Athlon 64 X2 5200+ vs Core i7-640LM
Athlon 64 X2 5200+
Core i7-640LM
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Athlon 64 X2 5200+ is positioned at rank 1082 and the Core i7-640LM is on rank 333, so the Core i7-640LM offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Athlon 64 X2 5200+
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-640LM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Athlon 64 X2 5200+ | Core i7-640LM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Windsor (2006−2007) / 90 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Athlon 64 X2 5200+ | Core i7-640LM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($15) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Athlon 64 X2 5200+ and Core i7-640LM
Athlon 64 X2 5200+
The Athlon 64 X2 5200+ 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: 2.7 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: 1,505 points. Launch price was $149.
Core i7-640LM
The Core i7-640LM 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 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 1,529 points. Launch price was $332.
Processing Power
The Athlon 64 X2 5200+ packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i7-640LM's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Athlon 64 X2 5200+ versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i7-640LM — a 8.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-640LM. The Athlon 64 X2 5200+ uses the Windsor (2006−2007) architecture (90 nm), while the Core i7-640LM uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Athlon 64 X2 5200+ scores 1,505 against the Core i7-640LM's 1,529 — a 1.6% lead for the Core i7-640LM. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Athlon 64 X2 5200+ vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-640LM.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 5200+ | Core i7-640LM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.7 GHz | 2.93 GHz+9% |
| Base Clock | — | 2.13 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 | 1,505 | 1,529+2% |
Memory & Platform
The Athlon 64 X2 5200+ uses the AM2 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-640LM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Athlon 64 X2 5200+ versus 1066 on the Core i7-640LM — the Core i7-640LM supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Athlon 64 X2 5200+ supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Athlon 64 X2 5200+) vs 16 (Core i7-640LM) — the Core i7-640LM offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: AMD AM2 (Athlon 64 X2 5200+) and HM55,HM57,QM57,QS57 (Core i7-640LM).
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 5200+ | Core i7-640LM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | AM2 | BGA1288 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-800 | 1066+53200% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+209715100% | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: not specified (Athlon 64 X2 5200+) / true (Core i7-640LM). The Core i7-640LM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Athlon 64 X2 5200+ requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-640LM rivals Core 2 Duo SL9400.
| Feature | Athlon 64 X2 5200+ | Core i7-640LM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) |
| Unlocked | — | No |
| AVX-512 | — | No |
| Virtualization | — | true |
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