Core i7-620M vs Phenom II X4 805

Intel

Core i7-620M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.33 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Phenom II X4 805

4 Cores4 Thrd95 WWMax: 2.5 GHz2009
Similar parts
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Core i7-620M vs Phenom II X4 805 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 i7-620M vs Phenom II X4 805 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 Phenom II X4 805: 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 95W, a 60W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics, while Phenom II X4 805 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,976 vs 2,001).

Phenom II X4 805

2009

Why buy it

  • +1.3% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • 171.4% higher power demand at 95W 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 Phenom II X4 805?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-620M is ahead with a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X4 805 pulls ahead with 1.3% better PassMark.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Phenom II X4 805 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-620M still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-620M comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-620M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2010 vs 2009). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-620M vs Phenom II X4 805 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

Phenom II X4 805

The Phenom II X4 805 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 9 February 2009 (16 years ago). It is based on the Deneb (2009−2011) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: AM3. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,001 points. Launch price was $174.

Processing Power

The Core i7-620M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom II X4 805 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom II X4 805 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.33 GHz on the Core i7-620M versus 2.5 GHz on the Phenom II X4 805 — a 28.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-620M (base: 2.66 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i7-620M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom II X4 805 uses Deneb (2009−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-620M scores 1,976 against the Phenom II X4 805's 2,001 — a 1.3% lead for the Phenom II X4 805. Both processors carry 4 MB (total) of L3 cache.

FeatureCore i7-620MPhenom II X4 805
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
3.33 GHz+33%
2.5 GHz
Base Clock
2.66 GHz+6%
2.5 GHz
L3 Cache
4 MB (total)
4 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
512 kB (per core)+100%
Process
32 nm-29%
45 nm
Architecture
Arrandale (2010−2011)
Deneb (2009−2011)
PassMark
1,976
2,001+1%
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 Phenom II X4 805 uses AM3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-620MPhenom II X4 805
Socket
PGA988
AM3
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 i7-620M) / not specified (Phenom II X4 805). The Core i7-620M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics), while the Phenom II X4 805 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-620M targets Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-620M rivals Core 2 Duo T9600.

FeatureCore i7-620MPhenom II X4 805
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Performance Laptop