Core i5-4350U vs Core i7-2640M

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 i5-4350U vs Core i7-2640M 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 i5-4350U vs Core i7-2640M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-4350U

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,425 vs 2,445).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2640M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-2640M

2011

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Core i5-4350U needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $346 MSRP, while Core i5-4350U mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2640M better than Core i5-4350U?

Yes. Core i7-2640M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-2640M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.5% 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 i7-2640M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% 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 i7-2640M is the better buy right now. Core i7-2640M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $346 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (7.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i5-4350U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-4350U vs Core i7-2640M Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-4350U

The Core i5-4350U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,425 points. Launch price was $342.

Core i7-2640M

The Core i7-2640M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,445 points. Launch price was $346.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-4350U and Core i7-2640M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-4350U versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-2640M — a 18.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-2640M (base: 1.4 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i5-4350U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-2640M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4350U scores 2,425 against the Core i7-2640M's 2,445 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-2640M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-4350U vs 4 MB on the Core i7-2640M.

Feature	Core i5-4350U	Core i7-2640M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.9 GHz	3.5 GHz+21%
Base Clock	1.4 GHz	2.8 GHz+100%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,425	2,445
Geekbench 6 Single	—	563
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,184

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-4350U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-2640M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-4350U	Core i7-2640M
Socket	FCBGA1168	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	1333
Max RAM Capacity	—	16
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-4350U) / true (Core i7-2640M). The Core i7-2640M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i5-4350U requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-2640M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.