Atom N2600 vs Core i7-640LM

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.

Atom N2600 vs Core i7-640LM 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.

Atom N2600 vs Core i7-640LM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Atom N2600

2011

Why buy it

✅Draws 4W instead of 25W, a 21W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,528 vs 1,529).

Core i7-640LM

2010

Why buy it

✅300% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌525% higher power demand at 25W vs 4W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-640LM better than Atom N2600?

Yes. Core i7-640LM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-640LM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% more average FPS across 49 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-640LM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-640LM still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-640LM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 49 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Atom N2600 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Atom N2600 vs Core i7-640LM Technical Specifications

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

Atom N2600

The Atom N2600 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 December 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Cedarview-M (2011−2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 1.6 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA559. Thermal design power (TDP): 3.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,528 points. Launch price was $47.

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.

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Processing Power

Both the Atom N2600 and Core i7-640LM share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.6 GHz on the Atom N2600 versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i7-640LM — a 58.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-640LM (base: 1.6 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Atom N2600 uses the Cedarview-M (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-640LM uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Atom N2600 scores 1,528 against the Core i7-640LM's 1,529 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-640LM. L3 cache: 0 kB on the Atom N2600 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-640LM.

Feature	Atom N2600	Core i7-640LM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.6 GHz	2.93 GHz+83%
Base Clock	1.6 GHz	2.13 GHz+33%
L3 Cache	0 kB	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512K (per core)+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Cedarview-M (2011−2012)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,528	1,529

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Memory & Platform

The Atom N2600 uses the FCBGA559 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-640LM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-800 on the Atom N2600 versus 1066 on the Core i7-640LM — the Core i7-640LM supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-640LM supports up to 8 GB of RAM compared to 2 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Memory channels: 1 (Atom N2600) vs 2 (Core i7-640LM). PCIe lanes: 4 (Atom N2600) vs 16 (Core i7-640LM) — the Core i7-640LM offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Intel NM10 (Atom N2600) and HM55,HM57,QM57,QS57 (Core i7-640LM).

Feature	Atom N2600	Core i7-640LM
Socket	FCBGA559	BGA1288
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-800	1066+33%
Max RAM Capacity	2 GB	8 GB+300%
RAM Channels	1	2+100%
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	4	16+300%

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Atom N2600) / true (Core i7-640LM). Both include integrated graphics — Intel GMA 3600 (Atom N2600) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i7-640LM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-640LM rivals Core 2 Duo SL9400.