Core i7-640M vs Ryzen 7 5800X

Intel

Core i7-640M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.46 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

Ryzen 7 5800X

8 Cores16 Thrd105 WWMax: 4.7 GHz2020
Ryzen family
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Core i7-640M vs Ryzen 7 5800X 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 i7-640M vs Ryzen 7 5800X 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 i7-640M vs Ryzen 7 5800X: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-640M

2010

Why buy it

  • Draws 35W instead of 105W, a 70W reduction.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake), while Ryzen 7 5800X needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Ryzen 7 5800X across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (2,092 vs 27,712).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 32 MB).

Ryzen 7 5800X

2020

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +390.7% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +700% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 4 MB).
  • 50% more PCIe lanes (24 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $449 MSRP, while Core i7-640M mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 200% higher power demand at 105W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-640M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 7 5800X better than Core i7-640M?
Yes. Ryzen 7 5800X is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 390.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1224.7% 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, Ryzen 7 5800X is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 390.7% 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, Ryzen 7 5800X is the stronger fit. You are getting 1224.7% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 16 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 700% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 4 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Ryzen 7 5800X is the better buy right now. Ryzen 7 5800X comes in at an unclear MSRP at $449 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 390.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (61.7 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Ryzen 7 5800X makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2010), 700% larger total L3 cache (32 MB vs 4 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 8 cores / 16 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-640M vs Ryzen 7 5800X Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

AMD

Ryzen 7 5800X

The Ryzen 7 5800X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 5 November 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) architecture. It features 8 cores and 16 threads. Base frequency is 3.8 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB. L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 105 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 27,712 points. Launch price was $449.

Processing Power

The Core i7-640M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Ryzen 7 5800X offers 8 cores / 16 threads — the Ryzen 7 5800X has 6 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-640M versus 4.7 GHz on the Ryzen 7 5800X — a 30.4% clock advantage for the Ryzen 7 5800X (base: 2.8 GHz vs 3.8 GHz). The Core i7-640M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Ryzen 7 5800X uses Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-640M scores 2,092 against the Ryzen 7 5800X's 27,712 — a 171.9% lead for the Ryzen 7 5800X. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-640M vs 32 MB on the Ryzen 7 5800X.

FeatureCore i7-640MRyzen 7 5800X
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
8 / 16+300%
Boost Clock
3.46 GHz
4.7 GHz+36%
Base Clock
2.8 GHz
3.8 GHz+36%
L3 Cache
4 MB (total)
32 MB+700%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
512K (per core)+100%
Process
32 nm
7 nm, 12 nm-78%
Architecture
Arrandale (2010−2011)
Vermeer (Zen 3) (2020−2022)
PassMark
2,092
27,712+1225%
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-640M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Ryzen 7 5800X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1066 on the Core i7-640M versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 7 5800X — the Ryzen 7 5800X supports 200.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 7 5800X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB 1500% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-640M) vs 24 (Ryzen 7 5800X) — the Ryzen 7 5800X offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM55,HM57,QM57 (Core i7-640M) and AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series,AMD 300 series (Ryzen 7 5800X).

FeatureCore i7-640MRyzen 7 5800X
Socket
PGA988
AM4
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 4.0+100%
Max RAM Speed
1066
DDR4-3200+200%
Max RAM Capacity
8 GB
128 GB+1500%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16
24+50%
🔧

Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 7 5800X has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-640M) vs AMD-V (Ryzen 7 5800X). The Core i7-640M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Ryzen 7 5800X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Ryzen 7 5800X targets Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-640M rivals Core 2 Duo T9600.

FeatureCore i7-640MRyzen 7 5800X
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
true
AMD-V
Target Use
Desktop