Core i5-2450M vs Core i7-640M

Both the Core i5-2450M and Core i7-640M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i5-2450M versus 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-640M — a 11% clock advantage for the Core i7-640M (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-2450M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-640M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2450M scores 2,076 against the Core i7-640M's 2,092 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-640M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2450M vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-640M.

Both processors use the PGA988 socket with PCIe 2.0. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i5-2450M versus 1066 on the Core i7-640M — the Core i5-2450M supports 22.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-2450M supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 8 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2450M) and HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i7-640M).

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2450M) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i7-640M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-2450M rivals AMD A8-3500M; Core i7-640M rivals Core 2 Duo T9600.