CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-540M vs Core i7-640M
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-540M is a dual-core mobile processor built on the 32nm Arrandale architecture, featuring Hyper-Threading, Turbo Boost, and an integrated GPU die, designed for mainstream laptops in early 2010.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Basic office tasks remain functional, but anything beyond simple documents will feel slow.
Strong single-core helps with older office apps.
Gaming
Cannot handle any modern 3D games. Only suitable for very old or browser-based titles.
Requires a discrete GPU from that era for any gaming.
Virtualization
Two cores with 3MB L3 cache are insufficient for any practical VM workloads.
Capable of basic VMs but limited by 2 cores.
Efficiency
35W TDP was reasonable for 2010 but is far less efficient than modern mobile chips.
Typical 35W 32nm efficiency.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration instructions
- No AVX support
- Completely unsuitable for any AI workload
- No AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- Integrated Intel HD Graphics (first gen) is extremely limited
- No dedicated VRAM, shares system memory
- Unplayable in any modern game title
- May run pre-2010 games at low settings
- Integrated graphics depend on motherboard chipset
- Not suitable for modern gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Historically important 32nm mobile transition chip
- Turbo Boost added dynamic performance
- Hyper-Threading improved multitasking over Core 2 Duo
- Low cost on the used parts market
Cons
- Completely obsolete for modern workloads
- BGA package requires professional rework to replace
- Only 3MB L3 cache
- No AVX instruction support
- Maximum 8GB RAM limitation
- First-gen integrated graphics very weak
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 i5-540M
- AMD Turion II N530Rival
Budget Mobile
- AMD Athlon II P360Rival
Budget Mobile
- Intel Core i5-520MAlt
Slightly lower clock speed but same architecture, often cheaper on used market.
Higher clock speed for better performance if the same BGA package is available.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i3-330MAlt
Budget alternative without Turbo Boost but same socket compatibility.
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 historically significant 32nm mobile chip that introduced Turbo Boost to mainstream laptops, now strictly relevant for maintaining older notebook hardware.
Best for: Replacing a failed CPU in an existing Arrandale laptop with BGA soldering equipment
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 i5-540M 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 i5-540M or Core i7-640M?
For gaming, the Core i7-640M leads with a gaming performance score of 20/100 among Intel Core i5-540M and Core i7-640M.
Do Intel Core i5-540M and Core i7-640M use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-540M: Intel BGA 1288, Core i7-640M: Intel Socket G1), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-540M posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-540M (1,830). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.