CPU Comparison
Core i7-920XM vs Intel Core i5-580M
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-920XM is a mobile Extreme Edition processor launched in September 2009. Based on the 45nm Clarksfield architecture, it was Intel's flagship mobile CPU at release, offering four cores and eight threads to high-end gaming laptops and mobile workstations. Operating at a base frequency of 2.0 GHz and boosting up to 3.2 GHz via Turbo Boost, it delivered exceptional performance for its era. The processor features an 8 MB shared L3 cache and utilizes the Socket G1 interface. As an Extreme Edition chip, it comes with a fully unlocked multiplier, a rarity for mobile chips, allowing enthusiasts to push clock speeds further. With a 55W TDP and a maximum power draw of 120W, it required substantial cooling solutions. Although long discontinued, it represents a pivotal point in mobile computing, bringing true desktop-class multi-threading to portable form factors and setting the stage for future high-performance mobile platforms.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Adequate for basic tasks but severely outpaced by modern mobile CPUs.
The highest single-threaded performance of any Arrandale i5 translates to slightly better responsiveness in office applications.
Gaming
Capable of playing older 2010-era titles well, but struggles with modern games.
The extra 133 MHz turbo provides a negligible improvement in gaming, as the first-gen Intel HD GPU remains the binding constraint.
Virtualization
Good for running basic VMs on the go, though limited by modern standards.
Still fundamentally limited by 2 cores and 3MB cache, but the higher clock helps slightly in CPU-bound VM tasks.
Efficiency
Very poor efficiency by modern standards, with high idle and load power draw.
Same 35W TDP as all Arrandale i5s. Higher clocks at the same power budget show good 32nm process maturity.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Unsuitable for modern AI workloads
- No AI acceleration of any kind
- Completely unsuitable for AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- High clock speeds for its era
- Lacks modern instruction sets like AVX
- Requires discrete GPU
- 3.333 GHz turbo does not overcome integrated graphics limitations
- Slightly better CPU-bound game performance than i5-560M
- Still unplayable in any modern 3D title
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Unlocked multiplier
- Quad-core performance for mobile
- 8MB L3 cache
- Turbo Boost technology
Cons
- Very high power consumption (120W max)
- No integrated graphics
- Obsolete socket
- Runs very hot
Pros
- Highest Turbo Boost in the Arrandale i5 lineup
- Socket G1 allows direct upgrade installation
- Best-binned silicon from mature 32nm process
- AES-NI, VT-x, VT-d all included
- Higher clocks at same 35W TDP as lower SKUs
Cons
- Completely obsolete for modern computing
- Only 3MB L3 cache (same as cheaper i5s)
- No AVX instruction support
- 8GB RAM limitation
- First-gen Intel HD Graphics severely limits any graphical task
- Sandy Bridge made it redundant within 4 months
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-920XM
- AMD Phenom II X4 MobileRival
Mobile High-End
- Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9300Rival
Mobile Extreme
- Intel Core i7-820QMRival
Mobile High-End
- Intel Core i7-720QMRival
Mobile Mid-Range
- AMD Turion II UltraRival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core i7-940XMAlt
Slightly faster refresh of the same architecture.
- AMD Phenom II X4 N950Alt
AMD's alternative mobile quad-core.
Better efficiency for basic mobile tasks.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i5-580M
- AMD Phenom II N660Rival
Mainstream Mobile
- AMD Turion II N570Rival
Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-620MAlt
Same socket, same turbo clock, but with 4MB L3 cache for a more meaningful upgrade.
133 MHz less turbo for potentially significantly less money on the used market.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-640MAlt
Even higher 3.467 GHz turbo and 4MB cache if budget allows.
Our Verdict on Each
A groundbreaking mobile CPU that brought unlocked quad-core performance to laptops, though it runs hot and is obsolete today.
Best for: Retro gaming laptop restoration.
Read the full reviewThe i5-580M is the best Arrandale Core i5 you can buy for a Socket G1 laptop, offering the highest turbo frequency in the lineup, though it remains obsolete for modern use.
Best for: As a final upgrade for a Socket G1 laptop where maximum Arrandale performance is desired
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-920XM or Intel Core i5-580M?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-920XM comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. 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 i7-920XM or Intel Core i5-580M?
For gaming, the Core i7-920XM leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Core i7-920XM and Intel Core i5-580M.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-580M has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-920XM (55 W), Intel Core i5-580M (35 W).
Do Core i7-920XM and Intel Core i5-580M use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-920XM: Intel Socket G1, Intel Core i5-580M: Intel Socket G1 (rPGA988A)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Core i7-920XM has the most cores. Core counts: Core i7-920XM (4 cores), Intel Core i5-580M (2 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-580M posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-580M (2,070). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.