CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-3630QM vs Intel Core i7-3740QM
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-3630QM is a high-performance mobile processor introduced in late 2012 as part of the 3rd Generation Ivy Bridge lineup. Designed for premium gaming and workstation laptops, it features four physical cores and eight threads, providing excellent multitasking capabilities for its era. Operating at a base frequency of 2.4 GHz, it can dynamically boost up to 3.4 GHz using Intel Turbo Boost 2.0, adapting to thermal headroom to deliver robust burst performance. With a 45-watt thermal design power, it balances raw computing power with the thermal constraints of mobile chassis. It incorporates 6 MB of L3 SmartCache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. The integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics handle standard multimedia decoding and everyday display tasks, though serious gaming requires a discrete GPU. This CPU became a staple in countless mid-range and high-end laptops, offering a reliable computing experience for professionals and enthusiasts on the go.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
8 threads handle everyday multitasking and office workloads without issues.
8 threads and high clocks 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 10nm or 14nm processes.
22nm Ivy Bridge 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 2012-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
- 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
Pros
- Good quad-core performance
- High 3.7 GHz turbo boost
- Removable PGA socket option
- Decent 6MB L3 cache
Cons
- High 45W TDP
- Older 22nm process
- DDR3 only
- Runs hot under load
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Intel Core i7-3740QM
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3630QMRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3720QMRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3940XMRival
Mobile Extreme
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4700MQAlt
Newer Haswell 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, though it is outclassed by modern mobile chips.
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 high clock speeds 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 i7-3630QM or Intel Core i7-3740QM?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-3740QM comes out ahead with a score of 7/10. 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 i7-3630QM or Intel Core i7-3740QM?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-3740QM leads with a gaming performance score of 57/100 among Intel Core i7-3630QM and Intel Core i7-3740QM.
Do Intel Core i7-3630QM and Intel Core i7-3740QM use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket G2 (988B) socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-3740QM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-3630QM (4,800), Intel Core i7-3740QM (5,400). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.