CPU Comparison
Core i7-640M vs Intel Core i5-540M
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.
Basic office tasks remain functional, but anything beyond simple documents will feel slow.
Gaming
Weak IGP cannot handle modern games.
Cannot handle any modern 3D games. Only suitable for very old or browser-based titles.
Virtualization
Basic VMs are fine but limited by core count.
Two cores with 3MB L3 cache are insufficient for any practical VM workloads.
Efficiency
Standard 35W efficiency for the era.
35W TDP was reasonable for 2010 but is far less efficient than modern mobile chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No AI acceleration instructions
- No AVX support
- Completely unsuitable for any AI workload
Content Creation
Gaming
- Ironlake graphics are too weak
- No modern API support
- Integrated Intel HD Graphics (first gen) is extremely limited
- No dedicated VRAM, shares system memory
- Unplayable in any modern game title
- May run pre-2010 games 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
- Historically important 32nm mobile transition chip
- Turbo Boost added dynamic performance
- Hyper-Threading improved multitasking over Core 2 Duo
- Low cost on the used parts market
Cons
- Completely obsolete for modern workloads
- BGA package requires professional rework to replace
- Only 3MB L3 cache
- No AVX instruction support
- Maximum 8GB RAM limitation
- First-gen integrated graphics very weak
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 i5-540M
- AMD Turion II N530Rival
Budget Mobile
- AMD Athlon II P360Rival
Budget Mobile
- Intel Core i5-520MAlt
Slightly lower clock speed but same architecture, often cheaper on used market.
Higher clock speed for better performance if the same BGA package is available.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i3-330MAlt
Budget alternative without Turbo Boost but same socket compatibility.
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 historically significant 32nm mobile chip that introduced Turbo Boost to mainstream laptops, now strictly relevant for maintaining older notebook hardware.
Best for: Replacing a failed CPU in an existing Arrandale laptop with BGA soldering equipment
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-640M or Intel Core i5-540M?
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 i5-540M?
For gaming, the Core i7-640M leads with a gaming performance score of 20/100 among Core i7-640M and Intel Core i5-540M.
Do Core i7-640M and Intel Core i5-540M use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1288 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-540M posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-540M (1,830). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.