Intel Core i7-620M socket: Socket G1
The Intel Core i7-620M uses the Socket G1 socket. It is a 35 W dual core Arrandale mobile part at 2.677 GHz with Turbo Boost to 3.333 GHz, Hyper-Threading and 4 MB of L3 cache. The same model also ships soldered on BGA 1288 boards.
- Socket
- Socket G1
- Launched
- January 2010
- Cores and threads
- 2 and 4
- Base power
- 35 W
- Codename
- Arrandale
- Segment
- Mobile (socketed)
- Family
- Intel Core i7
- Clocks
- 2.68 / 3.33 GHz
Intel Core i7-620M specifications
| Cores | 2 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 4 |
| Core architecture | Arrandale cores on 32 nm |
| Clocks | 2.677 GHz base, 3.333 GHz Turbo Boost |
| Cache | 512 KB L2 (2 × 256 KB), 4 MB shared L3 |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 35 W |
| Manufacturing process | 32 nm CPU, 45 nm graphics |
| Memory support | DDR3-1066, two channels, up to 8 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe 2.0 x16 from the package |
| Integrated graphics | HD Graphics 500 MHz (733 burst) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | Socket G1 (rPGA988A, 988 pins) |
Motherboard and chipset compatibility
Intel Core i7-620M needs a motherboard with a Socket G1 socket. The table shows which chipset series accept it.
| Series | Chipsets | Support |
|---|---|---|
| 5 series mobile | HM55, HM57, QM57 | Works out of the box |
Board makers publish a CPU support list for every model. Check it for your exact board before buying. Chipset details for Socket G1.
Socket G1 at a glance
| Type | rPGA, 988 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | September 2009 |
| Memory | DDR3, two channels, up to 8 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | Board specific (laptop heatsink) |
What the Core i7-620M is
The Intel Core i7-620M is a dual core Arrandale mobile processor that Intel launched on January 7, 2010 at 2.677 GHz with Turbo Boost to 3.333 GHz. Hyper-Threading gives four threads from two Westmere cores, backed by 256 KB of L2 per core and 4 MB of shared L3 cache. Power is rated at 35 W on a 32 nm CPU die with a 45 nm graphics die and 382 million transistors.
The 620M was the launch flagship Arrandale with AES-NI, TXT and VT-d on the i7-6xx series. Notebookcheck measures it ahead of the i5-540M by about 6 percent in multi core rendering. HD Graphics at 500 MHz with 733 MHz burst cover office displays with two display support. The same model ships socketed and soldered; this page covers the socketed package.
Memory is DDR3-1066 in two channels up to 8 GB for 17.1 GB/s.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The Core i7-620M fits Socket G1 with 988 pins. HM55, PM55, QM57 and HM57 boards boot it directly. The BGA1288 soldered version needs its own board.
The Socket vs chipset: what decides whether a CPU works guide covers pairing rules, and the Intel Core i5-480M page shows a fast i5 on the same socket.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Memory is DDR3-1066 in two channels up to 8 GB.
PCIe 2.0 x16 comes from the package for discrete graphics options.
Cooling uses the vendor heat pipe assembly rated for 35 W.
Upgrade paths
On Socket G1 the upgrade is the 640M with higher base and turbo on the same board. Beyond Socket G1 a move to Sandy Bridge needs a new notebook. This page covers both task rows for the 620M.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Core i7-620M use?
Socket G1, the 988-pin rPGA package. The same model also ships soldered on BGA 1288.
How many cores does the Core i7-620M have?
Two cores and four threads at 2.677 GHz base with Turbo Boost to 3.333 GHz, with 256 KB of L2 per core and 4 MB of shared L3 cache.
What memory works with the Core i7-620M?
DDR3-1066 in two channels up to 8 GB.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .