Core i5-580M 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 i5-580M 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 i5-580M 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 i5-580M

2010

Why buy it

✅+27.1% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Core i7-620M

2010

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (350 vs 445).
❌Lower PassMark (1,976 vs 1,983).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-580M better than Core i7-620M?

Yes. Core i5-580M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.4% 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 i5-580M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.7% 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 i5-580M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-580M still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-580M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i5-580M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 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 i5-580M vs Core i7-620M Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-580M

The Core i5-580M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 GHz. L3 cache: 3 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: 1,983 points. Launch price was $266.

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 i5-580M and Core i7-620M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.33 GHz on the Core i5-580M versus 3.33 GHz on the Core i7-620M — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.66 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). Both are built on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-580M scores 1,983 against the Core i7-620M's 1,976 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i5-580M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 445 vs 350, a 23.9% lead for the Core i5-580M that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-580M vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-620M.

Feature	Core i5-580M	Core i7-620M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.33 GHz	3.33 GHz
Base Clock	2.66 GHz	2.66 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,983	1,976
Geekbench 6 Single	445+27%	350
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	800

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the PGA988 socket with PCIe 2.0. Both support up to DDR3-1066 memory speed. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM55,PM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i5-580M) and HM55,QM57,HM57,QS57 (Core i7-620M).

Feature	Core i5-580M	Core i7-620M
Socket	PGA988	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-580M) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-620M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics (Core i5-580M) and Intel HD Graphics (Core i7-620M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-580M targets Legacy Laptop, Core i7-620M targets Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-580M rivals Phenom II X2 N660; Core i7-620M rivals Core 2 Duo T9600.

Feature	Core i5-580M	Core i7-620M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics	Intel HD Graphics
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Legacy Laptop	Performance Laptop