Intel Core i7-640LM
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
Integrated GPUAt a Glance
IntelIntel Core i7-640LM Specifications
Core i7-640LM Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Core i7-640LM features 2 physical cores and 4 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.
i7-640LM Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i7-640LM benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Core i7-640LM by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Core i7-640LM Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i7-640LM processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Core i7-640LM's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
Westmere Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The Intel Core i7-640LM is built on Intel's 32 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in i7-640LM incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Westmere Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Core i7-640LM by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.
i7-640LM Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Core i7-640LM has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 25W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.
Intel BGA 1288 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Core i7-640LM uses the Intel BGA 1288 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.
Intel BGA 1288 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the i7-640LM define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Core i7-640LM determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.
Intel's Core i7-640LM Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The Intel Core i7-640LM includes integrated graphics, eliminating the need for a dedicated GPU in basic computing scenarios. Integrated graphics are ideal for office productivity, video playback, and light gaming. While not designed for demanding GPU benchmarks, the iGPU in the i7-640LM provides hardware video encoding and decoding capabilities. This makes the processor suitable for compact builds, HTPCs, and systems where power efficiency is prioritized over gaming performance.
Core i7-640LM Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Core i7-640LM is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Core i7-640LM by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
Core i7-640LM Benchmark Scores
cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource
Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how Intel Core i7-640LM performs in parallel rendering workloads.
Top 5 Performers
Top 5 PerformersNearby Performers
Nearby Performerscinebench_cinebench_r20_multicoreSource
Cinebench R20 multi-core uses a scene requiring 4x more computational power than R15. This test better reflects modern CPU capabilities for professional rendering on Intel Core i7-640LM. The more demanding workload provides better differentiation between current-generation processors. Content creators and 3D artists use this benchmark to estimate real-world render performance.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R20 single-core tests one thread against a more demanding scene than R15. This reveals the true single-thread rendering capability of Intel Core i7-640LM. The increased complexity provides more accurate performance differentiation between modern CPUs. Single-thread performance remains critical for gaming and applications with serial bottlenecks.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicoreSource
Cinebench R23 multi-core is the current standard for CPU rendering benchmarks with a 10-minute minimum runtime. This extended test reveals sustained performance of Intel Core i7-640LM after thermal limits kick in. The longer duration exposes cooling limitations that shorter benchmarks miss. Professional users rely on R23 scores to predict real-world rendering performance under sustained workloads.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Core i7-640LM maintains boost clocks under continuous load. The extended runtime shows whether thermal throttling affects single-core performance. This score is particularly important for understanding real-world responsiveness beyond initial boost behavior.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
geekbench_multicoreSource
Geekbench multi-core tests Intel Core i7-640LM across real-world workloads including image processing, machine learning, and data compression. All available threads are utilized to measure parallel performance. Higher scores indicate better capability in multitasking and content creation. The cross-platform nature of Geekbench allows direct comparison with systems running different operating systems.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
geekbench_singlecoreSource
Geekbench single-core measures how fast one thread of Intel Core i7-640LM can process tasks like web browsing and document editing. This score correlates with how snappy the system feels during normal use. Many applications still depend primarily on single-thread performance. Gaming performance is also heavily influenced by single-core speed in CPU-limited scenarios.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
About Intel Core i7-640LM
The Intel Core i7-640LM is a 2-core, 4-thread mobile processor from Intel, built on the Westmere architecture under the Arrandale codename and grouped in the Core i7 (Arrandale) generation. It was released on 2010-01-06 and is now end-of-life. The chip has a 2.13 GHz base clock and a 2.93 GHz boost clock, with 4 MB of shared L3 cache and integrated HD Graphics (Ironlake). Its average benchmark score is 470, placing it in the 8th percentile of all CPUs in the database. Launch MSRP was $332.
Benchmark Performance
The database lists Cinebench R15, R20, R23, and Geekbench results. R20 and R23 each provide a single-core and multi-core score, while R15 provides a multi-core result and Geekbench provides both. In Cinebench R15, the multi-core score is 130. In Cinebench R20, the multi-core score is 545 and the single-core score is 76. In Cinebench R23, the multi-core score is 1298 and the single-core score is 183. Geekbench reports a multi-core score of 686 and a single-core score of 371. These raw results are all relatively low in absolute terms, and the 8th percentile rank confirms that the 640LM sits near the lower end of the database CPU population.
The nearestRivals list reinforces that this processor is tightly grouped with a specific performance class. The AMD A8-3520M has an average score of 471 with a deltaPct of -0.2. The AMD A8-4500M has an average score of 469 with a deltaPct of 0.3. The AMD Phenom II X3 720 has an average score of 468 with a deltaPct of 0.4. The AMD A8-5550M has an average score of 472 with a deltaPct of -0.4. In each case, the average score difference from the 640LM's 470 is only a few points, and the deltaPct figures are all small. The four nearest rivals have average scores from 468 to 472, and the 640LM's 470 sits inside that range. The data shows that the Core i7-640LM is neither a standout nor an outlier among its nearest peers; it sits in the middle of a very close pack.
Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior
The relationship between single-thread and multi-thread scores changes across test suites. In Cinebench R20, the single-core run produces 76, while the multi-core run reaches 545. In Cinebench R23, the single-core score is 183 and the multi-core score is 1298. Geekbench shows a smaller gap: 371 single-core versus 686 multi-core. Because this CPU has 2 cores and 4 threads, multi-threaded workloads can engage all four threads, but the absolute ceiling is still low. The Cinebench results suggest that a heavily threaded rendering workload extracts more from the 2-core/4-thread arrangement than the Geekbench multi-core test does.
Single-thread performance is similarly modest. The R20 single-core score of 76 and R23 single-core score of 183 are low numbers, and the 2.13 GHz base clock with 2.93 GHz boost clock is the only frequency range the chip can use to keep a lightly threaded task moving. In real-world terms, this split means a user gains little from the multi-core design for simple, latency-sensitive applications, but threaded batch work will still use the 4 MB shared L3 cache and dual-core design more completely. The data does not show strong scaling, and the 8th percentile aggregate reinforces that the 640LM is a low-end performer in both dimensions.
How It Compares
AMD A8-3520M: The A8-3520M is the nearest rival by average score, posting 471 against the 640LM's 470. Its deltaPct is -0.2, so the two processors are effectively tied in this dataset.
AMD A8-4500M: The A8-4500M scores 469, with a deltaPct of 0.3. The 640LM's 470 average sits just above this rival, but the margin is tiny.
AMD Phenom II X3 720: The Phenom II X3 720 scores 468 with a deltaPct of 0.4. It is the lowest-scoring entry in the nearestRivals group, and the 640LM holds a marginal aggregate lead.
AMD A8-5550M: The A8-5550M scores 472, the highest of the four, with a deltaPct of -0.4. The 640LM trails this rival by the same small margin that separates all four parts. Across the entire nearestRivals group, the deltaPct values range from -0.4 to 0.4, which indicates a statistical tie in aggregate score.
FAQ
Q: What is the Intel Core i7-640LM's average benchmark score and overall percentile?
A: The average benchmark score is 470, and the processor ranks in the 8th percentile of all CPUs.
Q: What memory does the Core i7-640LM support?
A: It supports DDR3 memory on a dual-channel bus with 17.1 GB/s of memory bandwidth. ECC memory is not supported.
Q: Does the processor include integrated graphics?
A: Yes, it includes HD Graphics (Ironlake).
Q: Which socket does the Core i7-640LM use?
A: It uses the Intel BGA 1288 socket.
Q: Is the Core i7-640LM still in production?
A: No, its production status is end-of-life. Its release date is 2010-01-06.
Q: Is the CPU multiplier unlocked?
A: No, the multiplier is locked.
Power and Thermals
The Core i7-640LM has a TDP of 25. This is the only power figure in the data, and it places the chip in a clear low-power mobile class. The 32 nm process, 382 million transistors, and 81 mm² die size show that the chip was built for compact, thermally constrained systems. A 25 W TDP implies a modest cooling tier: the processor can be handled by a modest mobile cooling solution rather than a desktop-class cooling setup. The package includes integrated HD Graphics (Ironlake), and the overall TDP remains low. The end-of-life status and mobile market segment further indicate that this is a part designed for mobile systems from the 2010 era, not for high-power desktop builds.
Who Should Consider It
The 8th percentile position and low multi-core scores make the Core i7-640LM a poor fit for demanding creation workloads. Cinebench R23 multi-core is 1298, and Geekbench multi-core is 686; both are low absolute results. A user running video encoding, 3D rendering, or large compile jobs would find this processor far below the performance offered by the broader CPU population.
For gaming, the data is similarly restrained. The single-core scores are 76 in Cinebench R20 and 183 in Cinebench R23, with a Geekbench single-core result of 371. The integrated graphics are the Ironlake generation, so the 640LM is not a gaming-focused part. The strongest case for this CPU is light productivity and legacy software. The 2-core/4-thread layout, 2.13 GHz base clock, 2.93 GHz boost clock, and 4 MB shared L3 cache are enough for basic office-style applications, and the low TDP suits a mobile system. Users who need current desktop performance or high-thread-count throughput should look elsewhere.
Platform and Compatibility
The Core i7-640LM is built for the Intel BGA 1288 socket, which pairs with the Westmere/Arrandale architecture. The 32 nm process from Intel contains 382 million transistors on an 81 mm² die. The cache hierarchy includes 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 4 MB of shared L3 cache. The memory controller supports DDR3 in a dual-channel configuration with 17.1 GB/s of bandwidth. ECC memory is not supported. The platform provides PCIe Gen 2 and includes integrated HD Graphics (Ironlake). The multiplier is locked, and the part number is SLBMKSLBSVQ4B9.
Because the processor is end-of-life and uses a BGA socket, the practical upgrade path is limited. The launch date of 2010-01-06 and the mobile market segment mean this chip belongs to a fixed original-platform system. Users seeking a long future upgrade path would need a newer platform; the 640LM is best understood as a fixed component of an Arrandale mobile design.
The AMD Equivalent of Core i7-640LM
Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 7 1700 offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.
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