Intel Core i5-540M vs Intel Core i7-620M: comparison
Comparison of Intel Core i5-540M and Intel Core i7-620M: key differences and a full specification table.
Key differences
Intel Core i7-620M has a higher base clock (2.66 GHz vs 2.53 GHz), a higher maximum clock (3.33 GHz vs 3.07 GHz) and a larger L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
Both processors match on: core count (2), thread count (4), TDP (35 W), process node (32 nm), maximum memory size (8 GB), memory channels (2), PCIe version (2), maximum integrated graphics clock (766 MHz).
These are specification values: they show differences between the models but do not determine a performance winner. For a specific workload, rely on independent benchmarks.
Key specifications
| Parameter | Intel Core i5-540M | Intel Core i7-620M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Max boost clock | 3.07 GHz | 3.33 GHz |
| L3 cache | 3 MB | 4 MB |
| TDP | 35 W | 35 W |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Integrated graphics | Intel HD Graphics for Previous Generation Intel Processors | Intel HD Graphics for Previous Generation Intel Processors |
Full specification table
Differing values are highlighted. This is not a better/worse rating: numbers from different architectures are not always comparable.
| Parameter | Intel Core i5-540M | Intel Core i7-620M |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Model | i5-540M | i7-620M |
| Codename | Arrandale | Arrandale |
| Segment | Mobile | Mobile |
| Product line | Legacy Intel Core Processors | Legacy Intel Core Processors |
| Process | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Launch date | Q1 2010 | Q1 2010 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Servicing status | End of Servicing Updates | End of Servicing Updates |
| Embedded options available | No | Yes |
| Use conditions | — | PC/Client/Tablet |
| CPU | ||
| Cores | 2 | 2 |
| Threads | 4 | 4 |
| Multithreading (SMT/HT) | Yes | Yes |
| Base clock | 2.53 GHz | 2.66 GHz |
| Max boost clock | 3.07 GHz | 3.33 GHz |
| L3 cache | 3 MB | 4 MB |
| Bus speed | 2.5 GT/s | 2.5 GT/s |
| TDP | 35 W | 35 W |
| Turbo Boost | Yes (1) | Yes (1) |
| 64-bit support | Yes | Yes |
| Instruction set width | 64 bit | 64 bit |
| Instruction set extensions | SSE4.1, SSE4.2 | SSE4.1, SSE4.2 |
| Memory | ||
| Max memory size | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Memory types | DDR3 | DDR3 |
| Memory channels | 2 | 2 |
| Max memory bandwidth | 17.1 GB/s | 17.1 GB/s |
| ECC memory supported | No | No |
| Physical address extensions | 36-bit | 36-bit |
| Graphics | ||
| Integrated graphics | Intel HD Graphics for Previous Generation Intel Processors | Intel HD Graphics for Previous Generation Intel Processors |
| Has integrated graphics | Yes | Yes |
| Graphics base frequency | 500 MHz | 500 MHz |
| Graphics max frequency | 766 MHz | 766 MHz |
| Max displays | 2 | 2 |
| Flexible Display Interface | Yes | Yes |
| Macrovision license required | No | No |
| I/O and interfaces | ||
| PCI Express revision | 2 | 2 |
| PCI Express lanes | 16 | 16 |
| PCI Express configurations | 1x16 | 1x16 |
| Package and thermal | ||
| Sockets supported | BGA1288, PGA988 | BGA1288, PGA988 |
| Max CPU configuration | 1 | 1 |
| Package size | rPGA 37.5mmx 37.5mm, BGA 34mmx28mm | rPGA 37.5mmx 37.5mm, BGA 34mmx28mm |
| TJUNCTION | 105 °C | 105 °C |
| Die size | 81 mm² | 81 mm² |
| Transistors (millions) | 382 million | 382 million |
| Security and virtualization | ||
| Virtualization (VT-x / AMD-V) | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization for Directed I/O (VT-d) | Yes | Yes |
| Extended Page Tables (EPT) | Yes | Yes |
| AES-NI | Yes | Yes |
| Execute Disable Bit | Yes | Yes |
| vPro Eligibility | Intel vPro Platform | Intel vPro Platform |
| Technologies | ||
| Enhanced SpeedStep | Yes | Yes |
| Idle States | Yes | Yes |
| Thermal Monitoring Technologies | Yes | Yes |
| Flex Memory Access | Yes | Yes |
| Fast Memory Access | Yes | Yes |