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-3635QM: Intel BGA 1224, Intel Core i7-3630QM: Intel Socket G2 (988B)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-3635QM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-3635QM (4,900), Intel Core i7-3630QM (4,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.