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Intel Core i7-3520M vs Intel Core i7-3612QM vs Intel Core i7-3540M

Intel Core i7-3520M

► remove from comparison Intel 3520M

The Intel Core i7-3520M is the fastest dual-core processor for laptops based on the Ivy Bridge architecture at the time of introduction in Q2 2012. Due to Hyperthreading, the two cores can handle up to four threads in parallel leading to better utilization of the CPU. Each core offers a base speed of 2.9 GHz but can dynamically increase clock rates with Turbo Boost up to 3.4 GHz (for 2 active cores) and 3.6 GHz (for 1 active core). As its Sandy-Bridge-based predecessor Core i7-2640M, it offers a 4 MB L3-Cache.

Ivy Bridge is an enhanced die shrink of the Sandy Bridge architecture with improvements on both GPU and CPU performance. The CPUs are produced in 22nm (versus 32nm Sandy Bridge CPUs) and are the first to introduce 3D transistors for increased energy efficiency when compared to similarly clocked Sandy Bridge processors. Other new features are integrated PCI Express 3.0 and  DDR3(L)-1600 support.

The performance of the Core i7-3520M is slightly above a similarly clocked Sandy Bridge processor due to the architectural improvements. As a result, overall performance is about 5 - 10 % above the old i7-2640M (see benchmarks below).

The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 offers 16 Execution Units (EUs) clocked at 650 MHz up to 1250 MHz with Turbo Boost, making it one of the fastest variants.

Just like most other Ivy Bridge dual-cores, the i7-3520M is rated at a TDP of 35 W. Therefore, even smaller laptops can use the Core i7.

Intel Core i7-3612QM

► remove from comparison Intel 3612QM

The Intel Core i7-3612QM is a fast quad-core processor for laptops based on the Ivy Bridge architecture. It is the fastest mobile processor rated at 35 Watt (at the time of announcement in mid 2012). Due to Hyperthreading, the four cores can handle up to eight threads in parallel leading to better utilization of the CPU. Each core offers a base speed of 2.1 GHz but can dynamically increase clock rates with Turbo Boost up to 2.8 GHz (for 4 active cores), 3.0 GHz (for 2 active cores) and 3.1 GHz (for 1 active core). Compared to the other quad core CPU, the 3612QM is specified at a TDP of only 35 Watt (similar to the dual-core CPUs). The BGA version (that is directly soldered to the mainboard) supports VT-d virtualization, whereas the rPGA version does not. Both dont support vPro, but otherwise all Ivy Bridge features like AES or VT-x are useable.

Ivy Bridge is an enhanced die shrink of the Sandy Bridge architecture with improvements on both GPU and CPU performance. The CPUs are produced in 22nm (versus 32nm Sandy Bridge CPUs) and are the first to introduce 3D transistors for increased energy efficiency when compared to similarly clocked Sandy Bridge processors. Other new features are integrated PCI Express 3.0 and  DDR3(L)-1600 support.

The performance of the Core i7-3612QM is slightly above a similarly clocked Sandy Bridge processor due to the architectural improvements. As a result, overall performance is similar to the Sandy Bridge Core i7-2820QM. Altough the 3612QM has a higher model number than the 3610QM, it offers slower clock rates and therefore performs worse. However, the 3610QM is specified at a much higher TDP of 45 Watt.

The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 offers 16 Execution Units (EUs) clocked at 650 MHz up to 1100 MHz with Turbo Boost, making it one of the faster variants.

With a TDP of only 35 Watt, the Core i7-3612QM is the first quad-core CPU from Intel that is specified at the level of the dual-core mobile CPUs. Therefore, even smaller laptops can use the Core i7.

Intel Core i7-3540M

► remove from comparison Intel 3540M

The Intel Core i7-3540M is the fastest dual-core processor for laptops based on the Ivy Bridge architecture at the time of introduction in Q1 2013. Due to Hyperthreading, the two cores can handle up to four threads in parallel leading to better utilization of the CPU. Each core offers a base speed of 3.0 GHz but can dynamically increase clock rates with Turbo Boost up to 3.5 GHz (for 2 active cores) and 3.7 GHz (for 1 active core). As its Sandy-Bridge-based predecessor Core i7-2640M, it offers a 4 MB L3-Cache.

