CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-2760QM vs Intel Core i7-3630QM
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-2760QM is a high-performance mobile processor released in late 2011 as a refresh to the 2720QM. Built on the Sandy Bridge architecture, it features four cores and eight threads, delivering excellent multitasking capabilities for premium laptops. Operating at a 2.4 GHz base clock with a 3.5 GHz turbo boost, it offered a noticeable 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 laptops and mobile workstations. It included Intel HD 3000 integrated graphics for everyday multimedia. While locked for overclocking, the i7-2760QM supported AVX, AES-NI, and VT-d, making it a highly capable solution for professional portable systems requiring robust computational power and virtualization support.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Good for basic office work but slow for heavy web apps.
8 threads handle everyday multitasking and office workloads without issues.
Gaming
Handles old games well but bottlenecks modern GPUs.
Handles older or eSports titles well when paired with a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
VT-d support makes it decent for legacy VMs.
Can run light VMs, but limited by DDR3 bandwidth and 45W power.
Efficiency
45W TDP is high, leading to poor battery life.
22nm Ivy Bridge is not as efficient as modern 10nm or 14nm processes.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- Too slow for AI workloads
- No dedicated AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
Content Creation
Gaming
- Good for 2011 games
- Lacks AVX2 for modern titles
- HD 3000 is obsolete
- 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 multi-threaded performance for 2011
- Supports VT-d for virtualization
- High turbo boost clock up to 3.5 GHz
- Socketed design allows replacement
Cons
- 45W TDP limits battery life
- Integrated graphics are obsolete
- Lacks AVX2 support
- End-of-life and unsupported
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 i7-2760QM
- AMD A8-3550MXRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-2670QMRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2720QMRival
Mobile
- AMD Phenom II N950Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2860QMRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3610QMAlt
Ivy Bridge successor with better efficiency.
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200UAlt
Modern budget mobile alternative.
Dual-core alternative for lighter laptops.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Pentium Silver N5000Alt
Modern low-power alternative.
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 premium mobile CPU that offered excellent clocks and VT-d support, now obsolete.
Best for: The Core i7-2760QM 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. Its VT-d support makes it interesting for legacy virtualization projects, provided the laptop has enough RAM. If your laptop still functions, adding an SSD and maxing out the RAM can breathe new life into it. For any new computing needs, modern laptops offer vastly superior performance, battery life, and features. The i7-2760QM is best left as a component in functioning legacy devices rather than a target for upgrades.
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
Which is better, Intel Core i7-2760QM or Intel Core i7-3630QM?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-2760QM comes out ahead with a score of 8/10. 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 i7-2760QM or Intel Core i7-3630QM?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-3630QM leads with a gaming performance score of 50/100 among Intel Core i7-2760QM and Intel Core i7-3630QM.
Do Intel Core i7-2760QM and Intel Core i7-3630QM use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-2760QM: Socket G2 (988B), Intel Core i7-3630QM: Intel Socket G2 (988B)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-3630QM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-2760QM (4,300), Intel Core i7-3630QM (4,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.