Core i5-4210Y vs Core i7-640LM

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 i5-4210Y vs Core i7-640LM 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 i5-4210Y vs Core i7-640LM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4210Y

2013

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌1948% higher power demand at 512W vs 25W.

Core i7-640LM

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

❌Lower PassMark (1,529 vs 1,530).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-4210Y better than Core i7-640LM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-640LM is ahead with a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-4210Y pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark. Core i7-640LM 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 i5-4210Y is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-4210Y still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-4210Y comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% better PassMark.

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

Core i5-4210Y 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 i5-4210Y vs Core i7-640LM Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4210Y

The Core i5-4210Y 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 1.9 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: 1,530 points. Launch price was $297.

Core i7-640LM

The Core i7-640LM 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 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 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: 1,529 points. Launch price was $332.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-4210Y and Core i7-640LM share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.9 GHz on the Core i5-4210Y versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i7-640LM — a 42.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-640LM (base: 1.5 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Core i5-4210Y uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-640LM uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4210Y scores 1,530 against the Core i7-640LM's 1,529 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-4210Y. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-4210Y vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-640LM.

Feature	Core i5-4210Y	Core i7-640LM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.9 GHz	2.93 GHz+54%
Base Clock	1.5 GHz	2.13 GHz+42%
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	1,530	1,529
Geekbench 6 Single	580	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4210Y uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-640LM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i5-4210Y versus 1066 on the Core i7-640LM — the Core i5-4210Y supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-4210Y 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 i5-4210Y) vs 16 (Core i7-640LM) — the Core i7-640LM offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM86,HM87,QM87 (Core i5-4210Y) and HM55,HM57,QM57,QS57 (Core i7-640LM).

Feature	Core i5-4210Y	Core i7-640LM
Socket	FCBGA1168	BGA1288
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600+50%	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

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i5-4210Y) vs true (Core i7-640LM). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4200 (Core i5-4210Y) and Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) (Core i7-640LM) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4210Y targets Tablet/2-in-1. Direct competitor: Core i5-4210Y rivals A4-6210; Core i7-640LM rivals Core 2 Duo SL9400.

Feature	Core i5-4210Y	Core i7-640LM
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4200	Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, EPT	true
Target Use	Tablet/2-in-1	—