Core i3-5015U vs Core i7-620M
Core i3-5015U
Core i7-620M
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 i3-5015U is positioned at rank 648 and the Core i7-620M is on rank 262, so the Core i7-620M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i3-5015U
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-620M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i3-5015U | Core i7-620M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Broadwell-U (2015) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i3-5015U | Core i7-620M |
|---|---|---|
| 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 i3-5015U and Core i7-620M
Core i3-5015U
The Core i3-5015U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 March 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,990 points. Launch price was $275.
Core i7-620M
The Core i7-620M 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 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 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: 1,976 points. Launch price was $332.
Processing Power
Both the Core i3-5015U and Core i7-620M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.1 GHz on the Core i3-5015U versus 3.33 GHz on the Core i7-620M — a 45.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-620M (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Core i3-5015U uses the Broadwell-U (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-620M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-5015U scores 1,990 against the Core i7-620M's 1,976 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-5015U. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-5015U vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-620M.
| Feature | Core i3-5015U | Core i7-620M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.1 GHz | 3.33 GHz+59% |
| Base Clock | 2.1 GHz | 2.66 GHz+27% |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 4 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Broadwell-U (2015) | Arrandale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,990 | 1,976 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 350 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 800 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-5015U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-620M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to DDR3L-1600 memory speed. The Core i3-5015U supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i3-5015U) vs 16 (Core i7-620M) — the Core i7-620M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.
| Feature | Core i3-5015U | Core i7-620M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1168 | PGA988 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3L-1600 | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 GB+100% | 8 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 12 | 16+33% |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 5500 (Core i3-5015U) and Intel HD Graphics (Core i7-620M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-5015U targets Mobile, Core i7-620M targets Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-620M rivals Core 2 Duo T9600.
| Feature | Core i3-5015U | Core i7-620M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | HD Graphics 5500 | Intel HD Graphics |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d | VT-x, VT-d |
| Target Use | Mobile | Performance Laptop |
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