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CPU Comparison

Core i7-3840QM vs Intel Core i7-3630QM

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-3840QM is a high-end mobile processor from the Ivy Bridge generation, designed to deliver robust performance for demanding laptop users. Released in September 2012, this quad-core CPU operates at a base frequency of 2.8 GHz and can boost up to 3.8 GHz using Intel's Turbo Boost technology. With eight threads thanks to Hyper-Threading, it handles multitasking and parallel workloads efficiently. The processor is built on a 22-nanometer manufacturing process, marking a significant shrink from the previous 32nm Sandy Bridge architecture. This allowed Intel to pack 1.4 billion transistors into a 160 mm² die while maintaining a reasonable 45-watt thermal design power. Featuring 8 MB of L3 cache, the i7-3840QM ensures quick data access for demanding applications. It also integrates Intel HD Graphics 4000, providing capable everyday graphics performance without needing a discrete GPU. This specific BGA variant is soldered directly to the motherboard, making it common in thinner, high-performance laptops of its era where upgradeability was sacrificed for compact form factors.

Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Core i7-3840QM
4C / 8T3.8 GHz45 W
7.5
Full review
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-3630QM
4C / 8T3.4 GHz45 W
6.5
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Mobile
Segment
Mobile
Mobile
Generation
3rd Generation
Core i7 (Ivy Bridge)
Launched
2012
2012
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Ivy Bridge
Ivy Bridge
Series
Core i7
Core i7
Family
Ivy Bridge
3rd Generation
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-2860QM
Intel Core i7-2760QM
Successor
Intel Core i7-4900MQ
Intel Core i7-4700MQ

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
4
Threads
8
8
Base Clock
2.8 GHz
2.4 GHz
Boost Clock
3.8 GHz
3.4 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
8 MB
6 MB
TDP
45 W
45 W
Architecture
Architecture
Ivy Bridge
Ivy Bridge
Process Node
22nm
22nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR3
DDR3
Memory Speed
DDR3-1600
1600 MT/s
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
32 GB
32 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel BGA 1224
Intel Socket G2 (988B)
PCIe Version
PCIe 3.0
Gen 3
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Core i7-3840QMBest75

Still capable for basic office tasks and web browsing.

Intel Core i7-3630QM65

8 threads handle everyday multitasking and office workloads without issues.

Gaming

Core i7-3840QMBest60

Handles older or lightweight games well but struggles with modern AAA titles.

Intel Core i7-3630QM50

Handles older or eSports titles well when paired with a discrete GPU.

Virtualization

Core i7-3840QMBest70

VT-x support makes it suitable for light VMs on the go.

Intel Core i7-3630QM55

Can run light VMs, but limited by DDR3 bandwidth and 45W power.

Efficiency

Core i7-3840QMBest65

22nm was efficient for 2012, but modern 10nm/Intel 4 chips are far superior.

Intel Core i7-3630QM60

22nm Ivy Bridge is not as efficient as modern 10nm or 14nm processes.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Core i7-3840QMNone
  • No AI acceleration hardware
  • Too slow for modern AI workloads
Intel Core i7-3630QMLimited
  • No dedicated AI hardware
  • CPU inference is slow

Content Creation

Core i7-3840QMLimited
Basic 1080p Video EditingLight PhotoshopAudio Production
Intel Core i7-3630QMFair
Basic Photo Editing1080p Video EditingAudio Production

Gaming

Core i7-3840QMFair
  • HD 4000 is not suitable for modern gaming
  • Requires discrete GPU for AAA titles
  • Fine for retro and indie games
Intel Core i7-3630QMGood
  • Needs a discrete GPU for gaming
  • Capable of 60fps in older titles
  • Will bottleneck modern high-end mobile GPUs

Industry Impact

Gaming
Moderate
High
Workstations
High
Moderate
Content Creation
Moderate
Moderate
Virtualization
Moderate
Low

Best CPU by Use Case

Mobile Workstation
Excellent
Older Gaming
Good
Business Multitasking
Excellent
Virtualization
Good
1080p Gaming (with GPU)
Very Good
Programming
Excellent
Video Editing (1080p)
Good
Office Productivity
Excellent
Web Browsing
Excellent

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Targeted
Content Creators
Targeted
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Targeted
Targeted
Streamers
Office / Productivity
Targeted
Targeted
Students
Targeted
Targeted

Strengths & Weaknesses

Core i7-3840QM

Pros

  • Excellent performance for 2012 mobile
  • 22nm process improved efficiency
  • 8MB L3 cache
  • Hyper-Threading support

Cons

  • Soldered BGA package prevents upgrades
  • Lacks AVX2 instruction set
  • Weak integrated graphics by modern standards
  • End-of-life with no security updates
Intel Core i7-3630QM

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

Core i7-3840QM

Intel Core i7-3630QM

Our Verdict on Each

Core i7-3840QMSituational

For its time, the i7-3840QM was a mobile powerhouse offering excellent multi-threaded performance, though its soldered BGA package limits modern upgradeability.

Best for: Repairing an existing 2012-era premium laptop.

Read the full review

A 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 review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Core i7-3840QM or Intel Core i7-3630QM?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-3840QM 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, Core i7-3840QM or Intel Core i7-3630QM?

For gaming, the Core i7-3840QM leads with a gaming performance score of 60/100 among Core i7-3840QM and Intel Core i7-3630QM.

Do Core i7-3840QM and Intel Core i7-3630QM use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Core i7-3840QM: 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 Core i7-3840QM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-3840QM (8,100), Intel Core i7-3630QM (4,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.