Intel Core i3-7100T vs Intel Core i7-3632QM Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a clear split between these two processors, with the Intel Core i7-3632QM taking five of the seven head-to-head benchmark wins, while the Intel Core i3-7100T wins two. The most striking result is in Geekbench single-core, where the Core i3-7100T scores 1111 against 613 for the Core i7-3632QM, a delta of 81.2%. This is the largest performance gap in either direction across all tested workloads, and it reflects the fundamental clock and architecture differences between the two parts.

The Core i7-3632QM dominates the multi-core and single-core Cinebench tests. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, it scores 406 versus 319 for the Core i3-7100T, a 21.4% advantage. The pattern repeats in Cinebench R20 multi-core, where the Core i7-3632QM posts 1693 against 1333, a 21.3% lead. Cinebench R23 multi-core shows the same margin at 21.3%, with scores of 4033 and 3175 respectively. Even in single-core Cinebench tests, the Core i7-3632QM leads: 238 versus 188 in R20 single-core (21% ahead) and 569 versus 448 in R23 single-core (21.3% ahead). These consistent margins across all Cinebench versions suggest a stable performance relationship that is not workload-dependent within this benchmark family.

The Geekbench results tell a different story. While the Core i7-3632QM wins Geekbench multi-core? No, it does not. The Core i3-7100T wins Geekbench multi-core with 2230 against 2142, a 4.1% margin. This is a much smaller win than the Cinebench gaps, but it is still a win. The Geekbench single-core result is the outlier: the Core i3-7100T's 1111 is 81.2% higher than the Core i7-3632QM's 613. No other benchmark in the head-to-head set comes close to this magnitude of difference.

Interpreting the average benchmark scores provides additional context. The Core i3-7100T has an average benchmark score of 1258, while the Core i7-3632QM averages 1219. Both processors sit at the 34th percentile among all CPUs in the database, meaning they occupy the same overall performance tier despite their contrasting strengths. The Core i3-7100T's nearest rivals include the Intel Core i7-3615QM at 1260 (0.2% higher), the AMD Athlon 200GE at 1261 (0.2% higher), the Intel Xeon W-2102 at 1264 (0.5% higher), and the Intel Core i3-1005G1 at 1265 (0.6% higher). The Core i7-3632QM's nearest rivals are the Intel Core i5-2500 at 1220 (0.1% higher), the Intel Pentium Silver N6005 at 1218 (0.1% lower), the Intel Xeon E5-1607 v3 at 1212 (0.5% lower), and the Intel Core i3-7300T at 1211 (0.7% lower). These rival lists show that both chips compete in a crowded mid-range space, where small average score differences separate adjacent products.

The delta percentages in the head-to-head table are all negative for the Core i3-7100T except for the two Geekbench tests. This means the Core i7-3632QM wins by roughly 21% in every Cinebench test, while the Core i3-7100T wins Geekbench multi-core by 4.1% and Geekbench single-core by 81.2%. The Cinebench margins are remarkably consistent, varying only between 21% and 21.4% across five tests. This consistency suggests that the Core i7-3632QM's advantage in these workloads is structural, likely tied to its core and thread count, rather than dependent on specific test conditions.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i3-7100T has an average benchmark score of 1258, while the Intel Core i7-3632QM has an average of 1219. The Core i3-7100T leads by 39 points, though both sit at the 34th percentile among all CPUs.

Q: How large is the Core i7-3632QM's lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The Core i7-3632QM scores 4033 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, while the Core i3-7100T scores 3175. This gives the Core i7-3632QM a 21.3% advantage.

Q: Does the Core i3-7100T win any benchmark by a large margin?

A: Yes, the Core i3-7100T wins Geekbench single-core by 81.2%, scoring 1111 versus 613 for the Core i7-3632QM. This is the largest delta in the entire head-to-head set.

Q: What is the transistor count and die size difference?

A: The Core i7-3632QM has 1,480 million transistors on a 160 mm² die, built on a 22 nm process. The Core i3-7100T's transistor count and die size are not recorded in the database, but it uses a 14 nm process.

Q: Which processor supports DDR4 memory?

