CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-3630QM vs Core i7-3840QM
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.
Handles older productivity suites and web browsing fine.
Gaming
Handles older or eSports titles well when paired with a discrete GPU.
Adequate for 2012 games, but lacks power for modern AAA titles.
Virtualization
Can run light VMs, but limited by DDR3 bandwidth and 45W power.
Good support for light virtualization on the go.
Efficiency
22nm Ivy Bridge is not as efficient as modern 10nm or 14nm processes.
45W TDP was efficient then, but runs hot compared to modern mobile chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
- No NPU or AI hardware
- Unsupported by modern AI software
Content Creation
Gaming
- Needs a discrete GPU for gaming
- Capable of 60fps in older titles
- Will bottleneck modern high-end mobile GPUs
- HD 4000 insufficient for modern games
- Pairs well with mobile GTX 600M series
- Good for indie and legacy titles
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
- Socketed design allows upgrades
- Strong multi-core performance for 2012
- PCIe 3.0 support
- VT-d virtualization support
Cons
- Highly outdated architecture
- Lacks AVX2 support
- 45W TDP is hot for modern laptops
- Weak integrated graphics
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
Core i7-3840QM
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3940XMAlt
Unlocked Extreme Edition for Socket G2.
More budget-friendly Ivy Bridge mobile option.
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 rare socketed high-end mobile CPU that offered excellent performance and upgrade paths for 2012 laptops, though it is heavily outdated today.
Best for: Upgrading an old Socket G2 laptop.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-3630QM or Core i7-3840QM?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-3840QM comes out ahead with a score of 7.8/10. 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 i7-3630QM or Core i7-3840QM?
For gaming, the Core i7-3840QM leads with a gaming performance score of 60/100 among Intel Core i7-3630QM and Core i7-3840QM.
Do Intel Core i7-3630QM and Core i7-3840QM 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 Core i7-3840QM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-3630QM (4,800), Core i7-3840QM (8,100). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.