CPU Comparison
Core i7-640M vs Core i7-640M
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.
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
High clocks help with legacy office apps.
Strong single-core helps with older office apps.
Gaming
Weak IGP cannot handle modern games.
Requires a discrete GPU from that era for any gaming.
Virtualization
Basic VMs are fine but limited by core count.
Capable of basic VMs but limited by 2 cores.
Efficiency
Standard 35W efficiency for the era.
Typical 35W 32nm efficiency.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- Ironlake graphics are too 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
- 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
- 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 i7-640M
- 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 i7-640M
- 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 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 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 i7-640M and Core i7-640M use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-640M: Intel BGA 1288, Core i7-640M: Intel Socket G1), so each needs a compatible motherboard.