Core 2 Duo SP9400 vs Core i7-640M
Core 2 Duo SP9400
Core i7-640M
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 Core 2 Duo SP9400 is positioned at rank 631 and the Core i7-640M is on rank 107, so the Core i7-640M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo SP9400
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-640M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo SP9400 | Core i7-640M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo SP9400 | Core i7-640M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
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 Core 2 Duo SP9400 and Core i7-640M
Core 2 Duo SP9400
The Core 2 Duo SP9400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 August 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,083 points. Launch price was $284.
Core i7-640M
The Core i7-640M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,092 points. Launch price was $346.
Processing Power
The Core 2 Duo SP9400 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i7-640M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SP9400 versus 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-640M — a 36.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-640M (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core 2 Duo SP9400 uses the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-640M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo SP9400 scores 2,083 against the Core i7-640M's 2,092 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-640M. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SP9400 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-640M.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SP9400 | Core i7-640M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.4 GHz | 3.46 GHz+44% |
| Base Clock | 2.4 GHz | 2.8 GHz+17% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB L2 Cache+50% | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 6 MB+2300% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 32 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Penryn (2008−2011) | Arrandale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,083 | 2,092 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 340 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 600 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Duo SP9400 uses the BGA956 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i7-640M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo SP9400 versus 1066 on the Core i7-640M — the Core i7-640M supports 198.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: GS45 (Core 2 Duo SP9400) and HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i7-640M).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SP9400 | Core i7-640M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA956 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1066 | 1066+35433% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+104857500% | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | — | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo SP9400) vs true (Core i7-640M). The Core i7-640M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Core 2 Duo SP9400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo SP9400 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core 2 Duo SP9400 rivals Athlon II X2 245e; Core i7-640M rivals Core 2 Duo T9600.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo SP9400 | Core i7-640M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | GMA X4500HD | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | true |
| Target Use | Budget | — |
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