Ivy Bridge is an enhanced die shrink of the Sandy Bridge architecture with improvements on both GPU and CPU performance. The CPUs are produced in 22nm (versus 32nm Sandy Bridge CPUs) and are the first to introduce 3D transistors for increased energy efficiency when compared to similarly clocked Sandy Bridge processors. Other new features are integrated PCI Express 3.0 and  DDR3(L)-1600 support.

The performance of the Core i7-3540M is slightly above a similarly clocked Sandy Bridge processor due to the architectural improvements. As a result, overall performance is about 5 - 10 % above the old i7-2640M.

The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 offers 16 Execution Units (EUs) clocked at 650 MHz up to 1300 MHz with Turbo Boost, making it one of the fastest variants.

Just like most other Ivy Bridge dual-cores, the i7-3540M is rated at a TDP of 35 W. Therefore, even smaller laptops can use the Core i7.

ModelIntel Core i7-3520MIntel Core i7-3612QMIntel Core i7-3540M
SeriesIntel Core i7Intel Core i7Intel Core i7
CodenameIvy BridgeIvy BridgeIvy Bridge
Series: Core i7 Ivy Bridge
Intel Core i7-3940XM3 - 3.9 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3920XM2.9 - 3.8 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3840QM2.8 - 3.8 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3820QM2.7 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3740QM2.7 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3720QM2.6 - 3.6 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3635QM2.4 - 3.4 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3630QM2.4 - 3.4 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3615QM2.3 - 3.3 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3610QM2.3 - 3.3 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3632QM2.2 - 3.2 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3612QM2.1 - 3.1 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3540M3 - 3.7 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3520M « 2.9 - 3.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3687U2.1 - 3.3 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3667U2 - 3.2 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3537U2 - 3.1 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3517U1.9 - 3 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3689Y1.5 - 2.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3940XM3 - 3.9 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3920XM2.9 - 3.8 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3840QM2.8 - 3.8 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3820QM2.7 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3740QM2.7 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3720QM2.6 - 3.6 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3635QM2.4 - 3.4 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3630QM2.4 - 3.4 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3615QM2.3 - 3.3 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3610QM2.3 - 3.3 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3632QM2.2 - 3.2 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3612QM « 2.1 - 3.1 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3540M3 - 3.7 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3520M2.9 - 3.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3687U2.1 - 3.3 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3667U2 - 3.2 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3537U2 - 3.1 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3517U1.9 - 3 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3689Y1.5 - 2.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3940XM3 - 3.9 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3920XM2.9 - 3.8 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3840QM2.8 - 3.8 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3820QM2.7 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3740QM2.7 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3720QM2.6 - 3.6 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3635QM2.4 - 3.4 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3630QM2.4 - 3.4 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3615QM2.3 - 3.3 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3610QM2.3 - 3.3 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3632QM2.2 - 3.2 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3612QM2.1 - 3.1 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3540M « 3 - 3.7 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3520M2.9 - 3.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3687U2.1 - 3.3 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3667U2 - 3.2 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3537U2 - 3.1 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3517U1.9 - 3 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-3689Y1.5 - 2.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Clock2900 - 3600 MHz2100 - 3100 MHz3000 - 3700 MHz
L1 Cache128 KB256 KB128 KB
L2 Cache512 KB1 MB512 KB
L3 Cache4 MB6 MB4 MB
Cores / Threads2 / 44 / 82 / 4
TDP35 Watt35 Watt35 Watt
Technology22 nm22 nm22 nm
max. Temp.105 °C105 °C105 °C
SocketBGA1023, PGA988FCBGA1224, FCPGA988BGA1023, PGA988
FeaturesHD Graphics 4000, DDR3-1600 Memory Controller, HyperThreading, AVX, Quick Sync, VirtualizationHD Graphics 4000 (650-1100MHz), DDR3(L)-1600 Memory Controller, HyperThreading, AVX, Quick Sync, VirtualizationHD Graphics 4000 (650 - 1300 MHz), DDR3-1600 Memory Controller, HyperThreading, AVX, Quick Sync, Virtualization
iGPUIntel HD Graphics 4000 (650 - 1250 MHz)Intel HD Graphics 4000 (650 - 1100 MHz)Intel HD Graphics 4000 (650 - 1300 MHz)
Architecturex86x86x86
$346 U.S.
Announced
Manufacturerark.intel.comark.intel.comark.intel.com
Transistors1400 Million
Die Size160 mm2

