Notebookcheck Logo

Intel Core i7-2640M vs Intel Core i7-2920XM vs Intel Core i7-2617M

Intel Core i7-2640M

► remove from comparison Intel 2640M

The Intel Core i7-2640M is the fastest dual core processor at the time of introduction in Q3 2011 and successor of the slower clocked i7-2620M. It is based on the Sandy Bridge architecture and offers Hyperthreading to handle 4 threads at once (for a better usage of the pipeline). Compared to the slower Core i5, the i7 offers a larger last level cache of 4MB. The base clock speed is 2.8 GHz but due to Turbo Boost it can reach 3.3 GHz (2 cores active) and 3.5 GHz (1 core active).

Sandy Bridge is the evolutionary successor of the Arrandale architecture. The most noteable improvements are the new 256Bit AVX instructions, the improved Turbo 2.0 and the integration of the graphics card into the 32nm CPU core. 

Der i7-2640M offers an integrated graphics card ( Intel HD Graphics 3000) which is clearly faster then the older Intel HD Graphics in the Arrandale CPUs. As the new GPU is included in the CPU, it is also manufactured in 32nm and shares the fast level 3 cache with the CPU cores (using a new ring bus). In the 2620M it is clocked from 650-1300MHz (Turbo Boost), and in the 2640M it should be similar.

Furthermore, an improved dual-channel DDR3 memory controller is included on the CPU die that is used by the CPU and GPU part.

Due to the improved architecture and the new Turbo Boost 2.0, the average performance of the Core i7-2640M is higher than a similar clocked Arrandale Core i7 dual core. The performance should even excel the old high-end quad core models like the Core i7-820QM.

The 35W TDP rating includes the integrated GPU and memory controller.

Intel Core i7-2920XM

► remove from comparison Intel 2920XM

The Intel Core i7-2920XM is the fastest quad-core processor for laptops in Q1-2011. Due to the Extreme Edition branding, the CPU should be easy to overclock (unlocked multiplicator). It is based on the Sandy Bridge architecture and offers Hyperthreading to handle 8 threads at once (for a better usage of the pipeline). Compared to the previous Clarksdale quad-cores, the i7-2920XM is now manufactured in 32nm, offers an integrated graphics card and AES functions. Compared to the slower clocked 2820QM, the 2920XM is specified with a higher TDP.

Sandy Bridge is the evolutionary successor of the Arrandale architecture. The most noteable improvements are the new 256Bit AVX instructions, the improved Turbo Boost and the integration of the graphics card into the 32nm CPU core. Furthermore, the integrated memory controller was improved and supports up to 8 GB DDR3-1333.

The Core i7-2920XM offers an integrated graphics card (Intel HD Graphics 3000) which proved to be clearly faster than the old Intel HD Graphics in the Arrandale CPUs and on a level with entry level dedicated graphics cards like the GeForce 310M. The HD Graphics 3000 also supports Turbo Boost and clocks between 650 MHz and 1300 MHz. As the graphics card shares the fast last level cache, the processor is a bit slower with activated GPU.

Due to the high Turbo Boost and Hyperthreading, the performance of the Core i7-2920XM can reach levels of the fast desktop Core i5-2500K processor. Compared to the previous generation, the i7-2920XM is up to 42% faster than the old Core i7-940XM processor. Therefore, the performance should be sufficient for even the most demanding tasks like HD video editing or 3D games. Extensive benchmarks can be found at the end of this page and in our review of the new Sandy Bridge quad core processors.

The high TDP rating of the 2920XM enables the usage of the quad core only in large and heavy laptops (usually 15" and up). Compared to the previous generation of quad-cores, however, the TDP improved, as the integrated GPU is now included.

Intel Core i7-2617M

► remove from comparison Intel 2617M

The Intel Core i7-2617M is power efficient ULV (Ultra Low Voltage) processor for thin and light laptops. The base frequency of 1.5 GHz is relatively low, but due to Turbo Boost 2.0, the CPU may clock up to 2.6 GHz (on core loaded, 2.3 GHz with both cores loaded). However, this is depending on the cooling and power consumption of the laptop. Due to HyperThreading, the i7-2617M is able to handle 4 threads in parallel. Compared to the slower i5-2537M, the 2617M offers a higher clock speed (processor core and turbo, graphics turbo) and more last level cache.

