CPU Comparison
Core i7-620M vs Core i7-660UM
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-620M is a standard-voltage mobile processor launched in January 2010. Based on the Arrandale architecture, it features 2 cores and 4 threads with a base clock of 2.66 GHz and a turbo boost up to 3.33 GHz. With a 35W TDP, it was a popular choice for mainstream laptops. The 32nm CPU die is paired with a 45nm graphics/memory controller, offering 4MB of L3 cache, dual-channel DDR3 memory, and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) for everyday computing and multimedia tasks.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles basic office apps well but struggles with modern web bloat.
Can handle lightweight office applications but will stutter under heavy load.
Gaming
Cannot handle modern games; IGP is too weak.
Inadequate for modern gaming; struggles with basic 2D games.
Virtualization
Good for basic VMs but limited by 2 cores.
Supports basic VT-x but lacks cores for effective virtualization.
Efficiency
Standard efficiency for 32nm, but modern chips are vastly better.
Good efficiency for 2010, but outperformed by modern chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Insufficient compute for AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Ironlake IGP is extremely weak
- No modern API support
- Only suitable for legacy games
- Weak integrated graphics
- No support for modern APIs
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- High single-core performance for 2010
- Turbo Boost up to 3.33 GHz
- AES-NI support
- Good battery life for its era
Cons
- Obsolete performance
- Weak integrated graphics
- BGA soldered
- Limited to 1066 MT/s memory
Pros
- Low 18W TDP
- Turbo Boost capability
- AES-NI support
- Hyper-Threading
Cons
- Obsolete performance
- BGA soldered package
- Weak integrated graphics
- Limited memory speed
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-620M
- AMD Phenom II P920Rival
Mobile
- AMD Turion II Ultra M640Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core 2 Duo T9800Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-520MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-640MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-720QMAlt
Quad-core alternative if multi-threading is needed.
- AMD Phenom II N930Alt
AMD quad-core alternative.
- Intel Core 2 Duo P8800Alt
Older generation alternative for basic tasks.
Core i7-660UM
- AMD Turion II Neo K625Rival
Mobile ULV
- Intel Core 2 Duo SU9600Rival
Mobile ULV
- AMD Athlon II Neo K325Rival
Mobile ULV
- Intel Core i5-430UMRival
Mobile ULV
- Intel Core i7-640UMRival
Mobile ULV
- Intel Core i5-520UMAlt
Similar performance at a lower price point for legacy systems.
- Intel Core i7-660UEAlt
Embedded variant with ECC support.
- Intel Core 2 Duo SL9600Alt
Older generation but comparable in power envelope.
- AMD Phenom II P920Alt
AMD alternative with more cores but higher power.
- Intel Core i5-470UMAlt
Slightly lower tier with similar architecture.
Our Verdict on Each
A highly popular and capable laptop CPU in 2010, offering excellent single-core performance, but obsolete for modern tasks.
Best for: Legacy laptop repair
Read the full reviewA pioneering low-power chip for its time, but its performance is heavily outclassed by modern mobile processors.
Best for: Maintaining legacy hardware
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-620M or Core i7-660UM?
For gaming, the Core i7-620M leads with a gaming performance score of 20/100 among Core i7-620M and Core i7-660UM.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-660UM has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-620M (35 W), Core i7-660UM (18 W).
Do Core i7-620M and Core i7-660UM use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1288 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.