Phenom II X2 N640 vs Core i7-640LM
Phenom II X2 N640
Core i7-640LM
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 Phenom II X2 N640 is positioned at rank 977 and the Core i7-640LM is on rank 333, so the Core i7-640LM offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Phenom II X2 N640
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-640LM
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Phenom II X2 N640 | Core i7-640LM |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($55) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Champlain (2010−2011) / 45 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Arrandale (2010−2011) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Phenom II X2 N640 | Core i7-640LM |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($55) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 Phenom II X2 N640 and Core i7-640LM
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.
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.
Processing Power
The Phenom II X2 N640 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i7-640LM's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Phenom II X2 N640 versus 2.93 GHz on the Core i7-640LM — a 1% clock advantage for the Core i7-640LM. The Phenom II X2 N640 uses the Champlain (2010−2011) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-640LM uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Phenom II X2 N640 scores 1,505 against the Core i7-640LM's 1,529 — a 1.6% lead for the Core i7-640LM.
| Feature | Phenom II X2 N640 | Core i7-640LM |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.9 GHz | 2.93 GHz+1% |
| Base Clock | — | 2.13 GHz |
| L3 Cache | — | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 2 MB+700% | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 45 nm | 32 nm-29% |
| Architecture | Champlain (2010−2011) | Arrandale (2010−2011) |
| PassMark | 1,505 | 1,529+2% |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 300 | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 422 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Phenom II X2 N640 uses the S1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-640LM uses BGA1288 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1333 on the Phenom II X2 N640 versus 1066 on the Core i7-640LM — the Core i7-640LM supports 198.9% 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: RS880M (Phenom II X2 N640) and HM55,HM57,QM57,QS57 (Core i7-640LM).
| Feature | Phenom II X2 N640 | Core i7-640LM |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | S1 | BGA1288 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR3-1333 | 1066+35433% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 8 GB+104857500% | 8 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (Phenom II X2 N640) vs true (Core i7-640LM). 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.
| Feature | Phenom II X2 N640 | Core i7-640LM |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | None | Intel HD Graphics (Ironlake) |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | AMD-V | true |
| Target Use | Legacy Laptop | — |
Top Performing CPUs
The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
You May Also Compare
Similar CPU comparisons based on Phenom II X2 N640 and Core i7-640LM