Sandy Bridge is the evolutionary successor of the Arrandale architecture. The most noteable improvements is the improved Turbo 2.0 and the integration of the graphics card into the 32nm CPU core. 

The integrated Intel HD Graphics 3000 clocked at 350 or 950MHz (Turbo Boost). Due to the slower clock rate, compared to HD Graphics 3000 in 35W and 45W processors (usually clocked at 650-1100/1300MHz in non LV processors), the performance should be noticeable lower.

The performance of the CPU should be a bit higher than a similar clocked Arrandale Core i5. Therefore, the performance should be similar to a Core i3-350M if the Turbo can be used often.

The TDP of 17W (includes the integrated GPU and memory controller) allows the use of the 2617M CPU in small subnotebooks.

ModelIntel Core i7-2640MIntel Core i7-2920XMIntel Core i7-2617M
SeriesIntel Core i7Intel Core i7Intel Core i7
CodenameSandy BridgeSandy BridgeSandy Bridge
Series: Core i7 Sandy Bridge
Intel Core i7-2960XM2.7 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2860QM2.5 - 3.6 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2920XM2.5 - 3.5 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2760QM2.4 - 3.5 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2820QM2.3 - 3.4 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2720QM2.2 - 3.3 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2675QM2.2 - 3.1 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2670QM2.2 - 3.1 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2635QM2 - 2.9 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2630QM2 - 2.9 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2640M « 2.8 - 3.5 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2620M2.7 - 3.4 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2649M2.3 - 3.2 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2629M2.1 - 3 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2677M1.8 - 2.9 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2637M1.7 - 2.8 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2657M1.6 - 2.7 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2617M1.5 - 2.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2960XM2.7 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2860QM2.5 - 3.6 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2920XM « 2.5 - 3.5 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2760QM2.4 - 3.5 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2820QM2.3 - 3.4 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2720QM2.2 - 3.3 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2675QM2.2 - 3.1 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2670QM2.2 - 3.1 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2635QM2 - 2.9 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2630QM2 - 2.9 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2640M2.8 - 3.5 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2620M2.7 - 3.4 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2649M2.3 - 3.2 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2629M2.1 - 3 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2677M1.8 - 2.9 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2637M1.7 - 2.8 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2657M1.6 - 2.7 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2617M1.5 - 2.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2960XM2.7 - 3.7 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2860QM2.5 - 3.6 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2920XM2.5 - 3.5 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2760QM2.4 - 3.5 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2820QM2.3 - 3.4 GHz4 / 8 cores8 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2720QM2.2 - 3.3 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2675QM2.2 - 3.1 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2670QM2.2 - 3.1 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2635QM2 - 2.9 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2630QM2 - 2.9 GHz4 / 8 cores6 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2640M2.8 - 3.5 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2620M2.7 - 3.4 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2649M2.3 - 3.2 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2629M2.1 - 3 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2677M1.8 - 2.9 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2637M1.7 - 2.8 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2657M1.6 - 2.7 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Intel Core i7-2617M « 1.5 - 2.6 GHz2 / 4 cores4 MB L3
Clock2800 - 3500 MHz2500 - 3500 MHz1500 - 2600 MHz
L1 Cache128 KB256 KB128 KB
L2 Cache512 KB1 MB512 KB
L3 Cache4 MB8 MB4 MB
Cores / Threads2 / 44 / 82 / 4
TDP35 Watt55 Watt17 Watt
Transistors624 Million995 Million624 Million
Technology32 nm32 nm32 nm
Die Size149 mm2216 mm2149 mm2
max. Temp.100 °C100 °C100 °C
FeaturesHD Graphics 3000, DDR3-1066/1333 Memory Controller (max 8GB), HyperThreading, AVX, Quick Sync, VirtualizationHD Graphics 3000 (650-1300MHz), DDR3-1066/1333/1600 Memory Controller, HyperThreading, AVX, Quick Sync, Virtualization
iGPUIntel HD Graphics 3000 (650 - 1300 MHz)Intel HD Graphics 3000 (650 - 1300 MHz)Intel HD Graphics 3000 (350 - 950 MHz)
Architecturex86x86x86
$346 U.S.$1096 U.S.$100 U.S.
Announced
SocketFCPGA988BGA1023
Manufacturerark.intel.comark.intel.com

