CPU Comparison
Core i7-620LM vs Core i7-620M
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-620LM is a low-power mobile processor launched in early 2010, utilizing the 32nm Arrandale architecture. Designed for thin-and-light laptops, it operates on a 25W thermal envelope, balancing performance and battery life. It features 2 cores and 4 threads, with a base clock of 2.0 GHz and a max turbo frequency of 2.8 GHz. The processor uses a multi-chip package, combining a 32nm CPU die with a 45nm graphics/memory controller die, integrating Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake). With 4 MB of Smart Cache, it provided snappy performance for 2010-era mobile applications, multitasking, and media playback. While completely obsolete by modern standards, the 620LM was a popular choice for premium ultraportables, offering a noticeable step up in performance over 18W ULV chips while maintaining excellent battery life for professionals on the move.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Struggles with modern web and software.
Struggles with modern web and office software.
Gaming
No modern gaming capabilities.
Can run very old games, but lacks modern instructions.
Virtualization
Lacks power for modern VMs.
Can run basic VMs but lacks RAM support.
Efficiency
Good for 2010, obsolete now.
35W for 2 cores is inefficient by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI capabilities.
- No AI capabilities.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Ironlake graphics are too weak for 3D gaming.
- Ironlake graphics are too weak; relies on discrete GPUs. Lacks AVX2.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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- Extremely outdated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
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
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
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
A solid low-power mobile CPU for 2010, but entirely obsolete for modern computing tasks.
Best for: Legacy system repair
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, Core i7-620LM or Core i7-620M?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-620M comes out ahead with a score of 3.5/10. 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, Core i7-620LM or Core i7-620M?
For gaming, the Core i7-620M leads with a gaming performance score of 15/100 among Core i7-620LM and Core i7-620M.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-620LM has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-620LM (25 W), Core i7-620M (35 W).
Do Core i7-620LM and Core i7-620M use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-620LM: BGA 1288, 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: Core i7-620LM (1,600), Core i7-620M (2,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.