Core i7-620M vs Core M-5Y71

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 i7-620M vs Core M-5Y71 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 i7-620M vs Core M-5Y71: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-620M

2010

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics, while Core M-5Y71 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

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

Core M-5Y71

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,975 vs 1,976).
❌Launch MSRP is still $281 MSRP, while Core i7-620M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-620M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-620M better than Core M-5Y71?

Yes. Core i7-620M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.1% 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 i7-620M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.1% 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 i7-620M 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 i7-620M is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i7-620M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $281 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core M-5Y71 only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 1.1% in the shared gaming data.

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

Core M-5Y71 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-620M vs Core M-5Y71 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-620M

The Core i7-620M 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 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 GHz. L3 cache: 4 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: 1,976 points. Launch price was $332.

Core M-5Y71

The Core M-5Y71 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 October 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-Y (2014) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1234. Thermal design power (TDP): 4.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,975 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-620M and Core M-5Y71 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.33 GHz on the Core i7-620M versus 2.9 GHz on the Core M-5Y71 — a 13.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-620M (base: 2.66 GHz vs 1.2 GHz). The Core i7-620M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core M-5Y71 uses Broadwell-Y (2014) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-620M scores 1,976 against the Core M-5Y71's 1,975 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-620M. Both processors carry 4 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-620M	Core M-5Y71
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.33 GHz+15%	2.9 GHz
Base Clock	2.66 GHz+122%	1.2 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Broadwell-Y (2014)
PassMark	1,976	1,975
Geekbench 6 Single	350	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	800	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-620M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core M-5Y71 uses FCBGA1234 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-620M	Core M-5Y71
Socket	PGA988	FCBGA1234
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
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 i7-620M) / not specified (Core M-5Y71). The Core i7-620M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Core M-5Y71 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-620M targets Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-620M rivals Core 2 Duo T9600.