Core i7-640UM vs Pentium A1020

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 i7-640UM vs Pentium A1020 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 i7-640UM vs Pentium A1020: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-640UM

2010

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.
✅+100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake), while Pentium A1020 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌80% higher power demand at 18W vs 10W.

Pentium A1020

2016

Why buy it

✅Draws 10W instead of 18W, a 8W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,167 vs 1,168).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 4 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $86 MSRP, while Core i7-640UM mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-640UM can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium A1020 better than Core i7-640UM?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Pentium A1020 is ahead with a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-640UM pulls ahead with 0.1% better PassMark. Core i7-640UM also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-640UM is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% 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?

Pentium A1020 is the better buy right now. Pentium A1020 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $86 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-640UM is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.1% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (13.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Pentium A1020 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2010). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-640UM vs Pentium A1020 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-640UM

The Core i7-640UM 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 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.27 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1288. Thermal design power (TDP): 18 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800. Passmark benchmark score: 1,168 points. Launch price was $305.

Pentium A1020

The Pentium A1020 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.41 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB L2 Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1170. Thermal design power (TDP): 10 Watt. Memory support: DDR3L-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,167 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-640UM packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Pentium A1020 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Pentium A1020 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.27 GHz on the Core i7-640UM versus 2.7 GHz on the Pentium A1020 — a 17.3% clock advantage for the Pentium A1020 (base: 1.2 GHz vs 2.41 GHz). The Core i7-640UM is built on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-640UM scores 1,168 against the Pentium A1020's 1,167 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i7-640UM. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-640UM vs 2 MB L2 Cache on the Pentium A1020.

Feature	Core i7-640UM	Pentium A1020
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	2.27 GHz	2.7 GHz+19%
Base Clock	1.2 GHz	2.41 GHz+101%
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)+100%	2 MB L2 Cache
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	—
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Arrandale (2010−2011)	—
PassMark	1,168	1,167
Geekbench 6 Single	226	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	590	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-640UM uses the BGA1288 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Pentium A1020 uses FCBGA1170 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-640UM	Pentium A1020
Socket	BGA1288	FCBGA1170
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
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 i7-640UM) / not specified (Pentium A1020). The Core i7-640UM includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake)), while the Pentium A1020 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-640UM targets Legacy Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-640UM rivals Core 2 Duo SU9600.