Core i7-2640M vs FX-9800P

Core i7-2640M vs FX-9800P Performance Spectrum

Core i7-2640M

2 / 4

2,445

0.0%

2,460

+0.6%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

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 i7-2640M vs FX-9800P 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 i7-2640M vs FX-9800P: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-2640M

2011

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while FX-9800P needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-9800P across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (2,445 vs 2,460).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.1 vs 16.4 PassMark/$ ($346 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).
❌133.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 15W.

FX-9800P

2016

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $196 less on MSRP ($150 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Delivers 132.1% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 16.4 vs 7.1 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Draws 15W instead of 35W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2640M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is FX-9800P better than Core i7-2640M?

Yes. FX-9800P is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% 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, FX-9800P is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.4% 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, FX-9800P is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

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

FX-9800P is the better buy right now. FX-9800P comes in $196 cheaper on MSRP at $150 MSRP versus $346 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 132.1% better value on MSRP (16.4 vs 7.1 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

FX-9800P 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 4 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 i7-2640M vs FX-9800P Technical Specifications

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

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.

FX-9800P

The FX-9800P is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 31 May 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L2 cache: 1 MB (per module). Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FP4. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,460 points. Launch price was $69.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-2640M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the FX-9800P offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the FX-9800P has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-2640M versus 3.6 GHz on the FX-9800P — a 2.8% clock advantage for the FX-9800P (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core i7-2640M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the FX-9800P uses Bristol Ridge (2016−2019) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2640M scores 2,445 against the FX-9800P's 2,460 — a 0.6% lead for the FX-9800P.

Feature	Core i7-2640M	FX-9800P
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz	3.6 GHz+3%
Base Clock	2.8 GHz+4%	2.7 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB	—
L2 Cache	512 kB	1 MB (per module)+100%
Process	32 nm	28 nm-13%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Bristol Ridge (2016−2019)
PassMark	2,445	2,460
Geekbench 6 Single	563	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,184	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2640M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the FX-9800P uses FP4 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-2640M	FX-9800P
Socket	PGA988	FP4
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i7-2640M) / not specified (FX-9800P). The Core i7-2640M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the FX-9800P requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-2640M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.

Feature	Core i7-2640M	FX-9800P
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 3000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-2640M was priced at $346, while the FX-9800P came in at $150. On launch pricing ($346 vs $150), FX-9800P was $196 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-2640M delivers 7.1 pts/$ vs 16.4 pts/$ for the FX-9800P — making the FX-9800P the 79.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-2640M	FX-9800P
MSRP	$346	$150-57%
Performance per Dollar	7.1	16.4+131%
Release Date	2011	2016

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