Name: Intel Core i7 3615QM
Brand: Intel

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 3615QM

Overall score

5.0

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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.

Platform

7.0

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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

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

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

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

Performance

5.3

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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+

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+

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

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

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

Cache & Architecture

4.0

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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

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

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

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

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

Memory & PCIe

3.6

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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

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

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

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

Integrated Graphics

6.5

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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

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

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

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

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

Power & Thermal

5.3

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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

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

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

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

Intel Core i7 3615QM vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i7 3615QM better than the average processor?

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5 °C higher TJ Max
Intel Core i7 3615QM 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 3615QM 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
85.7% higher GPU clock speed
Intel Core i7 3615QM 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 3615QM 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 3615QM 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 3615QM has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.

Total

Integrated Graphics

Power & Thermal

Why is Intel Core i7 3615QM worse than the average processor?

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8 year/s older release date
Intel Core i7 3615QM has an older release date than the average processor (2,012 vs 2,020).
April 2012
Narrower instruction support
Intel Core i7 3615QM supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, F16C, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
No crypto acceleration
Intel Core i7 3615QM does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
23.3% lower boost clock
Intel Core i7 3615QM has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.3 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
31.4% weaker single-core performance
Intel Core i7 3615QM has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,704 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
2 fewer CPU cores
Intel Core i7 3615QM has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
51% lower PassMark score
Intel Core i7 3615QM has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (5,165 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
37.5% lower bus transfer rate
Intel Core i7 3615QM 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 3615QM 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.
83.3% larger process node
Intel Core i7 3615QM 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 3615QM 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 3615QM 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 3615QM uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Ivy Bridge vs Kaby Lake).
12.5% less L3 per core
Intel Core i7 3615QM 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 3615QM 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 3615QM 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 3615QM 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 3615QM uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
Older DDR support
Intel Core i7 3615QM supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
44.1% lower memory bandwidth
Intel Core i7 3615QM 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 3615QM 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 3615QM 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 3615QM uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 4,000 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i7 3615QM does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
5 °C higher CPU temperature
Intel Core i7 3615QM 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.
23.3% lower boost clock
Intel Core i7 3615QM has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.3 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 3615QM has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.3 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.3 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
31.4% weaker single-core performance
Intel Core i7 3615QM has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,704 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 3615QM has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,704 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,704 vs 2,483
83.3% larger process node
Intel Core i7 3615QM 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 3615QM 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 3615QM 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 3615QM has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
51% lower PassMark score
Intel Core i7 3615QM has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (5,165 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 3615QM has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (5,165 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.5,165 vs 10,532.5
Older DDR support
Intel Core i7 3615QM supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
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
Intel Core i7 3615QM supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).DDR3 vs DDR4
44.1% lower memory bandwidth
Intel Core i7 3615QM 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.
What it is: The maximum theoretical memory bandwidth the processor can support.
When it matters: When memory-heavy workloads matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >75 GB/s
Intel Core i7 3615QM 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.25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s
45.4% lower memory speed
Intel Core i7 3615QM 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.
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
Intel Core i7 3615QM 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.1600 MHz vs 2933 MHz

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7 3615QM?

Strong multi-threading performance due to 4 cores and 8 threads via Hyper-Threading
Significant architectural improvement over predecessor Sandy Bridge models
Capable integrated graphics (Intel HD 4000) for its generation
Supports advanced features like hardware virtualization (VT-x) and IOMMU
Efficient 22nm production node with 3D transistors for improved energy efficiency at its release
Reliable performance for high-load, calculation-heavy applications

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 3615QM?

Locked multiplier significantly limits overclocking potential
High TDP of 45 Watts makes it less suitable for smaller, ultra-portable laptops
Older architecture (Ivy Bridge) struggles with modern AAA gaming and high-resolution video tasks
Integrated graphics occasionally experience frame rate drops or lag in modern applications
Performance is noticeably outclassed by newer generations (e.g., Tiger Lake or newer)

Expert reviews

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30/03/2026

Intel Core i7-3615QM Benchmarks - Geekbench Browser

The Intel Core i7-3615QM is a 22nm Ivy Bridge quad-core mobile processor, commonly featured in 2012-era high-performance laptops and the Late 2012 Mac mini, running at a 2.3 GHz base with a 3.3 GHz boost. It features four cores and eight threads with Intel HD Graphics 4000, offering strong legacy multi-tasking capabilities. Key pros include robust multi-threaded performance suitable...Read more

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06/11/2012

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Apple MacBook Pro 15 Retina 2.3 GHz Mid-2012 Review

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26/06/2012

Mid-2012 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro Review: 2.3 GHz Core i7

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MacBook Pro Retina Review: Is it truly 'Pro'?

The 12-inch MacBook (2015) review highlights the device's extreme portability, featuring a 2.03-pound weight and a stunning 12-inch Retina display that outperforms the contemporary MacBook Air. Key advantages include the innovative Force Touch trackpad, a fanless, silent design, and impressive stereo speakers. However, the Intel Core M processor struggles with intensive,...Read more

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23/04/2012

Intel Ivy Bridge: 3rd Generation Core CPUs

Intel's 3rd Generation Core architecture (Ivy Bridge) introduced a 22nm manufacturing process and 3D Tri-Gate transistors, offering improved energy efficiency with a 77W TDP and a 5–15% CPU performance boost over Sandy Bridge. Key improvements include the Intel HD Graphics 4000 with DirectX 11 support, which delivers a 40–60% performance jump, alongside native PCI Express 3.0 and...Read more

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Intel Core i7-3615QM Notebook Processor

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MacBook Pro 15-Inch "Core i7" 2.6 Mid-2012 - QX Systems

The Apple MacBook Pro 15-inch (Mid-2012) is recognized as the final "classic" unibody model, highly valued for its exceptional repairability and legacy features, including a SuperDrive, FireWire 800, and Gigabit Ethernet. A key advantage is its ease of user upgrades, allowing for RAM expansion up to 16GB and the installation of faster SATA SSDs. Despite its age, the 3rd-gen Intel...Read more

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Apple MacBook Pro Retina 15-inch June 2012 Review

The 2012 MacBook Pro with Retina Display introduced a, 15.4-inch 2880 x 1800 IPS panel, offering exceptional clarity and color accuracy for professionals. Featuring a thinner aluminum unibody chassis, it bridged the gap between the Pro and Air lines, utilizing quad-core Ivy Bridge processors and flash storage. Key advantages include the high-performance NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M GPU,...Read more

Intel Core i7 3615QM Review | 78 Data compared

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Verdict

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 3615QM

Intel Core i7 3615QM vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i7 3615QM better than the average processor?

Why is Intel Core i7 3615QM worse than the average processor?

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 3615QM and other processors

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7 3615QM?

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 3615QM?

Expert reviews

Best alternatives

Compare Intel Core i7 3615QM with other processors