Core i7-2620M vs Core m3-7Y30

CPU

GPU

Core i7-2620M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2011

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Core m3-7Y30

2 Cores4 Thrd4.5 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2016

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Core i7-2620M vs Core m3-7Y30 Performance Spectrum

Core i7-2620M

2 / 4

2,424

+0.2%

2,418

0.0%

About PassMark

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 m3-7Y30 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 m3-7Y30: 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

✅60% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 10) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (509 vs 768).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,222 vs 1,481).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.0 vs 8.6 PassMark/$ ($346 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
❌677.8% higher power demand at 35W vs 4.5W.

Core m3-7Y30

2016

Why buy it

✅+50.9% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Costs $65 less on MSRP ($281 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Delivers 22.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.6 vs 7.0 PassMark/$ ($281 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Draws 5W instead of 35W, a 31W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core m3-7Y30 better than Core i7-2620M?

Yes. Core m3-7Y30 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 21.2% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 m3-7Y30 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.5% 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 m3-7Y30 is the stronger fit. You are getting 21.2% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core m3-7Y30 is the better buy right now. Core m3-7Y30 comes in $65 cheaper on MSRP at $281 MSRP versus $346 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 22.8% better value on MSRP (8.6 vs 7.0 PassMark/$), 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 m3-7Y30 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2011) 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 i7-2620M vs Core m3-7Y30 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 m3-7Y30

The Core m3-7Y30 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 4.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,418 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-2620M and Core m3-7Y30 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-2620M versus 2.6 GHz on the Core m3-7Y30 — a 26.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-2620M (base: 2.7 GHz vs 1 GHz). The Core i7-2620M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core m3-7Y30 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2620M scores 2,424 against the Core m3-7Y30's 2,418 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i7-2620M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 509 vs 768, a 40.6% lead for the Core m3-7Y30 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,222 vs 1,481 (19.2% advantage for the Core m3-7Y30). Both processors carry 4 MB of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-2620M	Core m3-7Y30
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz+31%	2.6 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+170%	1 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB	4 MB
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	2,424	2,418
Cinebench R23 Multi	—	645
Geekbench 6 Single	509	768+51%
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,222	1,481+21%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2620M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core m3-7Y30 uses FCBGA1515 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2620M versus LPDDR3-1866 / DDR3L-1600 on the Core m3-7Y30 — the Core m3-7Y30 supports 40% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-2620M) vs 10 (Core m3-7Y30) — the Core i7-2620M offers 6 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM65,QM67,HM67,QS67 (Core i7-2620M) and Kaby Lake-Y SoC (Core m3-7Y30).

Feature	Core i7-2620M	Core m3-7Y30
Socket	PGA988	FCBGA1515
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	LPDDR3-1866 / DDR3L-1600+40%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16+60%	10

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-2620M) vs VT-x / VT-d / EPT (Core m3-7Y30). Both include integrated graphics — HD 3000 (Core i7-2620M) and Intel HD Graphics 615 (Core m3-7Y30) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2620M targets Budget, Core m3-7Y30 targets Ultra-portable. Direct competitor: Core i7-2620M rivals Core i5-2410M.

Feature	Core i7-2620M	Core m3-7Y30
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD 3000	Intel HD Graphics 615
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x / VT-d / EPT
Target Use	Budget	Ultra-portable

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-2620M was priced at $346, while the Core m3-7Y30 came in at $281. On launch pricing ($346 vs $281), Core m3-7Y30 was $65 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-2620M delivers 7.0 pts/$ vs 8.6 pts/$ for the Core m3-7Y30 — making the Core m3-7Y30 the 20.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-2620M	Core m3-7Y30
MSRP	$346	$281-19%
Performance per Dollar	7.0	8.6+23%
Release Date	2011	2016

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