CPU Comparison
Core i7-640M vs Core i7-660UM
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-640M (BGA) is a high-end mobile dual-core processor launched in September 2010. Based on the Arrandale architecture, it features 2 cores and 4 threads with a base clock of 2.8 GHz and a turbo boost up to 3.46 GHz. Unlike its Socket G1 counterpart, this variant utilizes the BGA 1288 socket, meaning it is soldered directly to the motherboard. It includes 4MB of L3 cache and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) for everyday multimedia tasks.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
High clocks help with legacy office apps.
Can handle lightweight office applications but will stutter under heavy load.
Gaming
Weak IGP cannot handle modern games.
Inadequate for modern gaming; struggles with basic 2D games.
Virtualization
Basic VMs are fine but limited by core count.
Supports basic VT-x but lacks cores for effective virtualization.
Efficiency
Standard 35W efficiency for the era.
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 graphics are too 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
- Extremely high clock speeds
- Soldered package for durability
- Integrated HD Graphics
- Strong single-core performance
Cons
- Cannot be upgraded (BGA)
- Obsolete by modern standards
- Weak integrated graphics
- Limited memory speed
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 i7-640M
- 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
- Intel Core i7-640M (rPGA)Alt
Socketed version if upgradeability is needed.
- AMD Phenom II P920Alt
AMD quad-core alternative.
- Intel Core i7-2640MAlt
Newer Sandy Bridge alternative.
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 top-tier Arrandale processor offering excellent 2010 performance, but the BGA package means no upgrades are possible.
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 i7-640M or Core i7-660UM?
For gaming, the Core i7-640M leads with a gaming performance score of 20/100 among Core i7-640M and Core i7-660UM.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-660UM has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-640M (35 W), Core i7-660UM (18 W).
Do Core i7-640M and Core i7-660UM use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1288 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.