Benchmarks

Cinebench R11.5 - Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64 Bit
min: 3     avg: 3.3     median: 3.4 (4%)     max: 3.44 Points
min: 4.2     avg: 5.4     median: 5.6 (7%)     max: 5.66 Points
min: 3.41     avg: 3.5     median: 3.5 (4%)     max: 3.49 Points
Cinebench R11.5 - Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64 Bit
min: 1.41     avg: 1.4     median: 1.5 (36%)     max: 1.47 Points
min: 0.89     avg: 1.2     median: 1.3 (32%)     max: 1.29 Points
min: 1.52     avg: 1.5     median: 1.5 (38%)     max: 1.54 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Single (32bit)
min: 4408     avg: 4813     median: 4855 (29%)     max: 4903 Points
min: 2961     avg: 3947     median: 4112.5 (25%)     max: 4163 Points
min: 5018     avg: 5030     median: 5029.5 (30%)     max: 5041 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Multi (32bit)
min: 9112     avg: 10167     median: 10467 (8%)     max: 10605 Points
min: 11636     avg: 15072     median: 15678 (11%)     max: 15937 Points
min: 10628     avg: 10811     median: 10810.5 (8%)     max: 10993 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Multi (64bit)
min: 11581     avg: 12766     median: 12889.5 (9%)     max: 13151 Points
min: 14549     avg: 18508     median: 19210 (13%)     max: 19463 Points
min: 13307     avg: 13435     median: 13434.5 (9%)     max: 13562 Points
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Single (64bit)
min: 6029     avg: 6128     median: 6146.5 (7%)     max: 6203 Points
min: 3753     avg: 4989     median: 5226 (6%)     max: 5413 Points
min: 6326     avg: 6414     median: 6414 (8%)     max: 6502 Points
wPrime 2.10 - wPrime 2.0 1024m *
min: 456     avg: 493.2     median: 492.1 (6%)     max: 570 s
min: 276     avg: 338     median: 297.9 (4%)     max: 579 s
471.2 s (6%)
wPrime 2.10 - wPrime 2.0 32m *
min: 14.4     avg: 15.5     median: 15.4 (3%)     max: 17.1 s
min: 8     avg: 9.5     median: 9.6 (2%)     max: 10.16 s
14.9 s (3%)
WinRAR - WinRAR 4.0
min: 2661     avg: 2863     median: 2715 (4%)     max: 3527 Points
min: 3961     avg: 4028     median: 4047 (6%)     max: 4057 Points
2940 Points (5%)
X264 HD Benchmark 4.0 - x264 Pass 2
min: 6.7     avg: 16.1     median: 18.9 (7%)     max: 19.44 fps
min: 30.94     avg: 31.1     median: 31.1 (11%)     max: 31.14 fps
19.9 fps (7%)
X264 HD Benchmark 4.0 - x264 Pass 1
min: 35.1     avg: 86.2     median: 98.6 (23%)     max: 101.8 fps
min: 122.1     avg: 123.6     median: 123.8 (29%)     max: 124.6 fps
105.3 fps (24%)
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt Serpent
min: 0.164     avg: 0.2     median: 0.2 (0%)     max: 0.176 GB/s
min: 0.218     avg: 0.3     median: 0.3 (0%)     max: 0.291 GB/s
0.2 GB/s (0%)
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt Twofish
min: 0.249     avg: 0.3     median: 0.3 (5%)     max: 0.302 GB/s
min: 0.366     avg: 0.5     median: 0.5 (8%)     max: 0.501 GB/s
0.3 GB/s (5%)
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt AES
min: 1.2     avg: 1.6     median: 1.7 (4%)     max: 1.7 GB/s
min: 2.1     avg: 2.5     median: 2.7 (7%)     max: 2.8 GB/s
1.7 GB/s (4%)
3DMark 06 - CPU - 3DMark 06 - CPU
min: 3528     avg: 4086     median: 4134 (9%)     max: 4212 Points
min: 4078     avg: 5080     median: 5466 (12%)     max: 5552 Points
min: 4267     avg: 4320     median: 4319.5 (9%)     max: 4372 Points
Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 1M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 1M *
min: 10     avg: 10.3     median: 10 (2%)     max: 10.94 s
min: 12     avg: 12.8     median: 12.3 (3%)     max: 17 s
10.4 s (2%)
Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 2M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 2M *
min: 24     avg: 24.8     median: 25 (1%)     max: 25.87 s
min: 27     avg: 29.1     median: 28.1 (1%)     max: 39 s
23.9 s (1%)
Super Pi Mod 1.5 XS 32M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 32M *
min: 565     avg: 591     median: 594 (3%)     max: 612 s
min: 648     avg: 792     median: 661 (3%)     max: 1931 s
557 s (2%)
SiSoft Sandra Dhrystone (MIPS) - SiSoft Sandra Dhrystone (MIPS)
100%
1 3520M +
min: 55800     avg: 63808     median: 67130 (32%)     max: 69140 MIPS
134%
1 3612QM +
min: 72000     avg: 86945     median: 89930 (43%)     max: 95920 MIPS
SiSoft Sandra Whetstone (MFLOPS) - SiSoft Sandra Whetstone (MFLOPS)
100%
1 3520M +
min: 41450     avg: 42502     median: 42450 (33%)     max: 44032 MFLOPS
163%
1 3612QM +
min: 51000     avg: 65015     median: 69190 (53%)     max: 70680 MFLOPS
Windows 7 Experience Index - Win7 CPU
7.2 Points (92%)
min: 7.2     avg: 7.5     median: 7.5 (96%)     max: 7.5 Points
7.3 Points (94%)
3DMark Vantage - 3DM Vant. Perf. CPU no Physx
min: 9277     avg: 11188     median: 11511 (10%)     max: 11788 Points
min: 8328     avg: 16910     median: 17837.5 (16%)     max: 19780 Points
11749 Points (10%)
3DMark 11 - 3DM11 Performance Physics
min: 3582     avg: 4275     median: 4466 (12%)     max: 4774 Points
min: 5234     avg: 6378     median: 6388.5 (17%)     max: 7418 Points
min: 4391     avg: 4627     median: 4627 (13%)     max: 4863 Points
3DMark - 3DMark Ice Storm Physics
100%
1 3520M +
39221 Points (32%)
107%
1 3540M +
min: 40631     avg: 42023     median: 42022.5 (34%)     max: 43414 Points
3DMark - 3DMark Cloud Gate Physics
100%
1 3520M +
3393 Points (9%)
103%
1 3540M +
min: 3424     avg: 3483     median: 3482.5 (9%)     max: 3541 Points
3DMark - 3DMark Fire Strike Standard Physics
100%
1 3520M +
4772 Points (9%)
104%
1 3540M +
min: 4929     avg: 4966     median: 4966 (9%)     max: 5003 Points