A: The Intel Core i3-7100T lists DDR4 memory support with a memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The Core i7-3632QM does not have memory support or bandwidth data recorded, though it does use dual-channel memory.

Q: How do the two processors compare in Cinebench R20 single-core?

A: The Core i7-3632QM scores 238, which is 21% higher than the Core i3-7100T's 188. This is notable because single-core tests typically favor newer architectures, but the Core i7-3632QM still wins here.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different Intel generations and manufacturing nodes. The Core i3-7100T uses the Kaby Lake architecture on a 14 nm process, with a codename of Kaby Lake and a generation label of Core i3 (Kaby Lake). The Core i7-3632QM uses the Ivy Bridge architecture on a 22 nm process, with a codename of Ivy Bridge and a generation label of Core i7 (Ivy Bridge). The process node difference of 14 nm versus 22 nm represents a substantial manufacturing advancement for the newer chip.

The Core i7-3632QM has a recorded transistor count of 1,480 million and a die size of 160 mm². The Core i3-7100T does not have transistor or die size data in the database. The core configuration differs significantly: the Core i3-7100T has 2 cores and 4 threads, while the Core i7-3632QM has 4 cores and 8 threads. This doubling of cores and threads is the primary architectural reason for the Core i7-3632QM's consistent Cinebench wins.

Cache hierarchies are similar in structure but differ in capacity. Both processors have 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 256 KB of L2 cache per core. The L3 cache differs: the Core i3-7100T has 3 MB shared, while the Core i7-3632QM has 6 MB shared. This doubles the L3 capacity on the older chip, which may contribute to its multi-core performance in cache-sensitive workloads.

The integrated graphics differ as well. The Core i3-7100T features Intel HD 630 graphics, while the Core i7-3632QM features Intel HD 4000. The newer Kaby Lake part has the more recent graphics generation. The Core i3-7100T also records PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the Core i7-3632QM has no PCIe data recorded.

Memory support differs in the database records. The Core i3-7100T lists DDR4 memory support with dual-channel bus and a memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The Core i7-3632QM lists dual-channel memory but no specific memory type or bandwidth figure. Neither processor supports ECC memory, and neither has an unlocked multiplier.

The sockets are incompatible. The Core i3-7100T uses Intel Socket 1151, while the Core i7-3632QM uses Intel Socket G2 (988B). This means the two processors cannot be installed in the same motherboard, which is an important practical consideration despite their similar performance tiers.

The production status also differs: the Core i3-7100T is listed as Active, while the Core i7-3632QM has no production status recorded. The release dates are far apart, with the Core i3-7100T released in January 2017 and the Core i7-3632QM released in October 2012.

Specification Differences

The core and thread counts differ: the Core i3-7100T has 2 cores and 4 threads, while the Core i7-3632QM has 4 cores and 8 threads. The base clocks differ substantially: the Core i3-7100T runs at 3.40 GHz base with no boost clock recorded, while the Core i7-3632QM runs at 2.20 GHz base with a 3.20 GHz boost clock. This means the newer chip has a higher base clock by 1.20 GHz, but the older chip can boost above its base by 1.00 GHz.

The process nodes differ: 14 nm for the Core i3-7100T versus 22 nm for the Core i7-3632QM. The L3 cache differs: 3 MB shared versus 6 MB shared. The sockets differ: Intel Socket 1151 versus Intel Socket G2 (988B). The architectures differ: Kaby Lake versus Ivy Bridge, with corresponding codenames and generation labels.

The memory support records differ: the Core i3-7100T lists DDR4 with 38.4 GB/s bandwidth, while the Core i7-3632QM has no memory type or bandwidth recorded. The PCIe data exists only for the Core i3-7100T, which lists Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The integrated graphics differ: Intel HD 630 versus Intel HD 4000.

The market segments differ: the Core i3-7100T is a Desktop part, while the Core i7-3632QM is a Mobile part. The Core i3-7100T has a recorded part number of SR35P, while the Core i7-3632QM has no part number recorded. The Core i3-7100T is Active in production, while the Core i7-3632QM has no production status. Both have a TDP of 35 watts and both lack an unlocked multiplier. Neither has a launch MSRP recorded in the database.

