Athlon 64 X2 4000+ vs Core i7-640UM

AMD

Athlon 64 X2 4000+

2 Cores2 Thrd89 WWMax: 2 GHz2006
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-640UM

2 Cores4 Thrd18 WWMax: 2.27 GHz2010
Similar parts
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Athlon 64 X2 4000+ vs Core i7-640UM Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Athlon 64 X2 4000+ vs Core i7-640UM FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Athlon 64 X2 4000+ vs Core i7-640UM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Athlon 64 X2 4000+

2006

Why buy it

  • Includes a boxed cooler (Stock Cooler), unlike Core i7-640UM.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (195 vs 226).
  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (380 vs 590).
  • Launch MSRP is still $328 MSRP, while Core i7-640UM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 394.4% higher power demand at 89W vs 18W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-640UM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-640UM

2010

Why buy it

  • +15.9% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Draws 18W instead of 89W, a 71W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake), while Athlon 64 X2 4000+ needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Athlon 64 X2 4000+.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-640UM better than Athlon 64 X2 4000+?
Yes. Core i7-640UM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 55.3% better Geekbench multi-core, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-640UM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.4% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-640UM is the stronger fit. You are getting 55.3% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-640UM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-640UM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $328 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Athlon 64 X2 4000+ only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2006 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (3.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on AM2.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-640UM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2006) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Athlon 64 X2 4000+ vs Core i7-640UM Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

AMD

Athlon 64 X2 4000+

The Athlon 64 X2 4000+ is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Windsor (2006−2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K. Built on 90 nm process technology. Socket: AM2. Thermal design power (TDP): 89 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,175 points. Launch price was $149.

Intel

Core i7-640UM

The Core i7-640UM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.27 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800. Passmark benchmark score: 1,168 points. Launch price was $305.

Processing Power

The Athlon 64 X2 4000+ packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i7-640UM's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 4000+ versus 2.27 GHz on the Core i7-640UM — a 12.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-640UM. The Athlon 64 X2 4000+ uses the Windsor (2006−2007) architecture (90 nm), while the Core i7-640UM uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 X2 4000+ scores 1,175 against the Core i7-640UM's 1,168 — a 0.6% lead for the Athlon 64 X2 4000+. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 195 vs 226, a 14.7% lead for the Core i7-640UM that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 380 vs 590 (43.3% advantage for the Core i7-640UM). L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon 64 X2 4000+ vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-640UM.

FeatureAthlon 64 X2 4000+Core i7-640UM
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
2 GHz
2.27 GHz+14%
Base Clock
1.2 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
4 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512K+100%
256 kB (per core)
Process
90 nm
32 nm-64%
Architecture
Windsor (2006−2007)
Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark
1,175
1,168
Geekbench 6 Single
195
226+16%
Geekbench 6 Multi
380
590+55%
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Memory & Platform

The Athlon 64 X2 4000+ uses the AM2 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-640UM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 X2 4000+ versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i7-640UM — the Core i7-640UM supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-640UM supports up to 8 GB of RAM compared to 4 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon 64 X2 4000+) vs 16 (Core i7-640UM) — the Core i7-640UM offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: nForce 500,AMD 690G (Athlon 64 X2 4000+) and HM55,QM57 (Core i7-640UM).

FeatureAthlon 64 X2 4000+Core i7-640UM
Socket
AM2
BGA1288
PCIe Generation
PCIe 1.1
PCIe 2.0+82%
Max RAM Speed
DDR2-800
DDR3-1066+33%
Max RAM Capacity
4 GB
8 GB+100%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
0
16
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Athlon 64 X2 4000+) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-640UM). The Core i7-640UM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Athlon 64 X2 4000+ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Athlon 64 X2 4000+ targets Legacy Desktop, Core i7-640UM targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-640UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9600.

FeatureAthlon 64 X2 4000+Core i7-640UM
Integrated GPU
No
Yes
IGPU Model
None
Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Legacy Desktop
Legacy Laptop