Core i3-4020Y vs Core i7-620LM

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 i3-4020Y vs Core i7-620LM 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 i3-4020Y vs Core i7-620LM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-4020Y

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,448 vs 1,463).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌1948% higher power demand at 512W vs 25W.

Core i7-620LM

2010

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 25W instead of 512W, a 487W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $300 MSRP, while Core i3-4020Y mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-620LM better than Core i3-4020Y?

Yes. Core i7-620LM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 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 i7-620LM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.3% 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 i7-620LM is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, 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 i7-620LM is the better buy right now. Core i7-620LM comes in at an unclear MSRP at $300 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (4.9 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i3-4020Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-4020Y vs Core i7-620LM Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-4020Y

The Core i3-4020Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 1.5 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 11.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,448 points. Launch price was $304.

Core i7-620LM

The Core i7-620LM 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 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 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: 1,463 points. Launch price was $300.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-4020Y and Core i7-620LM share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.5 GHz on the Core i3-4020Y versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-620LM — a 60.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-620LM (base: 1.5 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i3-4020Y uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-620LM uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4020Y scores 1,448 against the Core i7-620LM's 1,463 — a 1% lead for the Core i7-620LM. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-4020Y vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-620LM.

Feature	Core i3-4020Y	Core i7-620LM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.5 GHz	2.8 GHz+87%
Base Clock	1.5 GHz	2 GHz+33%
L3 Cache	3 MB	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,448	1,463+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	—	450
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	900

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4020Y uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-620LM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i3-4020Y versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i7-620LM — the Core i3-4020Y supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-4020Y supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i3-4020Y) vs 16 (Core i7-620LM) — the Core i7-620LM offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: BGA1168 (Core i3-4020Y) and QM57,HM55 (Core i7-620LM).

Feature	Core i3-4020Y	Core i7-620LM
Socket	FCBGA1168	BGA1288
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1600+50%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB+100%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

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Advanced Features

Virtualization support: true (Core i3-4020Y) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-620LM). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4200 (Core i3-4020Y) and Intel HD Graphics (Core i7-620LM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-620LM targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i7-620LM rivals Ryzen 5 3500U.