CPU Comparison
Core i7-620UM vs Core i7-640LM
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-620UM is an ultra-low voltage mobile processor launched in January 2010 as part of the Arrandale family. Designed for the thinnest and lightest laptops of its era, it operates on a stringent 18W TDP to maximize battery life. The processor features 2 cores and 4 threads, leveraging Hyper-Threading to improve multitasking efficiency. It runs at a conservative base clock of 1.067 GHz but can dynamically boost up to 2.133 GHz using Intel's Turbo Boost technology when demanding applications require it. Built on a 32nm process for the CPU and 45nm for the integrated graphics and memory controller, it housed 4 MB of Smart Cache. The integrated HD Graphics (Ironlake) provided basic display capabilities. While completely outclassed by modern ultra-portable chips, the 620UM was a vital stepping stone in the evolution of the ultrabook, bringing Core i7 branding and reasonable performance to sub-inch-thick laptops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Will struggle immensely with modern web and software.
Struggles immensely with modern JavaScript-heavy web pages.
Gaming
No modern gaming capabilities.
Integrated Ironlake graphics cannot run any modern games.
Virtualization
Lacks the power for practical virtualization.
Technically supports VT-x but lacks the RAM and cores for practical use.
Efficiency
Good for 2010, obsolete now.
Poor by modern standards, but efficient for its time.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI capabilities.
- No AI capabilities whatsoever.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Ironlake graphics are insufficient for any 3D gaming.
- Ironlake graphics are strictly for display output and legacy 2D/low-end 3D applications.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Very low 18W TDP
- Good battery life for 2010
- Hyper-Threading support
- AES-NI for encryption
Cons
- Extremely low performance
- Obsolete graphics
- Soldered to motherboard
- Cannot handle modern web
Pros
- Good performance-per-watt for 2010
- Included AES-NI for hardware encryption
- Integrated graphics reduced platform footprint
- Hyper-Threading improved multitasking
Cons
- Extremely outdated architecture
- Integrated graphics are unusable for modern tasks
- Soldered to motherboard (BGA)
- Lacks modern instruction sets
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-620UM
- Intel Core 2 Duo SU7300Rival
Mobile ULV
- AMD Athlon II Neo K125Rival
Mobile ULV
- Intel Core i5-430UMRival
Mobile ULV
- Intel Core i7-640UMRival
Mobile ULV
- Intel Core i7-620UERival
Embedded ULV
Modern low-power alternative with massive performance gains.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 5425UAlt
Modern budget mobile chip.
- Intel Core i7-2637MAlt
Sandy Bridge ULV successor.
- Intel N100Alt
Modern budget alternative.
- Alt
Modern ARM efficiency comparison.
Compare head-to-head
Core i7-640LM
- Intel Core 2 Duo SU9600Rival
Mobile Low Power
- AMD Turion II Neo K625Rival
Mobile Low Power
- Intel Core i5-430UMRival
Mobile Low Power
- Intel Core i7-620UMRival
Mobile Ultra Low Power
- AMD Phenom II P920Rival
Mobile
Modern low-power mobile alternative with vastly superior efficiency and 8 cores.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 5300UAlt
Budget modern mobile chip that outperforms it exponentially.
- Intel Core i7-2620MAlt
The Sandy Bridge successor if looking at historical mobile upgrades.
- Alt
Demonstrates the incredible leap in mobile ARM efficiency over the last decade.
Compare head-to-head - Intel N100Alt
A modern budget chip that crushes this old Core i7 in every metric.
Our Verdict on Each
A pioneering ultra-low voltage CPU for 2010, but entirely obsolete for modern computing needs.
Best for: Nostalgic computing
Read the full reviewAn innovative low-power CPU for 2010 laptops, but completely obsolete for modern computing tasks.
Best for: Nostalgic retro computing
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-620UM or Core i7-640LM?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-640LM 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 i7-620UM or Core i7-640LM?
For gaming, the Core i7-640LM leads with a gaming performance score of 5/100 among Core i7-620UM and Core i7-640LM.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-620UM has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-620UM (18 W), Core i7-640LM (25 W).
Do Core i7-620UM and Core i7-640LM 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 i7-640LM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-620UM (1,200), Core i7-640LM (1,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.