Benchmarks

Cinebench R11.5 - Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64 Bit
min: 3.07     avg: 3.1     median: 3.2 (4%)     max: 3.2 Points
min: 5.7     avg: 6     median: 6 (8%)     max: 6.2 Points
2.1 Points (3%)
Cinebench R11.5 - Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64 Bit
100%
1 2640M +
1.4 Points (34%)
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Single (32bit)
min: 4009     avg: 4383     median: 4443 (27%)     max: 4506 Points
min: 4282     avg: 4387     median: 4378.5 (26%)     max: 4507 Points
3315 Points (20%)
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Multi (32bit)
min: 9691     avg: 9766     median: 9778 (7%)     max: 9833 Points
min: 16067     avg: 16949     median: 17187.5 (12%)     max: 17355 Points
6690 Points (5%)
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Multi (64bit)
min: 11067     avg: 11767     median: 11874 (8%)     max: 12037 Points
min: 19727     avg: 20763     median: 20959 (15%)     max: 21407 Points
8113 Points (6%)
Cinebench R10 - Cinebench R10 Rend. Single (64bit)
min: 5445     avg: 5549     median: 5534 (7%)     max: 5665 Points
min: 5343     avg: 5525     median: 5565 (7%)     max: 5628 Points
4143 Points (5%)
wPrime 2.10 - wPrime 2.0 1024m *
min: 478.5     avg: 493.6     median: 489 (6%)     max: 524 s
min: 264.9     avg: 276.9     median: 273.8 (3%)     max: 295 s
783 s (9%)
wPrime 2.10 - wPrime 2.0 32m *
min: 15     avg: 15.5     median: 15.1 (3%)     max: 16.61 s
min: 8.29     avg: 8.5     median: 8.4 (2%)     max: 8.9 s
24.1 s (5%)
WinRAR - WinRAR 4.0
100%
1 2640M +
min: 2555     avg: 2632     median: 2620 (4%)     max: 2733 Points
150%
1 2920XM +
min: 3296     avg: 3923     median: 3923 (6%)     max: 4550 Points
X264 HD Benchmark 4.0 - x264 Pass 2
100%
1 2640M +
min: 16.38     avg: 16.9     median: 17 (6%)     max: 17.21 fps
181%
1 2920XM +
min: 30.4     avg: 30.8     median: 30.8 (11%)     max: 31.2 fps
X264 HD Benchmark 4.0 - x264 Pass 1
100%
1 2640M +
min: 88.7     avg: 91     median: 89.3 (21%)     max: 95 fps
147%
1 2920XM +
min: 129.4     avg: 131.4     median: 131.4 (30%)     max: 133.4 fps
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt Serpent
100%
1 2640M +
min: 0.124     avg: 0.1     median: 0.1 (0%)     max: 0.152 GB/s
198%
1 2920XM +
min: 0.293     avg: 0.3     median: 0.3 (0%)     max: 0.296 GB/s
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt Twofish
100%
1 2640M +
min: 0.198     avg: 0.2     median: 0.3 (5%)     max: 0.27 GB/s
195%
1 2920XM +
min: 0.508     avg: 0.5     median: 0.5 (9%)     max: 0.521 GB/s
TrueCrypt - TrueCrypt AES
100%
1 2640M +
1.6 GB/s (4%)
184%
1 2920XM +
min: 2.8     avg: 3     median: 3 (8%)     max: 3.1 GB/s
3DMark 06 - CPU - 3DMark 06 - CPU
min: 3882     avg: 3934     median: 3927 (8%)     max: 3978 Points
min: 5944     avg: 6100     median: 6131 (13%)     max: 6206 Points
2762 Points (6%)
Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 1M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 1M *
min: 11     avg: 11.2     median: 11 (2%)     max: 11.66 s
min: 10     avg: 10.5     median: 10 (2%)     max: 11.7 s
15.3 s (3%)
Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 2M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 2M *
min: 25     avg: 26     median: 26 (1%)     max: 27.04 s
min: 24     avg: 24.6     median: 24 (1%)     max: 25.9 s
34.8 s (1%)
Super Pi Mod 1.5 XS 32M - Super Pi mod 1.5 XS 32M *
min: 604     avg: 626     median: 634 (3%)     max: 639 s
min: 580     avg: 600     median: 594 (3%)     max: 620 s
817 s (4%)
SiSoft Sandra Dhrystone (MIPS) - SiSoft Sandra Dhrystone (MIPS)
100%
1 2640M +
min: 64300     avg: 64523     median: 64545 (31%)     max: 64700 MIPS
189%
1 2920XM +
min: 118300     avg: 121717     median: 121780 (58%)     max: 125070 MIPS
SiSoft Sandra Whetstone (MFLOPS) - SiSoft Sandra Whetstone (MFLOPS)
100%
1 2640M +
min: 39000     avg: 39255     median: 39135 (30%)     max: 39750 MFLOPS
193%
1 2920XM +
min: 71200     avg: 74190     median: 75680 (58%)     max: 75690 MFLOPS
Windows 7 Experience Index - Win7 CPU
100%
1 2640M +
min: 7     avg: 7.2     median: 7.1 (91%)     max: 7.6 Points
107%
1 2920XM +
min: 7.5     avg: 7.6     median: 7.6 (97%)     max: 7.6 Points
3DMark Vantage - 3DM Vant. Perf. CPU no Physx
min: 10127     avg: 10509     median: 10559 (9%)     max: 10838 Points
min: 20540     avg: 21107     median: 21148 (19%)     max: 21592 Points
7233 Points (6%)
3DMark 11 - 3DM11 Performance Physics
100%
1 2640M +
min: 3902     avg: 4140     median: 4172 (11%)     max: 4320 Points
190%
1 2920XM +
min: 7804     avg: 7915     median: 7914.5 (21%)     max: 8025 Points
3DMark - 3DMark Ice Storm Physics
100%
1 2640M +
26569 Points (22%)
3DMark - 3DMark Cloud Gate Physics
100%
1 2640M +
2876 Points (7%)
Geekbench 2 - 32 Bit - Geekbench Stream
100%
1 2640M +
7873 Points (64%)
Geekbench 2 - 32 Bit - Geekbench Memory
100%
1 2640M +
6847 Points (62%)
Geekbench 2 - 32 Bit - Geekbench Floating Point
100%
1 2640M +
7293 Points (14%)
Geekbench 2 - 32 Bit - Geekbench Integer
100%
1 2640M +
6298 Points (13%)
Geekbench 2 - 32 Bit - Geekbench Total Score
100%
1 2640M +
6913 Points (18%)

