CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-430M vs Core i7-620LE
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-430M is an Arrandale dual-core mobile processor built on a 32nm CPU die paired with a 45nm I/O and graphics die, featuring Hyper-Threading and a first-generation Turbo Boost implementation for mainstream 2010 laptops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles basic office tasks on Windows 7 but struggles with modern web applications and operating systems.
Extremely slow for modern software.
Gaming
The chipset-based GMA HD graphics are weaker than even Sandy Bridge's HD 3000. Not viable for any meaningful gaming.
No 3D capabilities.
Virtualization
Supports VT-x and VT-d but only 2 cores at relatively low clocks make it impractical.
ECC support helps, but lacks cores.
Efficiency
The dual-die design was less efficient than Sandy Bridge's unified approach. 35 W delivers very little performance by modern standards.
Good for 2010, obsolete now.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration
- No AVX support
- Insufficient compute for any AI workload
- No AI capabilities.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Graphics handled by chipset, not CPU
- GMA HD is extremely limited
- No modern API support whatsoever
- Integrated graphics are strictly for display output.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Socket G1 allows CPU upgrades to i7-620M
- First generation to bring Turbo Boost to mainstream mobile
- AES-NI encryption support
- VT-x and VT-d virtualization support
- Reliable and well-documented platform
Cons
- No on-die GPU, graphics depend on chipset
- No AVX instruction support
- DDR3-1066 maximum memory speed
- Only 8 GB maximum memory support
- Dual-die design less efficient than Sandy Bridge
- 133 MHz base clock limits fine-grained frequency control
Pros
- Supports ECC memory for data integrity
- 25W TDP for fanless designs
- Long embedded lifecycle availability
- Includes AES-NI and TXT
Cons
- Extremely low performance
- Obsolete integrated graphics
- Soldered to motherboard
- Difficult to source for consumers
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-430M
- AMD Turion II N530Rival
Mobile Mainstream
- AMD Athlon II P360Rival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core 2 Duo P8700Rival
Previous Generation Mobile
- Intel Core i5-520MRival
Mobile Performance
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-450MRival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core i7-620MAlt
Best possible Socket G1 upgrade with 2.66 GHz base, 3.33 GHz turbo, and 4 MB L3 cache.
Highest-clocked Arrandale i5 with 2.66 GHz base and 3.33 GHz turbo.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-2410MAlt
Sandy Bridge successor requiring a new laptop but offering much better performance and on-die graphics.
- Any modern Ryzen 5 laptopAlt
Dramatically superior performance for a new laptop purchase.
Core i7-620LE
- Intel Core i5-520LERival
Embedded Mobile
- AMD Turion II Neo K625Rival
Mobile ULV
- Intel Atom D510Rival
Embedded
- Intel Core i7-620LMRival
Mobile Low Power
- Intel Core 2 Duo SP9600Rival
Mobile
- Intel Atom x6425EAlt
Modern embedded alternative.
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605BAlt
Modern embedded alternative with ECC.
- Intel Core i7-2615LEAlt
Sandy Bridge embedded successor.
- Intel N100Alt
Modern budget alternative.
- Raspberry Pi 5Alt
Modern ARM alternative.
Our Verdict on Each
The i5-430M was a competent mid-range laptop CPU in early 2010, but its Arrandale architecture with separate CPU and I/O dies, lack of on-die GPU, and absence of AVX make it thoroughly obsolete today.
Best for: Upgrading an existing Socket G1 laptop with a used i7-620M at minimal cost
Read the full reviewA niche, low-power embedded CPU from 2010 with ECC support; completely obsolete for consumer or modern use.
Best for: Repairing legacy industrial equipment
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-430M or Core i7-620LE?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-430M comes out ahead with a score of 4/10. 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 i5-430M or Core i7-620LE?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-430M leads with a gaming performance score of 8/100 among Intel Core i5-430M and Core i7-620LE.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-620LE has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-430M (35 W), Core i7-620LE (25 W).
Do Intel Core i5-430M and Core i7-620LE use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-430M: Intel Socket G1, Core i7-620LE: BGA 1288), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-430M posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-430M (2,800), Core i7-620LE (1,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.