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Intel Core i7 3612QM Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£35
  • Avg. price in US: ~$40
  • PassMark benchmark result: 4655
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 3.1 GHz

Intel Core i7 3612QM review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

3.8

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

3.8

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
3.8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.2

Performance

18.0%

4.0

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

3.6

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.9

Power & Thermal

4.0%

6.6

Platform

1.0%

6.7

Integrated Graphics

Poor
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 1.7
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.9

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    1.2

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.9

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.8

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

  • 1.7
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.0

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    2.8

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    1.8

    L3 cache

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-3612QM is a high-performance quad-core mobile processor based on the 22nm Ivy Bridge architecture, featuring 4 physical cores and 8 threads via Hyper-Threading. It operates at a base clock speed of 2.1 GHz, reaching a maximum Turbo Boost frequency of 3.1 GHz, and includes a 6 MB Smart Cache along with integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000. Its primary advantages include a relatively low 35W TDP, making it a powerful yet energy-efficient choice for smaller laptops that typically only support dual-core thermal designs, and its support for advanced features like AVX and PCI Express 3.0. However, its main drawbacks are its age as a legacy component, lack of support for modern operating systems like Windows 11, and the absence of vPro technology.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 3612QM

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

3.8
Intel Core i7 3612QM has a technical score of 3.8 points, which is lower than that of 88.1% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.0
Intel Core i7 3612QM has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

3.8

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

5.7
Intel Core i7 3612QM has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.7 points, which is lower than 78% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

mobile
Intel Core i7 3612QM belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

FCPGA988
Intel Core i7 3612QM uses the FCPGA988 CPU socket, which is older than that of 62.1% of processors and equal to that of 1.9% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

QM77, QS77, HM77, HM76, HM75
Intel Core i7 3612QM supports QM77, QS77, HM77, HM76, HM75 chipsets, which is narrower compatibility than 54.2% of processors and equal to that of 1.6% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i7 3612QM uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

4
Intel Core i7 3612QM has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 50.7% of processors and equal to 28.5% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

8
Intel Core i7 3612QM offers 8 CPU threads, which is more than 35.3% of processors and equal to 19% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

2
Intel Core i7 3612QM offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

3.1 GHz
Intel Core i7 3612QM reaches a boost clock of 3.1 GHz which is lower than that of 91.6% of processors and equal to that of 1.3% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

4 x 2.1 GHz & 4 x 3.1 GHz
Intel Core i7 3612QM has a base clock of 4x2.1 GHz & 4x3.1 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

22 nm
Intel Core i7 3612QM uses a 22 nm process node, which is older than that of 84.6% of processors and equal to that of 10.1% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 22 nm
Intel Core i7 3612QM is built on the Intel 22 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 84.6% of processors and equal to that of 10.1% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

6 MB
Intel Core i7 3612QM has an L3 cache of 6 MB which is smaller than that of 60.4% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

1 MB
Intel Core i7 3612QM has an L2 cache of 1 MB which is smaller than that of 67.1% of processors and equal to that of 17.6% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

256 KB
Intel Core i7 3612QM has an L1 cache of 256 KB which is smaller than that of 59.4% of processors and equal to that of 18.5% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR3
Intel Core i7 3612QM supports DDR DDR3, which is older than that of 86.3% of processors and equal to that of 13.7% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

1,600 MHz
Intel Core i7 3612QM supports memory speeds up to 1600 MHz, which is lower than that of 87.3% of processors and equal to 11.3% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR3-1600 MHz
Intel Core i7 3612QM supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR3-1600 MHz, which is lower than that of 87.6% of processors and equal to 8.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

32 GB
Intel Core i7 3612QM supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 71.9% of processors and equal to 19.5% of processors.
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Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i7 3612QM includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel HD Graphics 4000
Intel Core i7 3612QM uses the Intel HD Graphics 4000 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 69.5% of processors and equal to that in 2.9% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

16
Intel Core i7 3612QM has 16 GPU execution units, which is fewer than 56.5% of processors and equal to 6.2% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

650 MHz
Intel Core i7 3612QM has an integrated GPU clock of 650 MHz which is higher than that of 83.9% of processors and equal to that of 5.3% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode)
Intel Core i7 3612QM supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode/encode), VC-1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 53% of processors and equal to 4.9% of processors.
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

35 W
Intel Core i7 3612QM has a TDP of 35 W which is lower than that of 51.8% of processors and equal to that of 14.8% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

35 W
Intel Core i7 3612QM has a base power of 35 W which is lower than that of 51.7% of processors and equal to that of 15.1% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

?
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

28 seconds
Intel Core i7 3612QM has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

yes
Intel Core i7 3612QM supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i7 3612QM vs the average processor

  • 5 °C higher TJ Max
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
    What it is: The highest safe operating junction temperature before the CPU starts throttling or protecting itself.
    When it matters: When you tune cooling or monitor thermals under load.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=100 °C

    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.105 °C vs 100 °C
  • 7.14x cheaper
    Intel Core i7 3612QM is cheaper than the average processor (£35 vs £250).
    Intel Core i7 3612QM is cheaper than the average processor (£35 vs £250).£35 vs £250
  • 22.2% lower base power
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a lower base power draw than the average processor (35 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a lower base power draw than the average processor (35 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.35 W vs 45 W
  • 85.7% higher GPU clock speed
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
    What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
    When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=350 MHz

    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.650 MHz vs 350 MHz
  • 85.7% higher GPU clock speed
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a higher integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (650 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
  • 5 °C higher TJ Max
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
  • 22.2% lower base power
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a lower base power draw than the average processor (35 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.

