Core i5-3337U vs Core i7-640M

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 i5-3337U vs Core i7-640M 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 i5-3337U vs Core i7-640M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-3337U

2013

Why buy it

✅+0% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $225 MSRP, while Core i7-640M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Core i7-640M

2010

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,092 vs 2,093).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3337U better than Core i7-640M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-640M is ahead with a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3337U pulls ahead with 0% better PassMark. Core i7-640M also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3337U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3337U is the better buy right now. Core i5-3337U comes in at an unclear MSRP at $225 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0% better PassMark. The compromise is that Core i7-640M is still the better pure gaming CPU with a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (9.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-3337U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010) 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 i5-3337U vs Core i7-640M Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3337U

The Core i5-3337U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,093 points. Launch price was $225.

Core i7-640M

The Core i7-640M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 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: 2,092 points. Launch price was $346.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3337U and Core i7-640M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-3337U versus 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-640M — a 24.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-640M (base: 1.8 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-3337U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-640M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3337U scores 2,093 against the Core i7-640M's 2,092 — a 0% lead for the Core i5-3337U. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3337U vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-640M.

Feature	Core i5-3337U	Core i7-640M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.7 GHz	3.46 GHz+28%
Base Clock	1.8 GHz	2.8 GHz+56%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,093	2,092

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3337U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-640M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i5-3337U versus 1066 on the Core i7-640M — the Core i5-3337U supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-3337U supports up to 32 of RAM compared to 8 — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i5-3337U) and HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i7-640M).

Feature	Core i5-3337U	Core i7-640M
Socket	BGA1023	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1600+50%	1066
Max RAM Capacity	32+300%	8
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3337U) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i7-640M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-3337U rivals AMD A8-4555M; Core i7-640M rivals Core 2 Duo T9600.