Quick Verdict
A legendary mobile quad-core CPU that powered a generation of gaming laptops. Still capable for basic tasks, but shows its age in modern multi-threaded workloads.
Overview
Launch
2012
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
3rd Gen
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i7-3610QM is a high-performance mobile processor launched in April 2012. Based on the Ivy Bridge architecture, this 22nm quad-core CPU features Hyper-Threading, allowing it to process 8 threads simultaneously. It operates at a base frequency of 2.3 GHz and boosts up to 3.3 GHz, providing excellent multi-threaded performance for gaming and content creation. With a 45W TDP, it is designed for thicker, performance-oriented laptop chassis with robust cooling. The processor utilizes the Socket G2 (rPGA988B), meaning it is socketed and potentially upgradeable. It includes 6MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3-1600 memory. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 handles basic display outputs and media decoding. The i7-3610QM became the standard CPU for mid-range to high-end gaming laptops in 2012, offering a perfect balance of core count, clock speed, and thermal manageability for portable computing.
The Core i7-3610QM was the quintessential 2012 gaming laptop CPU. With 4 cores, 8 threads, and a 3.3 GHz turbo, it handled heavy multitasking and gaming with ease.
Its socketed G2 design allowed upgrades, and its 45W TDP required robust laptop cooling.
Specifications
Performance
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Ivy Bridge
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
6 MB
L3 Cache
45 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-3610QM is built on the Ivy Bridge microarchitecture, utilizing Intel's 22nm Tri-Gate process. This die shrink from 32nm allowed for increased clock speeds and reduced power leakage compared to Sandy Bridge. The architecture features 4 physical cores with Hyper-Threading, yielding 8 concurrent threads, and 6MB of shared L3 cache. It includes 16 lanes of PCIe 3.0 natively, a major upgrade over the PCIe 2.0 limit of previous generations, allowing for faster communication with dedicated GPUs. The integrated memory controller supports dual-channel DDR3-1600. The processor integrates Intel HD Graphics 4600 (actually HD 4000 for Ivy Bridge) with 16 Execution Units, dynamically scaling up to 1100 MHz. The 'QM' suffix denotes a quad-core mobile processor, and its use of the Socket G2 interface provided a rare upgrade path in the laptop space, allowing system builders to offer different performance tiers on the same motherboard.
CPU Design
4 cores, 8 threads, locked, socketed package.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3-1600.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier.
- 22nm process node
- PCIe 3.0 support
- Improved HD 4000 graphics
Key Highlights
- Solid quad-core multi-threading
- Socketed design allows upgrades
- Good base clock for mobile
- Supports VT-d for virtualization
- 45W TDP requires robust cooling
- Uses obsolete DDR3 memory
- Lacks official Windows 11 support
- HD 4000 graphics are weak for modern gaming
History
Launched in April 2012, the Core i7-3610QM became the heart of the 2012-2013 gaming laptop market. As the default quad-core processor for the Ivy Bridge mobile generation, it replaced the highly successful Sandy Bridge i7-2670QM. The 3610QM brought significant architectural improvements, including the 22nm Tri-Gate process and native PCIe 3.
0 support, which allowed for faster communication with dedicated mobile GPUs. Its 45W TDP and 2.3 GHz base clock made it the perfect pairing for mid-range mobile GPUs like the GTX 660M.
Crucially, the 'QM' designation meant it utilized the Socket G2 interface, allowing users to upgrade their CPU—a feature that was highly prized by the enthusiast community. It powered iconic gaming lines like the Lenovo Y580 and Asus N56. While its 22nm process and DDR3 memory are obsolete today, the i7-3610QM represents a golden era of laptop modularity, where users could easily swap components to extend the life of their portable machines.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- 22nm process node
- PCIe 3.0 support
- Improved HD 4000 graphics
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Upgrading an old Socket G2 laptop for cheap
Avoid if…
- You are buying a new laptop
- You need modern single-core performance
- You want DDR4 memory
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 'QM' suffix denotes a standard mobile quad-core processor that is socketed.
Has a die size of 160 mm² and contains 1.4 billion transistors.
Part number is SR0MN.
Max Tj is 105°C.
Commonly paired with GTX 660M or GTX 670M mobile GPUs.
Features HD 4000 graphics with a max dynamic frequency of 1100 MHz.
Can be swapped for an i7-3720QM or 3820QM in compatible laptops.
Supports Intel Wireless Display (WiDi).
Launched at $378.
Compatible with HM75, HM76, HM77, and QM77 chipsets.
People Also Ask
Is the i7-3610QM good for gaming?
It can still handle older games and esports titles, but will bottleneck modern GPUs in new AAA games.
Can the i7-3610QM be overclocked?
No, it has a locked multiplier. Only the 'XM' series could be overclocked.
Can I upgrade the i7-3610QM in my laptop?
Yes, it uses Socket G2, so it can be upgraded to a faster i7-3720QM or 3820QM if cooling allows.
What is the TDP of the i7-3610QM?
It has a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 45 Watts.
Does the i7-3610QM have integrated graphics?
Yes, it includes Intel HD Graphics 4000.
What socket does the i7-3610QM use?
It uses the Intel Socket G2 (988B).
Does it support Hyper-Threading?
Yes, it has 4 cores and 8 threads.
What memory does it support?
It supports dual-channel DDR3-1600 memory.
What is the max turbo of the i7-3610QM?
The maximum turbo boost is 3.3 GHz.
Does it support vPro?
No, the QM series does not support vPro.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the base clock of the i7-3610QM?
The base clock is 2.3 GHz.
Does it support PCIe 3.0?
Yes, it supports 16 lanes of PCIe 3.0.
What is the L3 cache size?
It has 6 MB of L3 cache.
What generation is the i7-3610QM?
It is a 3rd Generation Intel Core processor (Ivy Bridge).
What is the part number?
The part number is SR0MN.
What is the max graphics dynamic frequency?
The HD 4000 graphics can boost up to 1100 MHz.
What is the max memory bandwidth?
The max memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s.
Does it support AVX?
Yes, it supports AVX instructions.
Can it run Windows 11?
Officially unsupported, but workarounds exist.
Is it good for video editing?
It is decent for 1080p editing, but 4K will be slow due to the 22nm architecture.