Core i5-650 vs Core i7-940XM

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 i5-650 vs Core i7-940XM 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 i5-650 vs Core i7-940XM: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-650

2010

Why buy it

✅Costs $920 less on MSRP ($176 MSRP vs $1,096 MSRP).
✅Delivers 518.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 12.8 vs 2.1 PassMark/$ ($176 MSRP vs $1,096 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-940XM across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,254 vs 2,269).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
❌32.7% higher power demand at 73W vs 55W.

Core i7-940XM

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +6.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Draws 55W instead of 73W, a 18W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 2.1 vs 12.8 PassMark/$ ($1,096 MSRP vs $176 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-940XM better than Core i5-650?

Yes. Core i7-940XM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 6.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.7% 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 i7-940XM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 6.7% 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 i7-940XM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Core i7-940XM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-940XM comes in 522.7% more expensive on MSRP at $1,096 MSRP versus $176 MSRP, and it still gives you a 6.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-650 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 518.6% better value on paper (12.8 vs 2.1 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1156.

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

Core i7-940XM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-650 vs Core i7-940XM Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-650

The Core i5-650 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,254 points. Launch price was $35.

Core i7-940XM

The Core i7-940XM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 June 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarksfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 2,269 points. Launch price was $1,096.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-650 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-940XM offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-940XM has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.46 GHz on the Core i5-650 versus 3.33 GHz on the Core i7-940XM — a 3.8% clock advantage for the Core i5-650 (base: 3.2 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Core i5-650 uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-940XM uses Clarksfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-650 scores 2,254 against the Core i7-940XM's 2,269 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i7-940XM. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i5-650 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-940XM.

Feature	Core i5-650	Core i7-940XM
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.46 GHz+4%	3.33 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+50%	2.13 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Clarkdale (2010−2011)	Clarksfield (2009−2010)
PassMark	2,254	2,269

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-650 uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-940XM uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-650	Core i7-940XM
Socket	LGA1156	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	—	1333
Max RAM Capacity	—	8
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-650) / true (Core i7-940XM). Direct competitor: Core i7-940XM rivals Core i7-2720QM.

Feature	Core i5-650	Core i7-940XM
Integrated GPU	—	No
IGPU Model	—	None
Unlocked	—	Yes
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	true

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-650 was priced at $176, while the Core i7-940XM came in at $1096. On launch pricing ($176 vs $1096), Core i5-650 was $920 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-650 delivers 12.8 pts/$ vs 2.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-940XM — making the Core i5-650 the 144.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-650	Core i7-940XM
MSRP	$176-84%	$1096
Performance per Dollar	12.8+510%	2.1
Release Date	2010	2010

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