Quick Verdict
An extremely fast dual-core for its time, but heavily outdated by modern standards. The socketed design is a rare feature for laptops.
Overview
Launch
2010
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
1st Gen Core i7 (Arrandale)
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i7-640M 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. With a 35W TDP, it was one of the fastest mobile dual-cores of its era. This specific variant utilizes the Socket G1 (rPGA) interface, allowing for socketed laptop motherboards. It includes 4MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory.
Released in late 2010, the i7-640M pushed the Arrandale architecture to its limits with a 3.46 GHz turbo boost. The rPGA socket variant allowed system builders to offer upgradeable laptops.
While obsolete today, it represents the peak of Intel's early mobile dual-core efforts.
Specifications
Performance
Strong single-core helps with older office apps.
Capable of basic VMs but limited by 2 cores.
Requires a discrete GPU from that era for any gaming.
Typical 35W 32nm efficiency.
- •Integrated graphics depend on motherboard chipset
- •Not suitable for modern gaming
- •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 is the fastest Arrandale dual-core processor, operating at 2.8 GHz with a 3.46 GHz turbo boost. It utilizes the same 32nm CPU + 45nm uncore dual-die package as the rest of the Arrandale family. However, this specific variant (SLBTN) uses the rPGA988A (Socket G1) package, allowing it to be socketed rather than soldered. This was a rarity in mobile computing, typically reserved for high-end gaming or workstation laptops where users might want to upgrade the CPU. Because the integrated graphics are listed as 'On certain motherboards', this implies the 640M was often paired with discrete graphics, relying on the chipset if IGP was needed. The 35W TDP is impressive for such high clock speeds, achieved through binning of high-quality silicon. The processor retains 4MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3-1066 memory. The combination of high frequency and Hyper-Threading made it the ultimate dual-core mobile processor before the Sandy Bridge refresh.
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 base and turbo clocks
- Socketed upgradeability
Key Highlights
- Very high clock speeds (3.46 GHz turbo)
- Socketed design allows upgrades
- Strong single-core performance
- AES-NI support
- Obsolete by modern standards
- Integrated graphics not guaranteed
- 35W TDP is high for a dual-core
- Limited to 1066 MT/s memory
History
Launched in September 2010, the Core i7-640M was Intel's top-tier mobile dual-core processor before the Sandy Bridge transition. It pushed the Arrandale architecture to 2.8 GHz, offering desktop-like responsiveness in portable form factors.
The decision to release this chip in a socketed rPGA package (Socket G1) was unusual, catering primarily to the boutique gaming laptop market where users expected upgradeability. This allowed users to swap out a Core i5 for this high-end i7. The 640M was frequently paired with discrete graphics from NVIDIA or AMD, as the Arrandale integrated graphics were insufficient for gaming.
Its release was a stopgap measure to maintain competitiveness against AMD's Phenom II mobile offerings. The chip's high clocks and 35W TDP required robust cooling, limiting its deployment to thicker, performance-oriented laptops. It marked the end of the socketed era for most mainstream laptops.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Higher base and turbo clocks
- Socketed upgradeability
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Upgrading a legacy Socket G1 laptop
Avoid if…
- New laptop purchase
- Modern computing
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
It is the fastest Arrandale dual-core processor.
This specific variant uses Socket G1 (rPGA), unlike the BGA versions.
It has a massive 3.46 GHz turbo boost.
It does not have guaranteed integrated graphics.
It was released in September 2010.
The TDP is 35W.
It has 4MB of L3 Smart Cache.
Part numbers include SLBTN and Q4C9.
Tjmax is 105°C.
It was often paired with discrete graphics in gaming laptops.
People Also Ask
When was the Core i7-640M 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 good for gaming?
No, it is obsolete and usually lacks integrated graphics.
Does the Core i7-640M have integrated graphics?
It depends on the motherboard; it is not guaranteed on this variant.
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 the Core i7-640M use?
This specific variant uses Intel Socket G1 (rPGA988A).
Can the Core i7-640M be overclocked?
No, the multiplier is locked.
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.
Is the Core i7-640M socketed or soldered?
This specific variant (SLBTN) is socketed using Socket G1.