Core i7-620LM vs Phenom X4 9450e

CPU

GPU

Core i7-620LM

2 Cores4 Thrd25 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2010

Similar parts

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Phenom X4 9450e

4 Cores4 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.1 GHz2008

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Core i7-620LM vs Phenom X4 9450e Performance Spectrum

Core i7-620LM

2 / 4

1,463

+0.5%

1,455

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX

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 i7-620LM vs Phenom X4 9450e 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 i7-620LM vs Phenom X4 9450e: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-620LM

2010

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Costs $150 less on MSRP ($300 MSRP vs $450 MSRP).
✅Delivers 50.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 4.9 vs 3.2 PassMark/$ ($300 MSRP vs $450 MSRP).
✅Draws 25W instead of 65W, a 40W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

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

Phenom X4 9450e

2008

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,455 vs 1,463).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 3.2 vs 4.9 PassMark/$ ($450 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).
❌160% higher power demand at 65W vs 25W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-620LM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-620LM better than Phenom X4 9450e?

Yes. Core i7-620LM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.5% 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, Core i7-620LM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.2% 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 i7-620LM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Core i7-620LM is the better buy right now. Core i7-620LM comes in $150 cheaper on MSRP at $300 MSRP versus $450 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 50.8% better value on MSRP (4.9 vs 3.2 PassMark/$), 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 i7-620LM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2008), 100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-620LM vs Phenom X4 9450e Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-620LM

The Core i7-620LM is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066. Passmark benchmark score: 1,463 points. Launch price was $300.

Phenom X4 9450e

The Phenom X4 9450e is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Agena (2007−2008) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 2.1 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,455 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-620LM packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom X4 9450e offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom X4 9450e has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-620LM versus 2.1 GHz on the Phenom X4 9450e — a 28.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-620LM. The Core i7-620LM uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom X4 9450e uses Agena (2007−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-620LM scores 1,463 against the Phenom X4 9450e's 1,455 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-620LM. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-620LM vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X4 9450e.

Feature	Core i7-620LM	Phenom X4 9450e
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.8 GHz+33%	2.1 GHz
Base Clock	2 GHz	—
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)+100%	2 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512 kB (per core)+100%
Process	32 nm-51%	65 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Agena (2007−2008)
PassMark	1,463	1,455
Geekbench 6 Single	450	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	900	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-620LM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom X4 9450e uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-620LM	Phenom X4 9450e
Socket	BGA1288	AM2+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	—
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-620LM) / not specified (Phenom X4 9450e). The Core i7-620LM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Phenom X4 9450e requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-620LM targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i7-620LM rivals Ryzen 5 3500U.

Feature	Core i7-620LM	Phenom X4 9450e
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	Budget	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-620LM was priced at $300, while the Phenom X4 9450e came in at $450. On launch pricing ($300 vs $450), Core i7-620LM was $150 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-620LM delivers 4.9 pts/$ vs 3.2 pts/$ for the Phenom X4 9450e — making the Core i7-620LM the 40.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-620LM	Phenom X4 9450e
MSRP	$300-33%	$450
Performance per Dollar	4.9+53%	3.2
Release Date	2010	2008

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