CPU Comparison
Core i7-640M vs Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA)
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.
Adequate for word processing and spreadsheets but slow with modern web applications.
Gaming
Weak IGP cannot handle modern games.
Intel HD 3000 cannot handle modern games. Only legacy titles at minimum settings are playable.
Virtualization
Basic VMs are fine but limited by core count.
Supports VT-x and VT-d but only 2 cores limit practical virtualization use.
Efficiency
Standard 35W efficiency for the era.
35 W TDP is modest for 2011 but inefficient compared to any modern mobile processor.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No AI-specific hardware
- Cannot execute modern ML inference workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Ironlake graphics are too weak
- No modern API support
- No modern graphics API support
- Intel HD 3000 limited to DirectX 10.1
- Unsuitable for any game released after 2013
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
- Identical performance to the upgradeable rPGA variant
- Enables thinner laptop designs
- AES-NI encryption acceleration
- Reliable platform for basic tasks in 2011
Cons
- Cannot be upgraded or replaced
- Same performance limitations as the rPGA variant
- BGA solder joints can fail with thermal cycling over many years
- No modern graphics API support
- Completely obsolete for current workloads
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.
Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA)
- AMD A6-3410MXRival
Mobile APU
- AMD A8-3510MXRival
Mobile APU
- AMD Phenom II N970Rival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core i5-2540M (rPGA)Rival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core i7-2620M (BGA)Rival
Mobile Performance
- Intel Core i5-3210M (BGA)Alt
Ivy Bridge successor with 22nm process and improved HD 4000 graphics.
- Intel Core i5-3320M (BGA)Alt
Higher-clocked Ivy Bridge option for BGA platforms.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Modern 6-core, 12-thread mobile processor with dramatically superior performance.
Current-generation mid-range mobile CPU with 10 cores and Intel Iris Xe graphics.
Compare head-to-head
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 reviewFunctionally identical to the rPGA variant in performance, but the BGA packaging means it cannot be upgraded or replaced, which is a significant limitation for long-term usability.
Best for: None, as the BGA variant cannot be purchased separately for upgrades
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-640M or Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA)?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-640M 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 i7-640M or Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA)?
For gaming, the Core i7-640M leads with a gaming performance score of 20/100 among Core i7-640M and Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA).
Do Core i7-640M and Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA) use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-640M: Intel BGA 1288, Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA): Intel BGA 1023), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA) posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA) (3,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.