Quick Verdict
A top-tier Arrandale processor offering excellent 2010 performance, but the BGA package means no upgrades are possible.
Overview
Launch
2010
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
1st Gen Core i7 (Arrandale)
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i7-640M (BGA) is a high-end mobile dual-core processor launched in September 2010. Based on the Arrandale architecture, it features 2 cores and 4 threads with a base clock of 2.8 GHz and a turbo boost up to 3.46 GHz. Unlike its Socket G1 counterpart, this variant utilizes the BGA 1288 socket, meaning it is soldered directly to the motherboard. It includes 4MB of L3 cache and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) for everyday multimedia tasks.
Released in late 2010, the BGA variant of the i7-640M brought the highest Arrandale clock speeds to laptops that prioritized thin designs. The soldered package allowed for more compact motherboards. While it includes Ironlake graphics, its performance is obsolete today.
Specifications
Performance
High clocks help with legacy office apps.
Basic VMs are fine but limited by core count.
Weak IGP cannot handle modern games.
Standard 35W efficiency for the era.
- •Ironlake graphics are too weak
- •No modern API support
- •No AI hardware
Architecture
32nm
Process Node
Arrandale
Codename
2C / 4T
Core Config
4 MB
L3 Cache
35 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-640M (BGA) shares the exact same silicon and specifications as its rPGA counterpart but is packaged in a BGA 1288 format. This means the processor is soldered directly to the motherboard, a design choice that allows manufacturers to create thinner and lighter laptops by eliminating the socket footprint. The Arrandale architecture combines a 32nm dual-core CPU die with a 45nm uncore die housing the memory controller and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake). Operating at 2.8 GHz with a 3.46 GHz turbo boost, it was the fastest mobile dual-core available in late 2010. The 35W TDP required adequate cooling, but the BGA package allowed for more efficient heat transfer directly to the motherboard heatsink. The inclusion of 4MB of L3 Smart Cache and Hyper-Threading ensured strong performance in both single and lightly threaded workloads. This chip was the pinnacle of Arrandale engineering before being completely overshadowed by Sandy Bridge.
CPU Design
2 cores, 4 threads, 4MB Smart Cache.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3-1066.
PCIe & I/O
PCIe 2.0 x16.
Overclocking
Locked.
- Higher clock speeds
- Guaranteed integrated graphics
Key Highlights
- Extremely high clock speeds
- Soldered package for durability
- Integrated HD Graphics
- Strong single-core performance
- Cannot be upgraded (BGA)
- Obsolete by modern standards
- Weak integrated graphics
- Limited memory speed
History
The BGA variant of the Core i7-640M was released in September 2010 to provide laptop manufacturers with a high-performance, space-efficient solution. While the rPGA version catered to upgradeable gaming laptops, the BGA 1288 package was intended for premium thin-and-light laptops where motherboard real estate was at a premium. By soldering the CPU directly to the board, manufacturers could design more compact cooling systems and thinner chassis.
This processor represented the peak of the Arrandale architecture's clock scaling, reaching 3.46 GHz under turbo boost. However, like all Arrandale chips, its integrated graphics were a weak point, often requiring a discrete GPU for adequate media performance.
The BGA i7-640M had a short market life, as Intel's Sandy Bridge architecture arrived in early 2011, offering dramatically better performance and integration in a single die, rendering the dual-die Arrandale approach instantly obsolete.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Higher clock speeds
- Guaranteed integrated graphics
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Legacy laptop repair
Avoid if…
- New laptop purchase
- Upgrading (due to BGA soldering)
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
This is the BGA (soldered) version of the i7-640M.
It has a turbo boost of 3.46 GHz.
Part numbers include SLBZU and SLBTP.
It was used in premium thin-and-light laptops of 2010.
It features Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake).
The TDP is 35W.
It has 4MB of L3 Smart Cache.
Tjmax is 105°C.
Released in September 2010.
It is the fastest BGA Arrandale dual-core.
People Also Ask
When was the Core i7-640M BGA released?
It was released on September 26th, 2010.
What is the turbo boost speed of the Core i7-640M?
It can turbo boost up to 3.46 GHz.
Is the Core i7-640M BGA good for gaming?
No, it is obsolete and the integrated graphics are too weak.
Does the Core i7-640M BGA have integrated graphics?
Yes, it includes Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake).
How many cores does the Core i7-640M have?
It has 2 cores and 4 threads.
What is the TDP of the Core i7-640M?
The TDP is 35 Watts.
What socket does this Core i7-640M use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1288 socket (soldered).
Can the Core i7-640M BGA be upgraded?
No, it is soldered to the motherboard.
What is the base clock of the Core i7-640M?
The base clock is 2.8 GHz.
Does the Core i7-640M support ECC memory?
No, it does not support ECC memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cache size of the Core i7-640M?
It has 4MB of L3 Smart Cache.
What memory speed does the Core i7-640M support?
It supports DDR3 memory up to 1066 MT/s.
Does the Core i7-640M support virtualization?
Yes, it supports VT-x and VT-d.
What is the maximum temperature for the Core i7-640M?
The maximum junction temperature is 105°C.
Is the Core i7-640M still manufactured?
No, it is End-of-life.
What process node is the Core i7-640M built on?
The CPU cores are 32nm, and the uncore is 45nm.
What chipsets support the Core i7-640M?
Compatible chipsets include PM55, HM55, QM57, and HM57.
What was the launch price of the Core i7-640M?
The launch price was $346.
Does the Core i7-640M support AES-NI?
Yes, it includes hardware AES encryption support.
What is the difference between BGA and rPGA 640M?
BGA is soldered, rPGA is socketed.