CPU Comparison
Core i7-720QM vs Core i7-640M
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-720QM is a high-end mobile quad-core processor launched in September 2009. Based on the Clarksfield architecture, it features 4 cores and 8 threads with a base clock of 1.6 GHz and a turbo boost up to 2.8 GHz. With a 45W TDP, it brought Nehalem architecture to gaming and workstation laptops. Built on a 45nm process, it includes 6MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory, but lacks integrated graphics.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Multi-threading helps, but low base clock hurts responsiveness.
Strong single-core helps with older office apps.
Gaming
Can run older games well but lacks single-core speed for modern titles.
Requires a discrete GPU from that era for any gaming.
Virtualization
8 threads make it decent for legacy VMs.
Capable of basic VMs but limited by 2 cores.
Efficiency
45W TDP on 45nm is very hot and inefficient.
Typical 35W 32nm efficiency.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- Requires a discrete GPU
- Low base clock can bottleneck modern games
- Good for retro gaming
- Integrated graphics depend on motherboard chipset
- Not suitable for modern gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- True 4-core, 8-thread design
- Socketed (Socket G1)
- Supports DDR3-1333
- Turbo Boost technology
Cons
- Very high power consumption (45W)
- Low 1.6 GHz base clock
- No integrated graphics
- Obsolete 45nm process
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 i7-720QM
- AMD Phenom II X4 X920Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-820QMRival
Mobile
- AMD Turion II Ultra M640Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-740QMRival
Mobile
Newer Sandy Bridge alternative with vastly better efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Phenom II N930Alt
AMD quad-core alternative without turbo boost.
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q9000Alt
Older generation 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 groundbreaking mobile CPU in 2009 that brought 4 cores and 8 threads to laptops, but heavily outdated and power-hungry by modern standards.
Best for: Retro gaming 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
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-720QM or Core i7-640M?
For gaming, the Core i7-720QM leads with a gaming performance score of 30/100 among Core i7-720QM and Core i7-640M.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-640M has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-720QM (45 W), Core i7-640M (35 W).
Do Core i7-720QM and Core i7-640M use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket G1 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Core i7-720QM has the most cores. Core counts: Core i7-720QM (4 cores), Core i7-640M (2 cores).