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.

Core i3-350M vs Core i7-620UM 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.

Core i3-350M vs Core i7-620UM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-350M

2010

Why buy it

✅Costs $148 less on MSRP ($130 MSRP vs $278 MSRP).
✅Delivers 113.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.4 vs 3.9 PassMark/$ ($130 MSRP vs $278 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (280 vs 350).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (650 vs 700).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌94.4% higher power demand at 35W vs 18W.

Core i7-620UM

2010

Why buy it

✅+25% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 18W instead of 35W, a 17W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.9 vs 8.4 PassMark/$ ($278 MSRP vs $130 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-620UM better than Core i3-350M?

Yes. Core i7-620UM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 7.7% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.3% higher PassMark, 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 i7-620UM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.5% 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 i7-620UM is the stronger fit. You are getting 7.7% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

Core i7-620UM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-620UM comes in 113.8% more expensive on MSRP at $278 MSRP versus $130 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-350M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 113.3% better value on paper (8.4 vs 3.9 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

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

Core i7-620UM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-350M vs Core i7-620UM Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-350M

The Core i3-350M 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 2.26 GHz, with boost up to 0.27 GHz. L3 cache: 3 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: 1,088 points. Launch price was $130.

Core i7-620UM

The Core i7-620UM 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 1.06 GHz, with boost up to 2.13 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: 1,091 points. Launch price was $278.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-350M and Core i7-620UM share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 0.27 GHz on the Core i3-350M versus 2.13 GHz on the Core i7-620UM — a 155% clock advantage for the Core i7-620UM (base: 2.26 GHz vs 1.06 GHz). Both are built on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-350M scores 1,088 against the Core i7-620UM's 1,091 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-620UM. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 280 vs 350, a 22.2% lead for the Core i7-620UM that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 650 vs 700 (7.4% advantage for the Core i7-620UM). L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-350M vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-620UM.

Feature	Core i3-350M	Core i7-620UM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	0.27 GHz	2.13 GHz+689%
Base Clock	2.26 GHz+113%	1.06 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,088	1,091
Geekbench 6 Single	280	350+25%
Geekbench 6 Multi	650	700+8%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-350M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-620UM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3-1066 memory speed. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57 (Core i3-350M) and HM55,QM57 (Core i7-620UM).

Feature	Core i3-350M	Core i7-620UM
Socket	PGA988	BGA1288
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-350M) vs VT-x (Core i7-620UM). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Core i3-350M) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i7-620UM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-350M targets Entry Laptop, Core i7-620UM targets Ultra-Portable Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-350M rivals AMD Athlon II P320; Core i7-620UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9600.

Feature	Core i3-350M	Core i7-620UM
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics	Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x
Target Use	Entry Laptop	Ultra-Portable Laptop

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-350M was priced at $130, while the Core i7-620UM came in at $278. On launch pricing ($130 vs $278), Core i3-350M was $148 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-350M delivers 8.4 pts/$ vs 3.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-620UM — making the Core i3-350M the 72.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-350M	Core i7-620UM
MSRP	$130-53%	$278
Performance per Dollar	8.4+115%	3.9
Release Date	2010	2010

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