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.

Overview

The Core i7-2640M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 4 September 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,445 points. Launch price was $346.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-2640M

#348

Core i7-3520M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

116%

#349

Core m5-6Y54

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

115%

#350

Core i7-3555LE

MSRP: $300|Avg: $280

113%

#351

Core i5-4288U

MSRP: $342|Avg: N/A

110%

#352

Core m3-6Y30

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

110%

#353

Core i3-2340UE

MSRP: $200|Avg: $200

109%

#354

Core i7-2820QM

MSRP: $568|Avg: N/A

109%

#355

Core i5-520M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

109%

#356

Celeron 220

MSRP: $42|Avg: $42

108%

#357

Celeron 2981U

MSRP: $137|Avg: N/A

107%

#358

Core 2 Duo SL9400

MSRP: $284|Avg: N/A

107%

#359

Pentium N3540

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

106%

#360

Core i3-2377M

MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A

105%

#361

Celeron M 723

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

104%

#362

Core M-5Y51

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

102%

#363

Core i7-2640M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

100%

#364

Core M-5Y71

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

99%

#365

Core i7-2620M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

99%

#366

Celeron N3010

MSRP: $107|Avg: N/A

97%

#367

Core i7-3537U

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

96%

#368

Core M-5Y10c

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

96%

#369

Core M-5Y10a

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

96%

#370

Celeron 1047UE

MSRP: $100|Avg: $100

95%

#371

Core M-5Y70

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

95%

#372

Core i7-4510U

MSRP: $393|Avg: N/A

95%

#373

Core i3-4030U

MSRP: $281|Avg: N/A

94%

#374

Core i7-2637M

MSRP: $289|Avg: N/A

93%

#375

Core 2 Duo SL9600

MSRP: $316|Avg: N/A

92%

#376

Core 2 Duo T5600

MSRP: $241|Avg: N/A

92%

#377

Pentium N3510

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

91%

#378

Core i7-4500U

MSRP: $398|Avg: N/A

89%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-2640M across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-2640M specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-2640M is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.5 GHz from a base frequency of 2.8 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 4 MB of L3 cache, plus 512 kB of L2 cache and 128 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,445, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 563, while multi-core reaches 1,184.

Specification	Core i7-2640M
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.5 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.8 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	4 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	512 kB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	128 kB
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	149 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	624 Million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,445
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	563
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	1,184

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2640M fits into the PGA988 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to 1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i7-2640M
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i7
SocketMotherboard socket required	PGA988
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	1333
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Phenom II Black Edition N660.

Specification	Core i7-2640M
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	true
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Phenom II Black Edition N660

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-2640M has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 35 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the false stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Laptop Integrated.

Specification	Core i7-2640M
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	35 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	false
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Laptop Integrated

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $346, the Core i7-2640M delivers 7 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2411 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-2640M
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$346
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$346
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2411
Release DateLaunch date	4 September 2011 (14 years ago)
Release Year	2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

Type	Laptop
Series	Intel Core i7
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$346
Release Date	4 September 2011 (14 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Performance Ranking Position	2411

Technical Specifications

16 specs

Cores	2
Threads	4
Bus Type	DMI 2.0
Die Size	149 mm2
L1 Cache	128 kB
L2 Cache	512 kB
L3 Cache	4 MB
Bus Speed	4 × 5 GT/s
Multiplier	28
Max Frequency	3.5 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.8 GHz
Transistor Count	624 Million
Process Technology	32 nm
Max Core Temperature	100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-