CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA) vs Core i7-640M
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-2540M BGA variant is a ball-grid-array version of the same Sandy Bridge dual-core chip, soldered directly to the motherboard and commonly found in thinner laptops where socketed CPUs were not feasible.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Adequate for word processing and spreadsheets but slow with modern web applications.
Strong single-core helps with older office apps.
Gaming
Intel HD 3000 cannot handle modern games. Only legacy titles at minimum settings are playable.
Requires a discrete GPU from that era for any gaming.
Virtualization
Supports VT-x and VT-d but only 2 cores limit practical virtualization use.
Capable of basic VMs but limited by 2 cores.
Efficiency
35 W TDP is modest for 2011 but inefficient compared to any modern mobile processor.
Typical 35W 32nm efficiency.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI-specific hardware
- Cannot execute modern ML inference workloads
- No AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- No modern graphics API support
- Intel HD 3000 limited to DirectX 10.1
- Unsuitable for any game released after 2013
- Integrated graphics depend on motherboard chipset
- Not suitable for modern gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Identical performance to the upgradeable rPGA variant
- Enables thinner laptop designs
- AES-NI encryption acceleration
- Reliable platform for basic tasks in 2011
Cons
- Cannot be upgraded or replaced
- Same performance limitations as the rPGA variant
- BGA solder joints can fail with thermal cycling over many years
- No modern graphics API support
- Completely obsolete for current workloads
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
Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA)
- AMD A6-3410MXRival
Mobile APU
- AMD A8-3510MXRival
Mobile APU
- AMD Phenom II N970Rival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core i5-2540M (rPGA)Rival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core i7-2620M (BGA)Rival
Mobile Performance
- Intel Core i5-3210M (BGA)Alt
Ivy Bridge successor with 22nm process and improved HD 4000 graphics.
- Intel Core i5-3320M (BGA)Alt
Higher-clocked Ivy Bridge option for BGA platforms.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Modern 6-core, 12-thread mobile processor with dramatically superior performance.
Current-generation mid-range mobile CPU with 10 cores and Intel Iris Xe graphics.
Compare head-to-head
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
Functionally identical to the rPGA variant in performance, but the BGA packaging means it cannot be upgraded or replaced, which is a significant limitation for long-term usability.
Best for: None, as the BGA variant cannot be purchased separately for upgrades
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 better, Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA) or Core i7-640M?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-640M 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 is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA) or Core i7-640M?
For gaming, the Core i7-640M leads with a gaming performance score of 20/100 among Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA) and Core i7-640M.
Do Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA) and Core i7-640M use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA): Intel BGA 1023, Core i7-640M: Intel Socket G1), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA) posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-2540M (BGA) (3,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.