CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-580M vs Core i7-620M
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-580M is the highest-clocked dual-core Arrandale mobile processor in Socket G1 packaging, featuring a 2.67 GHz base clock with 3.333 GHz Turbo Boost, representing the peak of first-gen Core i5 mobile performance before Sandy Bridge.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
The highest single-threaded performance of any Arrandale i5 translates to slightly better responsiveness in office applications.
Struggles with modern web and office software.
Gaming
The extra 133 MHz turbo provides a negligible improvement in gaming, as the first-gen Intel HD GPU remains the binding constraint.
Can run very old games, but lacks modern instructions.
Virtualization
Still fundamentally limited by 2 cores and 3MB cache, but the higher clock helps slightly in CPU-bound VM tasks.
Can run basic VMs but lacks RAM support.
Efficiency
Same 35W TDP as all Arrandale i5s. Higher clocks at the same power budget show good 32nm process maturity.
35W for 2 cores is inefficient by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration of any kind
- Completely unsuitable for AI workloads
- No AI capabilities.
Content Creation
Gaming
- 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
- Ironlake graphics are too weak; relies on discrete GPUs. Lacks AVX2.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Very high clock speeds for 2010
- Good single-threaded performance
- Socketed design allows replacement
- Included AES-NI
Cons
- Only 2 cores
- Obsolete integrated graphics
- High 35W TDP for a dual-core
- Lacks modern instruction sets
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Core i7-620M
- Intel Core 2 Duo P9700Rival
Mobile
- AMD Phenom II P920Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-430MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-640MRival
Mobile
- AMD Turion II Ultra M640Rival
Mobile
Modern mobile alternative with massive multi-core gains.
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 i5-580M 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 reviewA high-performance standard-voltage mobile CPU for 2010, but completely obsolete by modern standards.
Best for: Legacy laptop repair
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-580M or Core i7-620M?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-580M comes out ahead with a score of 4.5/10. 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, Intel Core i5-580M or Core i7-620M?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-580M leads with a gaming performance score of 19/100 among Intel Core i5-580M and Core i7-620M.
Do Intel Core i5-580M and Core i7-620M use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-580M: Intel Socket G1 (rPGA988A), Core i7-620M: Socket G1 (rPGA988A)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-620M posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-580M (2,070), Core i7-620M (2,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.