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i7-2640M → 100% n=12

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i7-2920XM → 134% n=12

Average Benchmarks Intel Core i7-2617M → 82% n=12

- Range of benchmark values for this graphics card
- Average benchmark values for this graphics card
* Smaller numbers mean a higher performance
1 This benchmark is not used for the average calculation

v1.26
log 28. 14:43:57

#0 checking url part for id 2839 +0s ... 0s

#1 checking url part for id 1503 +0s ... 0s

#2 checking url part for id 1578 +0s ... 0s

#3 not redirecting to Ajax server +0s ... 0s

#4 did not recreate cache, as it is less than 5 days old! Created at Thu, 28 Mar 2024 05:35:32 +0100 +0.001s ... 0.001s

#5 composed specs +0.04s ... 0.041s

#6 did output specs +0s ... 0.041s

#7 getting avg benchmarks for device 2839 +0.002s ... 0.043s

#8 got single benchmarks 2839 +0.03s ... 0.073s

#9 getting avg benchmarks for device 1503 +0.002s ... 0.075s

#10 got single benchmarks 1503 +0.023s ... 0.098s

#11 getting avg benchmarks for device 1578 +0.002s ... 0.1s

#12 got single benchmarks 1578 +0.009s ... 0.109s

#13 got avg benchmarks for devices +0s ... 0.109s

#14 min, max, avg, median took s +0.16s ... 0.269s

#15 return log +0s ... 0.269s

Please share our article, every link counts!
> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Benchmarks / Tech > Processor Comparison - Head 2 Head
Redaktion, 2017-09- 8 (Update: 2023-07- 1)