Intel Core i7-640M vs Intel Pentium 3556U
The Core i7-640M has 91% better performance than the Pentium 3556U for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.
The Core i7-640M has 8% of the performance per dollar compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: Intel Core i5-13400F.
Summary
About the Intel Core i7-640M CPU
The Intel Core i7-640M is an end-of-life 2-core (4-thread) processor built for the mobile CPU market. It launched in Q3 2010 with a suggested retail price of $346. It is part of Intel's Core i7 lineup, which is based on the Arrandale microarchitecture. The i7-640M is compatible with Intel BGA 1288 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 32 nm manufacturing process. It features the HD Graphics (Ironlake) integrated graphics solution.
Memory and Cache
The Core i7-640M supports DDR3 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i7-640M has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 64 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 256 KB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 4 MB.
Cores and Clock Speeds
The Core i7-640M features 2 total cores which can process 4 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 2.8 GHz, and it can boost up to 3.5 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is locked, making it incapable of overclocking for pushing performance further.
Integrated Graphics
The Core i7-640M includes an integrated graphics solution called HD Graphics (Ironlake). This graphics processor is directly integrated into the CPU and is not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card. While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, it is not suitable for more demanding activities such as gaming or video editing, where a dedicated graphics card offers superior performance.
Benchmark Performance & Value
The Core i7-640M has the 499th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 720 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 9.07% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 3,356 score and $346 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 9.7. This is the 195th best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.
About the Intel Pentium 3556U CPU
The Intel Pentium 3556U is a 2-core (2-thread) processor built for the mobile CPU market. It launched in Q3 2013. It is part of Intel's Pentium lineup, which is based on the Haswell microarchitecture. The 3556U is compatible with Intel BGA 1168 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 22 nm manufacturing process. It features the Intel HD integrated graphics solution.
Memory and Cache
The Pentium 3556U supports DDR3 memory. In terms of cache, the Pentium 3556U has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 64 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 256 KB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 2 MB.
Cores and Clock Speeds
The Pentium 3556U features 2 total cores which can process 2 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 1700.0 MHz. Higher clock speeds result in higher performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is locked, making it incapable of overclocking for pushing performance further.
Integrated Graphics
The Pentium 3556U includes an integrated graphics solution called Intel HD. This graphics processor is directly integrated into the CPU and is not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card. While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, it is not suitable for more demanding activities such as gaming or video editing, where a dedicated graphics card offers superior performance.
Benchmark Performance
The Pentium 3556U has the 639th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 720 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 4.75% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.
General Info
General overview of the CPU, including details like its manufacturer, release date, launch price, and current production status.
| Info | Core i7-640M | Pentium 3556U |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Series | Core i7 | Pentium |
| Market Segment | Mobile | Mobile |
| Release Date | Q3 2010 | Q3 2013 |
| Launch Price (MSRP) | $346 | -- |
| Production Status | End-of-life | Active |
| Shop | Check Price | Check Price |
Benchmark Performance
The Core i7-640M has 91% better performance than the Pentium 3556U for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.
The Core i7-640M is ranked 499th with a score of 3,356, and the Pentium 3556U is ranked 639th with a score of 1,756.
The Core i7-640M has 18% of the performance per dollar compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.
Core i7-640M's 9.7 performance per dollar ranks it 195th among the other benchmarked CPUs in our database.
Relative Performance
The average score in the benchmark test can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative performance. Generally, powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.
| CPU | Benchmark Performance | |
|---|---|---|
| Core i5-5300U | 3,439 | +2% |
| Core i5-5200U | 3,365.5 | +0% |
| Core i7-640M | 3,356 | |
| Pentium Gold 5405U | 3,148.5 | -6% |
| Core i5-L16G7 | 3,015 | -10% |
| Celeron 1000M | 1,779 | -47% |
| Pentium N3700 | 1,768 | -47% |
| Pentium 3556U | 1,756 | -48% |
| Pentium N3710 | 1,742.5 | -48% |
| Core M-5Y31 | 1,738.5 | -48% |
Relative Value For Money
The average performance per dollar in the benchmark test can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative value. A higher score implies a better value for your money.