The release dates differ: January 2017 for the Core i3-7100T versus October 2012 for the Core i7-3632QM. The process node, transistor count, and die size records differ, with the Core i7-3632QM having transistor and die size data that the Core i3-7100T lacks.

The Verdict

The data shows two processors at the same 34th percentile among all CPUs, with average benchmark scores of 1258 and 1219 respectively. The Core i3-7100T edges out the Core i7-3632QM in overall average, but the older chip wins more individual benchmarks. The choice between them depends entirely on the workload profile.

For users running Cinebench-style workloads, the Core i7-3632QM is the clear pick. It wins all five Cinebench tests by margins between 21% and 21.4%. The 4-core, 8-thread configuration provides a structural advantage that the newer architecture cannot overcome in these tests. The 6 MB L3 cache likely helps as well.

For users running Geekbench workloads, the Core i3-7100T is the better option. It wins Geekbench multi-core by 4.1% and Geekbench single-core by 81.2%. The Geekbench single-core result is particularly decisive, with the Core i3-7100T scoring nearly double the Core i7-3632QM. This suggests the newer Kaby Lake architecture has a significant per-core efficiency advantage that shows up in single-threaded tests.

The socket incompatibility means these are not interchangeable options for a given system. The Core i3-7100T requires an Intel Socket 1151 motherboard, while the Core i7-3632QM requires an Intel Socket G2 (988B) motherboard. A buyer's choice is therefore constrained by their existing platform.

The process node difference favors the Core i3-7100T, which uses 14 nm versus 22 nm for the Core i7-3632QM. This newer node likely contributes to the Core i3-7100T's single-core performance advantage and its DDR4 memory support. The Core i7-3632QM compensates with more cores, more threads, and double the L3 cache.

Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier, so overclocking is not a differentiator. Both have a 35 watt TDP, so power consumption is nominally equal. The Core i3-7100T's integrated graphics are newer (Intel HD 630 versus Intel HD 4000), which may matter for systems without discrete graphics.

The nearest rival lists reinforce the mid-range positioning of both chips. The Core i3-7100T sits within 0.6% of four rivals, while the Core i7-3632QM sits within 0.7% of four rivals. This tight clustering means small benchmark differences can change rankings, and the two processors themselves are only 39 points apart on average.

Where Each One Wins

The Core i7-3632QM wins in all Cinebench tests, both multi-core and single-core. This includes Cinebench R15 multi-core (406 versus 319), Cinebench R20 multi-core (1693 versus 1333), Cinebench R20 single-core (238 versus 188), Cinebench R23 multi-core (4033 versus 3175), and Cinebench R23 single-core (569 versus 448). The margins are consistent at roughly 21%, which indicates a stable advantage across Cinebench versions and workload types. The 4-core, 8-thread configuration and 6 MB L3 cache are the likely drivers of this performance.

The Core i3-7100T wins in Geekbench tests. It takes Geekbench multi-core with 2230 versus 2142, a 4.1% margin, and Geekbench single-core with 1111 versus 613, an 81.2% margin. The single-core result is the standout win in the entire comparison, showing that the Kaby Lake architecture at 14 nm delivers far better per-thread performance than Ivy Bridge at 22 nm, despite the Core i7-3632QM's higher boost clock of 3.20 GHz.

For use cases involving rendering, simulation, or other Cinebench-like multi-threaded workloads, the Core i7-3632QM is the superior choice. The 21.3% lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core translates to meaningful time savings in prolonged compute tasks. For use cases involving Geekbench-style general-purpose computing, especially single-threaded applications, the Core i3-7100T is the better option. The 81.2% single-core advantage suggests snappier responsiveness in lightly threaded software.

The average benchmark scores provide a final summary. The Core i3-7100T averages 1258, placing it 39 points ahead of the Core i7-3632QM's 1219. Both are at the 34th percentile among all CPUs. The Core i3-7100T's nearest rival is the Intel Core i7-3615QM at 1260, which is 0.2% higher, while the Core i7-3632QM's closest rival is the Intel Core i5-2500 at 1220, also 0.1% higher. These comparisons show that both chips perform near the middle of the database's CPU distribution, with the Core i3-7100T holding a slight edge in overall average despite losing most head-to-head tests.