CPU Comparison
Core i7-660UM vs Core i7-620M
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-660UM is an ultra-low voltage mobile processor launched in May 2010. Designed for thin-and-light laptops, it features 2 cores and 4 threads running at a base clock of 1.33 GHz. It utilizes the Arrandale architecture, combining a 32nm CPU die with a 45nm integrated graphics and memory controller die. With a low TDP of 18W, it prioritizes battery life while offering Turbo Boost speeds up to 2.4 GHz for burst workloads, alongside 4MB of Smart Cache and AES-NI support.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Can handle lightweight office applications but will stutter under heavy load.
Struggles with modern web and office software.
Gaming
Inadequate for modern gaming; struggles with basic 2D games.
Can run very old games, but lacks modern instructions.
Virtualization
Supports basic VT-x but lacks cores for effective virtualization.
Can run basic VMs but lacks RAM support.
Efficiency
Good efficiency for 2010, but outperformed by modern chips.
35W for 2 cores is inefficient by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Insufficient compute for AI workloads
- No AI capabilities.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Only suitable for legacy games
- Weak integrated graphics
- No support for modern APIs
- Ironlake graphics are too weak; relies on discrete GPUs. Lacks AVX2.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Low 18W TDP
- Turbo Boost capability
- AES-NI support
- Hyper-Threading
Cons
- Obsolete performance
- BGA soldered package
- Weak integrated graphics
- Limited memory speed
Pros
- Very high clock speeds for 2010
- Good single-threaded performance
- Socketed design allows replacement
- Included AES-NI
Cons
- Only 2 cores
- Obsolete integrated graphics
- High 35W TDP for a dual-core
- Lacks modern instruction sets
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Core i7-620M
- Intel Core 2 Duo P9700Rival
Mobile
- AMD Phenom II P920Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-430MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-640MRival
Mobile
- AMD Turion II Ultra M640Rival
Mobile
Modern mobile alternative with massive multi-core gains.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5625UAlt
Modern efficient mobile chip.
- Intel Core i7-2620MAlt
Sandy Bridge successor.
- Intel N100Alt
Modern budget alternative.
- Alt
Modern ARM comparison.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA high-performance standard-voltage mobile CPU for 2010, but completely obsolete by modern standards.
Best for: Legacy laptop repair
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-660UM or Core i7-620M?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-660UM 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 uses less power?
The Core i7-660UM has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-660UM (18 W), Core i7-620M (35 W).
Do Core i7-660UM and Core i7-620M use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-660UM: Intel BGA 1288, Core i7-620M: Socket G1 (rPGA988A)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-620M posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-620M (2,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.