| CPU | Performance Per Dollar | |
|---|---|---|
| Core i3-5010U | 10.68 | +10% |
| Core i7-5557U | 10.38 | +7% |
| Core i7-5500U | 10.2 | +5% |
| Core i3-5015U | 9.87 | +2% |
| Core i3-5005U | 9.86 | +2% |
| Core i7-640M | 9.7 | |
| Core i7-5600U | 9.65 | -1% |
| Core m3-6Y30 | 9.62 | -1% |
| Core m5-6Y57 | 9.54 | -2% |
| Core m5-6Y54 | 9 | -7% |
Benchmark Scores
This table showcases the average performance scores achieved by both CPUs across industry-standard benchmark tests. These scores provide a valuable insight into overall performance. Powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.
- Popular
| Benchmark | Core i7-640M | Pentium 3556U |
|---|---|---|
| 3DMark 11 Performance Physics | 3,356 (+91.12%) | 1,756 |
| Cinebench R15 Multi-Core | -- | 125.5 |
| Cinebench R15 Single-Core | -- | 65.5 |
| Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core | 800 (+62.27%) | 493 |
| Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core | 423 (+40.07%) | 302 |
| CPU Mark Multi-Thread | 2,076 (+96.22%) | 1,058 |
| CPU Mark Single-Thread | 1,374 (+44.48%) | 951 |
Technical Specs
Manufacturing Details
Information about the CPU's manufacturing like its foundry, process size, and transistor count.
| Spec | Core i7-640M | Pentium 3556U |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Foundry | Intel | Intel |
| Process Size | 32 nm | 22 nm |
| Transistors | 382 million | 1,400 million |
Architecture
CPU architecture specs like its memory channels, memory support, and microarchitecture. Newer CPU architectures can minimize bottlenecks and improve execution efficiency using more advanced techniques.
| Spec | Core i7-640M | Pentium 3556U |
|---|---|---|
| Series | Core i7 | Pentium |
| Microarchitecture | Arrandale | Haswell |
| Codename | Arrandale | Haswell |
| Memory Support | DDR3 | DDR3 |
| Memory Channels | Dual-channel | -- |
| ECC Memory | No | No |
Cores & Clock Speeds
Processing power information like its cores and clock speed. These specs impact how fast they can handle instructions and tasks. These have a strong impact on the CPU's performance.
| Spec | Core i7-640M | Pentium 3556U |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 2 | 2 |
| Threads | 4 | 2 |
| Clock Speed | 2.8 GHz | 1700.0 MHz |
| Turbo Clock | 3.5 GHz | -- |
| Base Clock | 133 MHz | 100 MHz |
| Multiplier | 21.0x | 17.0x |
| Multiplier Unlocked | No | No |
Cache
CPU cache specs like its L1 & L2 cache. These provide the CPU with a small, but super-fast memory access. A larger cache can improve a CPU's performance.
| Spec | Core i7-640M | Pentium 3556U |
|---|---|---|
| L1 Cache | 64 KB | 64 KB |
| L2 Cache | 256 KB | 256 KB |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB | 2 MB |
Compatibility & Power Consumption
Compatibility and power consumption information like its socket type, thermal design power, power limits. These can help verify the CPU's compatibility with other PC components.
| Spec | Core i7-640M | Pentium 3556U |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | Intel BGA 1288 | Intel BGA 1168 |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 | -- |
| Thermal Design Power (TDP) | 35 W | 15 W |
| Tcase Max | -- | 105 °C |
| TJ Max | 105 °C | 100 °C |
Graphics, Features, & Extensions
Additional CPU features like its bundled coolers, integrated graphics, and extensions/technologies.
| Spec | Core i7-640M | Pentium 3556U |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Graphics | HD Graphics (Ironlake) | Intel HD |
| Extensions / Technologies | MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, TXT, VT-x, VT-d, HTT, Turbo Boost, AES-NI, Smart Cache | MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, EIST, 64-bit, XD bit, VT-x, Smart Cache |
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* Performance rating, performance per dollar, and rankings are based on the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark and MSRP.