Core i3-370M vs Core i7-640UM

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 i3-370M vs Core i7-640UM 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 i3-370M vs Core i7-640UM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-370M

2010

Why buy it

✅+39.4% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌2744.4% higher power demand at 512W vs 18W.

Core i7-640UM

2010

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 18W instead of 512W, a 494W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (226 vs 315).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (590 vs 700).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-370M better than Core i7-640UM?

Yes. Core i3-370M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 18.6% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.2% 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 i3-370M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.6% 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 i3-370M is the stronger fit. You are getting 18.6% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-370M still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-370M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-370M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 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 i3-370M vs Core i7-640UM Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-370M

The Core i3-370M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 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: 1,170 points. Launch price was $245.

Core i7-640UM

The Core i7-640UM 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 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.27 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: 1,168 points. Launch price was $305.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-370M and Core i7-640UM share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.4 GHz on the Core i3-370M versus 2.27 GHz on the Core i7-640UM — a 5.6% clock advantage for the Core i3-370M (base: 2.4 GHz vs 1.2 GHz). Both are built on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-370M scores 1,170 against the Core i7-640UM's 1,168 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i3-370M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 315 vs 226, a 32.9% lead for the Core i3-370M that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 700 vs 590 (17.1% advantage for the Core i3-370M). L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-370M vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-640UM.

Feature	Core i3-370M	Core i7-640UM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.4 GHz+6%	2.27 GHz
Base Clock	2.4 GHz+100%	1.2 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	1,170	1,168
Geekbench 6 Single	315+39%	226
Geekbench 6 Multi	700+19%	590

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-370M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-640UM 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 (Core i3-370M) and HM55,QM57 (Core i7-640UM).

Feature	Core i3-370M	Core i7-640UM
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 i3-370M) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-640UM). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Core i3-370M) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i7-640UM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-370M targets Mainstream Laptop, Core i7-640UM targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-370M rivals AMD Athlon II P320; Core i7-640UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9600.

Feature	Core i3-370M	Core i7-640UM
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, VT-d
Target Use	Mainstream Laptop	Legacy Laptop