CPU Comparison
Core i7-620LM vs Core i7-680UM
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.
Will struggle heavily with modern office software and web apps.
Gaming
No modern gaming capabilities.
Completely incapable of modern gaming.
Virtualization
Lacks power for modern VMs.
Lacks the cores and RAM support for practical virtualization.
Efficiency
Good for 2010, obsolete now.
Good for 2010, but modern 3W chips outperform it massively.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI capabilities.
- No AI capabilities.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Ironlake graphics are too weak for 3D gaming.
- Ironlake graphics offer no 3D acceleration capability for modern titles.
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- Extremely outdated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
- Extremely low 18W TDP for its time
- Good battery life for 2010 laptops
- Included AES-NI for encryption
- Turbo Boost provided burst performance
Cons
- Very low base clock speed
- Integrated graphics are obsolete
- Soldered to motherboard
- Cannot handle modern web browsing
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 i7-680UM
- Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300Rival
Mobile ULV
- AMD Athlon II Neo K325Rival
Mobile ULV
- Intel Core i5-430UMRival
Mobile ULV
- Intel Core i7-640UMRival
Mobile ULV
- AMD Turion II Neo K625Rival
Mobile ULV
Modern low-power mobile CPU with lightyears better performance and efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 5425UAlt
Modern budget alternative with excellent battery life.
- Intel Core i7-2637MAlt
The Sandy Bridge ULV successor for historical context.
- Alt
Shows the modern peak of ultra-low voltage mobile computing.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Processor N200Alt
A 6W modern Intel chip that destroys this old i7.
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 groundbreaking ultra-low voltage chip for 2010, but completely incapable of handling modern web or software demands.
Best for: Collector's item
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-620LM or Core i7-680UM?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-620LM comes out ahead with a score of 3/10. 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 i7-680UM?
For gaming, the Core i7-620LM leads with a gaming performance score of 5/100 among Core i7-620LM and Core i7-680UM.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-680UM has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-620LM (25 W), Core i7-680UM (18 W).
Do Core i7-620LM and Core i7-680UM use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the BGA 1288 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-620LM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-620LM (1,600), Core i7-680UM (1,300). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.