CPU Comparison
Core i7-660UM vs Core i7-640M
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.
Strong single-core helps with older office apps.
Gaming
Inadequate for modern gaming; struggles with basic 2D games.
Requires a discrete GPU from that era for any gaming.
Virtualization
Supports basic VT-x but lacks cores for effective virtualization.
Capable of basic VMs but limited by 2 cores.
Efficiency
Good efficiency for 2010, but outperformed by modern chips.
Typical 35W 32nm efficiency.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Insufficient compute for AI workloads
- No AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- Only suitable for legacy games
- Weak integrated graphics
- No support for modern APIs
- Integrated graphics depend on motherboard chipset
- Not suitable for modern gaming
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 (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 i7-660UM
- 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 i7-640M
- 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 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 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
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-660UM or Core i7-640M?
For gaming, the Core i7-640M leads with a gaming performance score of 20/100 among Core i7-660UM and Core i7-640M.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-660UM has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-660UM (18 W), Core i7-640M (35 W).
Do Core i7-660UM and Core i7-640M use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-660UM: Intel BGA 1288, Core i7-640M: Intel Socket G1), so each needs a compatible motherboard.