CPU Comparison
Core i7-620UM vs Core i7-680UM
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.
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Will struggle immensely 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 the power for practical virtualization.
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 insufficient for any 3D gaming.
- Ironlake graphics offer no 3D acceleration capability for modern titles.
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
- 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 i7-620UM
- 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 i7-680UM
- 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 pioneering ultra-low voltage CPU for 2010, but entirely obsolete for modern computing needs.
Best for: Nostalgic computing
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
Do Core i7-620UM 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 i7-680UM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-620UM (1,200), Core i7-680UM (1,300). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.