Core i7-640LM vs Phenom X4 9750B

Core i7-640LM vs Phenom X4 9750B Performance Spectrum

Core i7-640LM

2 / 4

1,529

+0.6%

1,520

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5945WX

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 X4 9750B 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 X4 9750B: 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

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).
✅Draws 25W instead of 95W, a 70W reduction.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake), while Phenom X4 9750B needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

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

Phenom X4 9750B

2008

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,520 vs 1,529).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $215 MSRP, while Core i7-640LM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌280% higher power demand at 95W vs 25W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-640LM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-640LM better than Phenom X4 9750B?

Yes. Core i7-640LM is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.6% 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 i7-640LM is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% 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 i7-640LM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% 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 i7-640LM is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-640LM comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $215 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Phenom X4 9750B only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2008 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (7.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on AM2+.

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 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 i7-640LM vs Phenom X4 9750B 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 X4 9750B

The Phenom X4 9750B 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: 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: AM2+. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,520 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-640LM packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Phenom X4 9750B offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Phenom X4 9750B has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.93 GHz on the Core i7-640LM versus 2.4 GHz on the Phenom X4 9750B — a 19.9% clock advantage for the Core i7-640LM. The Core i7-640LM uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Phenom X4 9750B uses Agena (2007−2008) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-640LM scores 1,529 against the Phenom X4 9750B's 1,520 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-640LM. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-640LM vs 2 MB (total) on the Phenom X4 9750B.

Feature	Core i7-640LM	Phenom X4 9750B
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.93 GHz+22%	2.4 GHz
Base Clock	2.13 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	1,529	1,520
Geekbench 6 Single	—	300
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,000

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-640LM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Phenom X4 9750B uses AM2+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to 1066 memory speed. 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 AM2+,AM2 (Phenom X4 9750B).

Feature	Core i7-640LM	Phenom X4 9750B
Socket	BGA1288	AM2+
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	1066	DDR2-1066
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 X4 9750B). The Core i7-640LM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Phenom X4 9750B requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Phenom X4 9750B targets Legacy Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-640LM rivals Core 2 Duo SL9400.