Core i7-640LM vs Phenom II X2 N640

Core i7-640LM vs Phenom II X2 N640 Performance Spectrum

Core i7-640LM

2 / 4

1,529

+1.6%

1,505

0.0%

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 i7-640LM vs Phenom II X2 N640 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 i7-640LM vs Phenom II X2 N640: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-640LM

2010

Why buy it

✅+1.6% higher PassMark.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake), while Phenom II X2 N640 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Phenom II X2 N640 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌1150% higher power demand at 25W vs 2W.

Phenom II X2 N640

2010

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.0% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Draws 2W instead of 25W, a 23W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,505 vs 1,529).
❌Launch MSRP is still $100 MSRP, while Core i7-640LM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-640LM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Phenom II X2 N640 better than Core i7-640LM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Phenom II X2 N640 is ahead with a 3.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-640LM pulls ahead with 1.6% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-640LM is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Phenom II X2 N640 is the better buy right now. Phenom II X2 N640 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $100 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-640LM is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.6% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (15.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i7-640LM makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-640LM vs Phenom II X2 N640 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-640LM

The Core i7-640LM 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 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 2.93 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: 1,529 points. Launch price was $332.

Phenom II X2 N640

The Phenom II X2 N640 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2009-01-01. It is based on the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Max frequency: 2.9 GHz. L2 cache: 2 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: S1. Thermal design power (TDP): 2 MB. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,505 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-640LM packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Phenom II X2 N640's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.93 GHz on the Core i7-640LM versus 2.9 GHz on the Phenom II X2 N640 — a 1% clock advantage for the Core i7-640LM. The Core i7-640LM uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom II X2 N640 uses Champlain (2010−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-640LM scores 1,529 against the Phenom II X2 N640's 1,505 — a 1.6% lead for the Core i7-640LM.

Feature	Core i7-640LM	Phenom II X2 N640
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2.93 GHz+1%	2.9 GHz
Base Clock	2.13 GHz	—
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	—
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	2 MB+700%
Process	32 nm-29%	45 nm
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Champlain (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,529+2%	1,505
Geekbench 6 Single	—	300
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	422

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-640LM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom II X2 N640 uses S1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Core i7-640LM versus DDR3-1333 on the Phenom II X2 N640 — the Phenom II X2 N640 supports 25% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 8 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57,QM57,QS57 (Core i7-640LM) and RS880M (Phenom II X2 N640).

Feature	Core i7-640LM	Phenom II X2 N640
Socket	BGA1288	S1
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1066	DDR3-1333+25%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-640LM) vs AMD-V (Phenom II X2 N640). The Core i7-640LM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Phenom II X2 N640 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Phenom II X2 N640 targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-640LM rivals Core 2 Duo SL9400.