CPU
GPU
Core i7-640M
Core 2 Duo SP9400
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-640M is positioned at rank 107 and the Core 2 Duo SP9400 is on rank 631, so the Core i7-640M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-640M
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Duo SP9400
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-640M | Core 2 Duo SP9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Penryn (2008−2011) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-640M | Core 2 Duo SP9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | Equivalent pricing | Equivalent pricing |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-640M and Core 2 Duo SP9400
Core i7-640M
The Core i7-640M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 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: 2,092 points. Launch price was $346.
Core 2 Duo SP9400
The Core 2 Duo SP9400 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 August 2008 (17 years ago). It is based on the Penryn (2008−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 6 MB. Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: BGA956. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 2,083 points. Launch price was $284.
Processing Power
The Core i7-640M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Duo SP9400's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-640M versus 2.4 GHz on the Core 2 Duo SP9400 — a 36.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-640M (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i7-640M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Duo SP9400 uses Penryn (2008−2011) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-640M scores 2,092 against the Core 2 Duo SP9400's 2,083 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-640M. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-640M vs 6 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Duo SP9400.
| Feature | Core i7-640M | Core 2 Duo SP9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.46 GHz+44% | 2.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz+17% | 2.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 6 MB L2 Cache+50% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 6 MB+2300% |
| Process | 32 nm-29% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Arrandale (2010−2011) | Penryn (2008−2011) |
| PassMark | 2,092 | 2,083 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 340 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 600 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-640M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Duo SP9400 uses BGA956 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Core i7-640M versus DDR3-1066 on the Core 2 Duo SP9400 — the Core i7-640M supports 198.9% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 8 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i7-640M) and GS45 (Core 2 Duo SP9400).
| Feature | Core i7-640M | Core 2 Duo SP9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | BGA956 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0+82% | PCIe 1.1 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1066+35433% | DDR3-1066 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 | 8 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | — |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-640M) vs VT-x (Core 2 Duo SP9400). The Core i7-640M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Core 2 Duo SP9400 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core 2 Duo SP9400 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i7-640M rivals Core 2 Duo T9600; Core 2 Duo SP9400 rivals Athlon II X2 245e.
| Feature | Core i7-640M | Core 2 Duo SP9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) | GMA X4500HD |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Budget |
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