Core i7-2620M 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 i7-2620M 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 i7-2620M 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 i7-2620M

2011

Why buy it

✅+3.2% higher Geekbench multi-core.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (509 vs 563).

Core i7-2640M

2011

Why buy it

✅+10.6% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,184 vs 1,222).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2640M better than Core i7-2620M?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-2640M is ahead with a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-2620M pulls ahead with 3.2% better Geekbench multi-core.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-2620M is the stronger fit. You are getting 3.2% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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 in basically the same MSRP band at $346 MSRP versus $346 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-2620M is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 3.2% better Geekbench multi-core. It is also 0.9% better value on MSRP (7.1 vs 7.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-2620M 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 i7-2620M vs Core i7-2640M Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-2620M

The Core i7-2620M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 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: 2,424 points. Launch price was $346.

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 i7-2620M and Core i7-2640M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-2620M versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-2640M — a 2.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-2640M (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-2620M scores 2,424 against the Core i7-2640M's 2,445 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i7-2640M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 509 vs 563, a 10.1% lead for the Core i7-2640M that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,222 vs 1,184 (3.2% advantage for the Core i7-2620M). Both processors carry 4 MB of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-2620M	Core i7-2640M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz	3.5 GHz+3%
Base Clock	2.7 GHz	2.8 GHz+4%
L3 Cache	4 MB	4 MB
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB
Process	32 nm	32 nm
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark	2,424	2,445
Geekbench 6 Single	509	563+11%
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,222+3%	1,184

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the PGA988 socket with PCIe 2.0. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,QM67,HM67,QS67 (Core i7-2620M) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i7-2640M).

Feature	Core i7-2620M	Core i7-2640M
Socket	PGA988	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	1333
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 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 (Core i7-2620M) vs true (Core i7-2640M). Both include integrated graphics — HD 3000 (Core i7-2620M) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2640M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2620M targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i7-2620M rivals Core i5-2410M; Core i7-2640M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.

Feature	Core i7-2620M	Core i7-2640M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD 3000	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	true
Target Use	Budget	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-2620M was priced at $346, while the Core i7-2640M came in at $346. On launch pricing ($346 vs $346), Core i7-2640M was $0 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-2620M delivers 7.0 pts/$ vs 7.1 pts/$ for the Core i7-2640M — making the Core i7-2640M the 0.9% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-2620M	Core i7-2640M
MSRP	$346	$346
Performance per Dollar	7.0	7.1+1%
Release Date	2011	2011

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