CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-430M vs Core i7-620LM
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.
Struggles with modern web and software.
Gaming
The chipset-based GMA HD graphics are weaker than even Sandy Bridge's HD 3000. Not viable for any meaningful gaming.
No modern gaming capabilities.
Virtualization
Supports VT-x and VT-d but only 2 cores at relatively low clocks make it impractical.
Lacks power for modern VMs.
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
- Ironlake graphics are too weak for 3D gaming.
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
- Good performance-per-watt for 2010
- Higher base clock than ULV models
- Included AES-NI
- Good battery life for thin-and-lights
Cons
- Extremely outdated
- Weak integrated graphics
- Soldered to motherboard
- Cannot handle modern web
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 i7-620LM
- Intel Core 2 Duo SP9600Rival
Mobile Low Power
- AMD Turion II Ultra M640Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-430MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-640LMRival
Mobile Low Power
- AMD Phenom II P920Rival
Mobile
Modern low-power alternative.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5625UAlt
Modern efficient mobile chip.
- Intel Core i7-2620MAlt
Sandy Bridge successor.
- Intel N100Alt
Modern budget alternative.
- Alt
Modern ARM comparison.
Compare head-to-head
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 solid low-power mobile CPU for 2010, but entirely obsolete for modern computing tasks.
Best for: Legacy system repair
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-430M or Core i7-620LM?
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 i7-620LM?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-430M leads with a gaming performance score of 8/100 among Intel Core i5-430M and Core i7-620LM.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-620LM has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-430M (35 W), Core i7-620LM (25 W).
Do Intel Core i5-430M and Core i7-620LM use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-430M: Intel Socket G1, Core i7-620LM: 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 i7-620LM (1,600). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.