CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-580M vs Core i7-640M
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.
Strong single-core helps with older office apps.
Gaming
The extra 133 MHz turbo provides a negligible improvement in gaming, as the first-gen Intel HD GPU remains the binding constraint.
Requires a discrete GPU from that era for any gaming.
Virtualization
Still fundamentally limited by 2 cores and 3MB cache, but the higher clock helps slightly in CPU-bound VM tasks.
Capable of basic VMs but limited by 2 cores.
Efficiency
Same 35W TDP as all Arrandale i5s. Higher clocks at the same power budget show good 32nm process maturity.
Typical 35W 32nm efficiency.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration of any kind
- Completely unsuitable for AI workloads
- No AI hardware
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
- Integrated graphics depend on motherboard chipset
- Not suitable for modern gaming
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 (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 i5-580M
- 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 i7-640M
- 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
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 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 i5-580M 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 i5-580M or Core i7-640M?
For gaming, the Core i7-640M leads with a gaming performance score of 20/100 among Intel Core i5-580M and Core i7-640M.
Do Intel Core i5-580M and Core i7-640M use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-580M: Intel Socket G1 (rPGA988A), Core i7-640M: Intel Socket G1), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-580M posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-580M (2,070). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.