Intel Core i7-640M
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
Intel Core i7-640M Specifications
Core i7-640M Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Core i7-640M 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.
i7-640M Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i7-640M 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 i7-640M by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Core i7-640M Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i7-640M 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 i7-640M'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 i7-640M 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 i7-640M incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Westmere Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Core i7-640M 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.
i7-640M Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Core i7-640M has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 35W, 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 Socket G1 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Core i7-640M uses the Intel Socket G1 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 Socket G1 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the i7-640M 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 i7-640M 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 i7-640M Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The Intel Core i7-640M 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 i7-640M 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 i7-640M Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Core i7-640M 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 i7-640M by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
Core i7-640M 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 i7-640M performs in parallel rendering workloads like video production and 3D animation. The R15 version remains useful for comparing against older hardware benchmarks. Higher scores directly correlate with faster render times in Cinema 4D and similar 3D applications.
cinebench_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 i7-640M. The more demanding workload provides better differentiation between current-generation processors.
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 i7-640M. The increased complexity provides more accurate performance differentiation between modern CPUs.
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 i7-640M after thermal limits kick in. The longer duration exposes cooling limitations that shorter benchmarks miss.
cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Core i7-640M maintains boost clocks under continuous load. The extended runtime shows whether thermal throttling affects single-core performance.
geekbench_multicoreSource
Geekbench multi-core tests Intel Core i7-640M 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.
geekbench_singlecoreSource
Geekbench single-core measures how fast one thread of Intel Core i7-640M 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.
About Intel Core i7-640M
Intel's Intel Core i7-640M chip belongs to the first generation of the Core i7 family built on the Arrandale architecture. Fabricated on a 32‑nm process, it integrates a dual‑core, four‑thread design that was groundbreaking for thin‑and‑light laptops at the time. The processor operates at a 2.80 GHz base frequency and can boost up to 3.47 GHz when thermal headroom permits. With a modest 35 W TDP, it fits comfortably into the low‑power Intel Socket G1 platform used in many ultrabooks. A shared 4 MB L3 cache helps alleviate latency for multi‑threaded workloads without inflating power consumption. Launched at $346 in late September 2010, it set a benchmark for performance‑per‑watt in its class.
In synthetic testing, the Intel's Intel Core i7-640M chip delivers a Cinebench R23 multi‑core score of 1,771 points, indicating respectable parallel processing capability. Its single‑core performance registers 250 points in the same suite, reflecting the modest clock speeds of the era. Geekbench 5 places the dual‑core unit at 818 points in the multi‑core test and 432 points in the single‑core test, aligning with expectations for a 32‑nm mobile CPU. Earlier benchmarks such as Cinebench R20 show a multi‑core result of 743 points, illustrating the generational improvements within Intel's testing framework. When stacked against contemporary ultra‑low‑power CPUs, the i7‑640M still outpaces many entry‑level offerings despite its older architecture. These figures collectively paint a picture of a processor that balances raw throughput with energy efficiency for portable workloads.
The market segment for the Intel's Intel Core i7-640M chip was primarily thin‑and‑light notebooks and early ultrabooks seeking a mix of performance and battery life. Its 35 W thermal envelope allowed manufacturers to design slimmer chassis without sacrificing the ability to handle office suites, web browsing, and light content creation. For users looking to upgrade today, the Socket G1 platform limits options, as newer CPUs require different sockets and often higher power budgets. However, swapping to a later Arrandale or Sandy Bridge mobile processor can yield modest gains in clock speed and cache efficiency while staying within the same power envelope. When evaluating a replacement, consider the overall system architecture, including BIOS support and cooling solutions, to avoid bottlenecks. Ultimately, the Intel's Intel Core i7-640M chip remains a reference point for how early mobile i7s balanced performance, power, and form factor in the evolution of laptop design.
The AMD Equivalent of Core i7-640M
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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