CPU Comparison
Core i7-640M vs Intel Core i5-2540M
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.
Handles basic office tasks but struggles with large spreadsheets, heavy documents, or multitasking with many browser tabs.
Gaming
Weak IGP cannot handle modern games.
Cannot run modern AAA titles. Only suitable for very old or lightweight games at low resolutions.
Virtualization
Basic VMs are fine but limited by core count.
Can run a single lightweight VM but lacks the cores and memory bandwidth for serious virtualization.
Efficiency
Standard 35W efficiency for the era.
35 W TDP is high by modern mobile standards; current chips deliver far more performance per watt.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No AI acceleration instructions
- No NPU or matrix multiplication support
- Cannot run modern AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Ironlake graphics are too weak
- No modern API support
- Intel HD 3000 lacks modern API support
- No DirectX 12 or Vulkan support
- Only playable with pre-2012 titles at low settings
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
- AES-NI hardware encryption support
- Reliable and well-tested platform
- Widely available as spare parts
- Intel HD 3000 was a meaningful graphics improvement for its era
- VT-x and VT-d virtualization support
Cons
- Only 2 cores and 4 threads
- No DirectX 12 or modern graphics API support
- 35 W TDP is high for the performance delivered
- Maximum 16 GB DDR3 memory support
- Completely obsolete for any modern demanding workload
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
- AMD Phenom II N970Rival
Mobile Mainstream
- AMD A6-3410MXRival
Mobile APU
- AMD A8-3510MXRival
Mobile APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-560MRival
Previous Generation Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2620MRival
Mobile Performance
Ivy Bridge successor with 22nm process, better integrated graphics, and slightly improved performance.
Compare head-to-headHigher-clocked Ivy Bridge option, still compatible with Socket G2 motherboards.
Compare head-to-head- Any modern AMD Ryzen 5 laptopAlt
Massive performance improvement in every metric for a new laptop purchase.
Modern equivalent tier with 10 cores, vastly superior efficiency and 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 reviewThe i5-2540M was a solid mid-range mobile chip in 2011, but it is now thoroughly outclassed by modern processors in every metric including efficiency, single-thread speed, and integrated graphics capability.
Best for: Upgrading an existing Socket G2 laptop at minimal cost
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-640M or Intel Core i5-2540M?
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?
For gaming, the Core i7-640M leads with a gaming performance score of 20/100 among Core i7-640M and Intel Core i5-2540M.
Do Core i7-640M and Intel Core i5-2540M use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-640M: Intel BGA 1288, Intel Core i5-2540M: Intel Socket G2 (988B)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-2540M posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-2540M (3,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.