Core i5-470UM vs Core i7-620M

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 i5-470UM vs Core i7-620M 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 i5-470UM vs Core i7-620M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-470UM

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 18W instead of 35W, a 17W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,973 vs 1,976).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-620M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-620M

2010

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics, while Core i5-470UM needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌94.4% higher power demand at 35W vs 18W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-620M better than Core i5-470UM?

Yes. Core i7-620M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-620M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% 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 i7-620M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% 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 i7-620M still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-620M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i7-620M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB) 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 i5-470UM vs Core i7-620M Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-470UM

The Core i5-470UM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.33 GHz, with boost up to 1.86 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,973 points. Launch price was $69.

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.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-470UM and Core i7-620M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.86 GHz on the Core i5-470UM versus 3.33 GHz on the Core i7-620M — a 56.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-620M (base: 1.33 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). Both are built on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-470UM scores 1,973 against the Core i7-620M's 1,976 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-620M. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-470UM vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-620M.

Feature	Core i5-470UM	Core i7-620M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.86 GHz	3.33 GHz+79%
Base Clock	1.33 GHz	2.66 GHz+100%
L3 Cache	3 MB	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,973	1,976
Geekbench 6 Single	—	350
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	800

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-470UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-620M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-470UM	Core i7-620M
Socket	BGA1288	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	—	8 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-470UM) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-620M). The Core i7-620M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Core i5-470UM requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-620M targets Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-620M rivals Core 2 Duo T9600.