Core i7-2620M vs Pentium P6200

Intel

Core i7-2620M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium P6200

2 Cores2 Thrd35 WWMax: 0.13 GHz2010

Core i7-2620M vs Pentium P6200 Performance Spectrum

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 Pentium P6200 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 Pentium P6200: 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

  • +154.5% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.0 vs 39.9 PassMark/$ ($346 MSRP vs $60 MSRP).

Pentium P6200

2010

Why buy it

  • Costs $286 less on MSRP ($60 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
  • Delivers 469.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 39.9 vs 7.0 PassMark/$ ($60 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (200 vs 509).
  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (400 vs 1,222).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2620M better than Pentium P6200?
Yes. Core i7-2620M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 205.5% better Geekbench multi-core, 1.3% higher 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 i7-2620M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.9% 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 i7-2620M is the stronger fit. You are getting 205.5% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 i7-2620M is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-2620M comes in 476.7% more expensive on MSRP at $346 MSRP versus $60 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium P6200 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 469.5% better value on paper (39.9 vs 7.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.
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 a newer CPU generation (2011 vs 2010), 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-2620M vs Pentium P6200 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

Pentium P6200

The Pentium P6200 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 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 0.13 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: 2,394 points. Launch price was $60.

Processing Power

The Core i7-2620M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium P6200's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-2620M versus 0.13 GHz on the Pentium P6200 — a 185.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-2620M (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.13 GHz). The Core i7-2620M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium P6200 uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2620M scores 2,424 against the Pentium P6200's 2,394 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i7-2620M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 509 vs 200, a 87.2% lead for the Core i7-2620M that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,222 vs 400 (101.4% advantage for the Core i7-2620M). L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i7-2620M vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium P6200.

FeatureCore i7-2620MPentium P6200
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 2
Boost Clock
3.4 GHz+2515%
0.13 GHz
Base Clock
2.7 GHz+27%
2.13 GHz
L3 Cache
4 MB+33%
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512 kB+100%
256K (per core)
Process
32 nm
32 nm
Architecture
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark
2,424+1%
2,394
Geekbench 6 Single
509+155%
200
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,222+206%
400
🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the PGA988 socket with PCIe 2.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-2620M versus DDR3-1066 on the Pentium P6200 — the Core i7-2620M supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-2620M supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,QM67,HM67,QS67 (Core i7-2620M) and HM55,HM57 (Pentium P6200).

FeatureCore i7-2620MPentium P6200
Socket
PGA988
PGA988
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333+25%
DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB+100%
8 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-2620M) vs None (Pentium P6200). Both include integrated graphics HD 3000 (Core i7-2620M) and Intel HD Graphics (Pentium P6200) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2620M targets Budget, Pentium P6200 targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2620M rivals Core i5-2410M.

FeatureCore i7-2620MPentium P6200
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
HD 3000
Intel HD Graphics
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
None
Target Use
Budget
Legacy Laptop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-2620M was priced at $346, while the Pentium P6200 came in at $60. On launch pricing ($346 vs $60), Pentium P6200 was $286 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-2620M delivers 7.0 pts/$ vs 39.9 pts/$ for the Pentium P6200 — making the Pentium P6200 the 140.3% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-2620MPentium P6200
MSRP
$346
$60-83%
Performance per Dollar
7.0
39.9+470%
Release Date
2011
2010

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