Total
Overall
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i7 3612QM supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, F16C, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • 8 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has an older release date than the average processor (2,012 vs 2,020).
    April 2012
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i7 3612QM does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • Older TPM support
    Intel Core i7 3612QM supports an older TPM version than the average processor (TPM 1.2 vs PTT 2.0).
  • 66% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (500 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 27.9% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 38% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,540 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 89.6% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (500 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 55.8% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,655 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 37.5% lower bus transfer rate
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
  • 37.5% lower bus speed
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a lower bus speed than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
  • 7 lower clock multiplier
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (21 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • 83.3% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 60% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i7 3612QM uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Ivy Bridge vs Kaby Lake).
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • 33.3% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 71.7% fewer transistors
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has fewer transistors than the average processor (1.4 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
  • 25% smaller L3 cache
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (6 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • Less advanced foundry
    Intel Core i7 3612QM uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core i7 3612QM supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
  • 44.1% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 45.4% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (1,600 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 50% less memory capacity
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Inferior integrated GPU
    Intel Core i7 3612QM uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 4,000 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
  • 5 °C higher CPU temperature
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a higher CPU temperature than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
  • 66% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (500 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (500 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.500 vs 1,471
  • 27.9% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 38% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,540 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,540 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,540 vs 2,483
  • 89.6% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (500 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (500 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.500 vs 4,793
  • 83.3% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.22 nm vs 12 nm
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i7 3612QM has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i7 3612QM supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, F16C, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
    When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i7 3612QM supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, F16C, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).MMX, SSE, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, F16C, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • 55.8% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,655 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
    When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >19000

    Intel Core i7 3612QM has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,655 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.4,655 vs 10,532.5
Total
Overall
Platform
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Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 3612QM and other processors

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7 3612QM?

  • Low TDP of 35W allows for quad-core performance in smaller, more portable laptops
  • Efficient Ivy Bridge 22nm architecture offers improved energy efficiency over previous generations
  • Hyper-threading support effectively provides 8 threads for better multitasking and multithreaded workloads
  • Decent integrated graphics for its time with the Intel HD Graphics 4000
  • High thermal junction limit of 105°C provides a generous safety margin for heat

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 3612QM?

  • Lower clock speeds (2.1GHz base) compared to 45W quad-core models like the i7-3610QM
  • Locked multiplier prevents easy overclocking for performance enthusiasts
  • Known to run hot in some notebook chassis, reaching up to 90°C under heavy BIOS diagnostics
  • No support for Intel vPro technology, limiting its appeal for some business use cases
  • Integrated graphics lack performance for modern, high-end gaming tasks

Expert reviews

C
cpu.userbenchmark.com
30/03/2026
Intel Core i7-3612QM - CPU UserBenchmarks

The Intel Core i7-3612QM is a third-generation Ivy Bridge mobile processor, featuring 4 cores and 8 threads with a 35W TDP, offering efficient, high-performance quad-core capabilities for its era. A key advantage is its ability to deliver superior performance in smaller, thinner laptops, while maintaining good, consistent performance in varied real-world scenarios. However, the...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
30/03/2026
Intel Core i7-3612QM @ 2.10GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i7-3612QM is a 2012 Ivy Bridge quad-core processor featuring a 2.1 GHz base clock, 3.1 GHz Turbo, and Hyper-Threading, aimed at offering high performance in a 35W TDP envelope suitable for smaller laptops. While it provides solid multi-threaded performance with an approximate 4,654 PassMark score and integrated HD Graphics 4000, it lacks Windows 11 support and...Read more

O
openbenchmarking.org
Q2 2012
Intel Core I7-3612QM Benchmarks, Linux Performance

The Intel Core i7-3612QM is a 22nm quad-core Ivy Bridge mobile processor launched in 2012, featuring a 2.1 GHz base clock and Hyper-Threading. A key pro is its efficient 35W TDP, allowing quad-core performance in smaller, portable laptops, along with integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000. Conversely, it is roughly 8–9% slower than the i7-3610QM due to lower clock speeds, features a...Read more

P
profesionalreview.com
20/03/2026
Intel Core i7: Full Guide and Models

The Intel Core i7 series is positioned as a high-end, "sweet spot" processor for enthusiasts, offering a significant performance leap over i5 models for tasks like 4K video editing, intensive multitasking, and gaming through a hybrid P-core/E-core architecture. Key pros include exceptional multi-threaded performance (often 40-50% faster than lower tiers), large cache sizes, and...Read more

(Translated)Show original
N
notebookcheck.nl
23/07/2012
Dell Inspiron 15R Special Edition Review

The Dell Inspiron 15R Special Edition (7520) is reviewed as a powerful 15.6-inch multimedia notebook, featuring an Intel Core i7-3612QM processor, AMD Radeon HD 7730M graphics, and a sturdy, black anodized aluminum design 1.2.1. Its strengths include a sharp 1080p display, good performance for gaming and media, and quality Skullcandy speakers, though it lacks an SSD in many...Read more

(Translated)Show original
N
notebookcheck.nl
27/08/2012
Sony Vaio SVE1711X1EB Laptop Review

The Sony Vaio SVE1711X1EB is a 17.3-inch multimedia laptop featuring a high-performance Intel Core i7-3612QM processor, a high-contrast matte Full HD display, and a Blu-ray burner. Key pros include excellent screen quality, comfortable input devices, and strong performance potential. However, significant cons include the deactivation of Intel Turbo Boost leading to throttled CPU...Read more

(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

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