Core 2 Duo T5870 vs Core i7-640M
Core 2 Duo T5870
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 T5870 is positioned at rank 538 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 T5870
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-640M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T5870 | 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 (Merom (2006−2008) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Duo T5870 | 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 T5870 and Core i7-640M
Core 2 Duo T5870
The Core 2 Duo T5870 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2008-01-01. It is based on the Merom (2006−2008) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,089 points. Launch price was $249.
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 T5870 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i7-640M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core 2 Duo T5870 versus 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-640M — a 53.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-640M (base: 2 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core 2 Duo T5870 uses the Merom (2006−2008) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i7-640M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Duo T5870 scores 2,089 against the Core i7-640M's 2,092 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-640M. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo T5870 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-640M.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T5870 | Core i7-640M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2 GHz | 3.46 GHz+73% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 2.8 GHz+40% |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB L2 Cache | 4 MB (total)+100% |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+700% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 65 nm | 32 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Merom (2006−2008) | Arrandale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,089 | 2,092 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 203 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 314 | — |
Memory & Platform
Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-800 on the Core 2 Duo T5870 versus 1066 on the Core i7-640M — the Core i7-640M supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-640M supports up to 8 of RAM compared to 4 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 0 (Core 2 Duo T5870) vs 16 (Core i7-640M) — the Core i7-640M offers 16 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: GM965,GM45,PM45 (Core 2 Duo T5870) and HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i7-640M).
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T5870 | Core i7-640M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | — | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-800 | 1066+53200% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4 GB+52428700% | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 0 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Duo T5870) vs true (Core i7-640M). The Core i7-640M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Core 2 Duo T5870 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo T5870 targets Legacy Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i7-640M rivals Core 2 Duo T9600.
| Feature | Core 2 Duo T5870 | Core i7-640M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | true |
| Target Use | Legacy Mobile | — |
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