Core i7-2640M vs Pentium Silver N5000

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 Pentium Silver N5000 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 Pentium Silver N5000: 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 Pentium Silver N5000 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $346 MSRP, while Pentium Silver N5000 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌483.3% higher power demand at 35W vs 6W.

Pentium Silver N5000

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 6W instead of 35W, a 29W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,442 vs 2,445).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2640M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2640M better than Pentium Silver N5000?

Yes. Core i7-2640M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-2640M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.0% 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 i7-2640M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, 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 at an unclear MSRP at $346 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (7.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Pentium Silver N5000 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-2640M vs Pentium Silver N5000 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.

Pentium Silver N5000

The Pentium Silver N5000 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 11 December 2017 (7 years ago). It is based on the Goldmont Plus (2017) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 4 MB (total). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1090. Thermal design power (TDP): 6 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 2,442 points. Launch price was $161.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-2640M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Pentium Silver N5000 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Pentium Silver N5000 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-2640M versus 2.7 GHz on the Pentium Silver N5000 — a 25.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-2640M (base: 2.8 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). The Core i7-2640M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Pentium Silver N5000 uses Goldmont Plus (2017) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2640M scores 2,445 against the Pentium Silver N5000's 2,442 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-2640M. Both processors carry 4 MB of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-2640M	Pentium Silver N5000
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.5 GHz+30%	2.7 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz+155%	1.1 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB	4 MB
L2 Cache	512 kB	4 MB (total)+700%
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Goldmont Plus (2017)
PassMark	2,445	2,442
Geekbench 6 Single	563	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,184	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2640M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium Silver N5000 uses FCBGA1090 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-2640M	Pentium Silver N5000
Socket	PGA988	FCBGA1090
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	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i7-2640M) / not specified (Pentium Silver N5000). The Core i7-2640M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Pentium Silver N5000 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-2640M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660.