CPU Comparison
Core i7-620M vs Core i7-640M
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.
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles basic office apps well but struggles with modern web bloat.
Strong single-core helps with older office apps.
Gaming
Cannot handle modern games; IGP is too weak.
Requires a discrete GPU from that era for any gaming.
Virtualization
Good for basic VMs but limited by 2 cores.
Capable of basic VMs but limited by 2 cores.
Efficiency
Standard efficiency for 32nm, but modern chips are vastly better.
Typical 35W 32nm efficiency.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- Ironlake IGP is extremely weak
- No modern API support
- Integrated graphics depend on motherboard chipset
- Not suitable for modern gaming
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
- Very high clock speeds (3.46 GHz turbo)
- Socketed design allows upgrades
- Strong single-core performance
- AES-NI support
Cons
- Obsolete by modern standards
- Integrated graphics not guaranteed
- 35W TDP is high for a dual-core
- Limited to 1066 MT/s memory
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 i7-640M
- AMD Phenom II N930Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-620MRival
Mobile
- AMD Turion II Ultra M640Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-720QMRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-540MRival
Mobile
- AMD Phenom II P920Alt
AMD alternative with more cores but lower clocks.
- Intel Core i7-2640MAlt
Newer Sandy Bridge alternative if upgrading platform.
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 reviewAn extremely fast dual-core for its time, but heavily outdated by modern standards. The socketed design is a rare feature for laptops.
Best for: Upgrading a legacy Socket G1 laptop
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Do Core i7-620M and Core i7-640M use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-620M: Intel BGA 1288, Core i7-640M: Intel Socket G1), so each needs a compatible motherboard.