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i7-3520M → 100% n=21

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i7-3612QM → 128% n=21

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i7-3540M → 103% n=21

- Range of benchmark values for this graphics card
- Average benchmark values for this graphics card
* Smaller numbers mean a higher performance
1 This benchmark is not used for the average calculation

v1.26
log 28. 14:55:17

#0 checking url part for id 3065 +0s ... 0s

#1 checking url part for id 3087 +0s ... 0s

#2 checking url part for id 3628 +0s ... 0s

#3 not redirecting to Ajax server +0s ... 0s

#4 did not recreate cache, as it is less than 5 days old! Created at Thu, 28 Mar 2024 05:35:32 +0100 +0.001s ... 0.001s

#5 composed specs +0.03s ... 0.031s

#6 did output specs +0s ... 0.031s

#7 getting avg benchmarks for device 3065 +0.003s ... 0.034s

#8 got single benchmarks 3065 +0.034s ... 0.068s

#9 getting avg benchmarks for device 3087 +0.003s ... 0.07s

#10 got single benchmarks 3087 +0.045s ... 0.115s

#11 getting avg benchmarks for device 3628 +0.003s ... 0.118s

#12 got single benchmarks 3628 +0.01s ... 0.129s

#13 got avg benchmarks for devices +0s ... 0.129s

#14 min, max, avg, median took s +0.212s ... 0.341s

#15 return log +0s ... 0.341s

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Redaktion, 2017-09- 8 (Update: 2023-07- 1)