CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-2670QM vs Intel Core i7-2715QE
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-2670QM is a performance mobile processor released in late 2011 as a slight refresh to the popular 2630QM. Built on the Sandy Bridge architecture, it features four cores and eight threads, delivering robust multitasking capabilities for laptops. Operating at a 2.2 GHz base clock with a 3.1 GHz turbo boost, it offered a modest 200 MHz speed increase over its predecessor. The 32nm chip integrated 1,160 million transistors and a 6MB L3 cache. Utilizing the Socket G2 (988B) interface, it allowed for upgradability in certain laptop models. With a 45W TDP, it was designed for performance-oriented laptops and workstations. It included Intel HD 3000 integrated graphics for everyday multimedia. While locked for overclocking, the i7-2670QM supported AVX and AES-NI, making it a highly capable and popular choice for users needing portable computational power.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Fine for basic office work but struggles with heavy web apps.
Adequate for light office tasks but slow for heavy workloads.
Gaming
Handles old games well but bottlenecks modern GPUs.
Obsolete for modern gaming; HD 3000 cannot handle new titles.
Virtualization
Can run light VMs but limited by modern standards.
Supports VT-x but limited by 45W thermal constraints.
Efficiency
45W TDP is high, leading to poor battery life.
32nm process is inefficient by today's mobile standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Too slow for AI workloads
- No AI acceleration
- Extremely slow compute
Content Creation
Gaming
- Good for 2011-2014 games
- Lacks AVX2 for modern titles
- HD 3000 is obsolete
- Only suitable for retro games
- No AVX2 support
- Weak integrated graphics
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Good multi-threaded performance for 2011
- Socketed design allows replacement
- Reliable Sandy Bridge architecture
- Higher clocks than 2630QM
Cons
- 45W TDP limits battery life
- Integrated graphics are obsolete
- Lacks AVX2 support
- End-of-life and unsupported
Pros
- Soldered BGA package for durability
- Good sustained performance for 2011
- Hardware AES-NI support
- Long embedded lifecycle availability
Cons
- Cannot be upgraded (soldered)
- 45W TDP requires active cooling
- Obsolete integrated graphics
- Lacks AVX2 support
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-2670QM
- AMD A8-3550MXRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-2630QMRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-2760QMRival
Mobile
- AMD Phenom II N950Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-2450MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3610QMAlt
Ivy Bridge successor with better efficiency.
- AMD Ryzen 3 3250UAlt
Modern budget mobile alternative.
- Intel Core i5-2430MAlt
Dual-core alternative for lighter laptops.
- Intel Pentium Silver N5000Alt
Modern low-power alternative.
Intel Core i7-2715QE
- AMD A8-3510MXRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-2635QMRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-2710QERival
Mobile
- AMD Embedded G-T56NRival
Embedded
- Intel Core i5-2515QERival
Embedded
Ivy Bridge successor with lower power.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605BAlt
Modern embedded alternative with Vega graphics.
- Intel Atom x5-Z8350Alt
Lower power embedded alternative for basic tasks.
- Intel Core i3-3217UEAlt
Lower power Ivy Bridge embedded chip.
Our Verdict on Each
A solid mobile quad-core that provided a nice speed bump over the 2630QM, now obsolete.
Best for: The Core i7-2670QM is an obsolete processor that should not be sought out for new purchases. However, if you already own a laptop with this chip, it remains viable for basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media playback. In some compatible laptops, users could upgrade from an i5 or i3 to this i7, but that is no longer cost-effective. If your laptop still functions, adding an SSD and maxing out the RAM can breathe new life into it for light use. For any new computing needs, modern laptops offer vastly superior performance, battery life, and features. The i7-2670QM is best left as a component in functioning legacy devices rather than a target for upgrades.
Read the full reviewA solid embedded quad-core CPU that provided excellent longevity for industrial applications, now obsolete.
Best for: The Core i7-2715QE is an End-of-Life processor that is no longer viable for new designs. Because it is a BGA-packaged chip, it is soldered directly to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. If you are maintaining an older embedded system or industrial PC that uses this processor, it remains functional for basic tasks and legacy software. However, any new project should utilize modern Intel or AMD embedded processors that offer significantly better performance per watt, smaller footprints, and modern I/O like PCIe 4.0 and USB 3.2. Finding replacement boards for this chip is becoming difficult, making it a poor choice for critical infrastructure. It is best left to repair existing hardware rather than seeking it out for new builds.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-2670QM or Intel Core i7-2715QE?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-2670QM 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 i7-2670QM or Intel Core i7-2715QE?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-2670QM leads with a gaming performance score of 25/100 among Intel Core i7-2670QM and Intel Core i7-2715QE.
Do Intel Core i7-2670QM and Intel Core i7-2715QE use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-2670QM: Socket G2 (988B), Intel Core i7-2715QE: BGA 1023), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-2670QM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-2670QM (3,900), Intel Core i7-2715QE (3,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.