CPU Comparison
Core i7-620M vs Intel Core i5-430M
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.
Handles basic office tasks on Windows 7 but struggles with modern web applications and operating systems.
Gaming
Cannot handle modern games; IGP is too weak.
The chipset-based GMA HD graphics are weaker than even Sandy Bridge's HD 3000. Not viable for any meaningful gaming.
Virtualization
Good for basic VMs but limited by 2 cores.
Supports VT-x and VT-d but only 2 cores at relatively low clocks make it impractical.
Efficiency
Standard efficiency for 32nm, but modern chips are vastly better.
The dual-die design was less efficient than Sandy Bridge's unified approach. 35 W delivers very little performance by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No AI acceleration
- No AVX support
- Insufficient compute for any AI workload
Content Creation
Gaming
- Ironlake IGP is extremely weak
- No modern API support
- Graphics handled by chipset, not CPU
- GMA HD is extremely limited
- No modern API support whatsoever
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
- Socket G1 allows CPU upgrades to i7-620M
- First generation to bring Turbo Boost to mainstream mobile
- AES-NI encryption support
- VT-x and VT-d virtualization support
- Reliable and well-documented platform
Cons
- No on-die GPU, graphics depend on chipset
- No AVX instruction support
- DDR3-1066 maximum memory speed
- Only 8 GB maximum memory support
- Dual-die design less efficient than Sandy Bridge
- 133 MHz base clock limits fine-grained frequency control
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.
Intel Core i5-430M
- AMD Turion II N530Rival
Mobile Mainstream
- AMD Athlon II P360Rival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core 2 Duo P8700Rival
Previous Generation Mobile
- Intel Core i5-520MRival
Mobile Performance
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-450MRival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core i7-620MAlt
Best possible Socket G1 upgrade with 2.66 GHz base, 3.33 GHz turbo, and 4 MB L3 cache.
Highest-clocked Arrandale i5 with 2.66 GHz base and 3.33 GHz turbo.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-2410MAlt
Sandy Bridge successor requiring a new laptop but offering much better performance and on-die graphics.
- Any modern Ryzen 5 laptopAlt
Dramatically superior performance for a new laptop purchase.
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 reviewThe i5-430M was a competent mid-range laptop CPU in early 2010, but its Arrandale architecture with separate CPU and I/O dies, lack of on-die GPU, and absence of AVX make it thoroughly obsolete today.
Best for: Upgrading an existing Socket G1 laptop with a used i7-620M at minimal cost
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-620M or Intel Core i5-430M?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-620M comes out ahead with a score of 6/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-620M or Intel Core i5-430M?
For gaming, the Core i7-620M leads with a gaming performance score of 20/100 among Core i7-620M and Intel Core i5-430M.
Do Core i7-620M and Intel Core i5-430M use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-620M: Intel BGA 1288, Intel Core i5-430M: Intel Socket G1), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-430M posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-430M (2,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.