INTEL

Intel Core i7-3537U

Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores

2
Cores
4
Threads
3.2
GHz Boost
17W
TDP
πŸ–₯️Integrated GPU

Intel Core i7-3537U Specifications

βš™οΈ

Core i7-3537U Core Configuration

Processing cores and threading

The Intel Core i7-3537U 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.

Cores
2
Threads
4
SMP CPUs
1
⏱️

i7-3537U Clock Speeds

Base and boost frequencies

Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i7-3537U 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 i7-3537U by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.

Base Clock
2000 GHz
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz
Multiplier
20x
πŸ’Ύ

Intel's Core i7-3537U Cache Hierarchy

L1, L2, L3 cache sizes

Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i7-3537U 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 i7-3537U's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.

L1 Cache
64 KB (per core)
L2 Cache
256 KB (per core)
L3 Cache
4 MB (shared)
πŸ—οΈ

Ivy Bridge Architecture & Process

Manufacturing and design details

The Intel Core i7-3537U is built on Intel's 22 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 i7-3537U incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.

Architecture
Ivy Bridge
Codename
Ivy Bridge
Process Node
22 nm
Foundry
Intel
Die Size
118 mmΒ²
Generation
Core i7 (Ivy Bridge)
πŸ”’

Ivy Bridge Instruction Set Features

Supported CPU instructions and extensions

The Core i7-3537U 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.

MMX
SSE
SSE2
SSE3
SSSE3
SSE4.1
SSE4.2
AVX
AES-NI
F16C
Intel 64
VT-x
VT-d
πŸ”Œ

i7-3537U Power & Thermal

TDP and power specifications

The Intel Core i7-3537U has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 17W, 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.

TDP
17W
πŸ”§

Intel BGA 1023 Platform & Socket

Compatibility information

The Core i7-3537U uses the Intel BGA 1023 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.

Socket
Intel BGA 1023
Package
FC-BGA12F
DDR5

Intel BGA 1023 Memory Support

RAM compatibility and speeds

Memory support specifications for the i7-3537U 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 i7-3537U 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.

Memory Type
DDR3
Memory Bus
Dual-channel
πŸ–₯️

Intel's Core i7-3537U Integrated Graphics

Built-in GPU specifications

The Intel Core i7-3537U 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 i7-3537U 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.

iGPU
Intel HD 4000
Graphics Model
Intel HD 4000
πŸ“¦

Core i7-3537U Product Information

Release and pricing details

The Intel Core i7-3537U 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 i7-3537U by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.

Manufacturer
Intel
Release Date
Jan 2013
Market
Mobile
Part Number
SR0XG

Core i7-3537U 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 i7-3537U performs in parallel rendering workloads.

cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicore #1503 of 1788
202
1%
Max: 14,978
Compare with other CPUs

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 i7-3537U. The more demanding workload provides better differentiation between current-generation processors. Content creators and 3D artists use this benchmark to estimate real-world render performance.

cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicore #1501 of 1788
843
1%
Max: 62,412
Compare with other CPUs

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 i7-3537U. The increased complexity provides more accurate performance differentiation between modern CPUs. Single-thread performance remains critical for gaming and applications with serial bottlenecks.

cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecore #1503 of 1784
118
1%
Max: 8,811
Compare with other 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 i7-3537U after thermal limits kick in. The longer duration exposes cooling limitations that shorter benchmarks miss. Professional users rely on R23 scores to predict real-world rendering performance under sustained workloads.

cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicore #1499 of 1788
2,009
1%
Max: 148,601
Compare with other CPUs

πŸ† Top 5 Performers

cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource

Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Core i7-3537U maintains boost clocks under continuous load. The extended runtime shows whether thermal throttling affects single-core performance. This score is particularly important for understanding real-world responsiveness beyond initial boost behavior.

cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecore #1500 of 1788
283
1%
Max: 20,979
Compare with other CPUs

geekbench_multicoreSource

Geekbench multi-core tests Intel Core i7-3537U 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. The cross-platform nature of Geekbench allows direct comparison with systems running different operating systems.

geekbench_multicore #618 of 711
961
4%
Max: 22,515
Compare with other CPUs

geekbench_singlecoreSource

Geekbench single-core measures how fast one thread of Intel Core i7-3537U 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. Gaming performance is also heavily influenced by single-core speed in CPU-limited scenarios.

geekbench_singlecore #585 of 711
481
14%
Max: 3,401
Compare with other CPUs

About Intel Core i7-3537U

The Intel Core i7-3537U, a 2013-launched dual-core mobile processor, balances moderate performance with power efficiency, making it a relic in today’s standards but a historically relevant piece for certain retro builds. With a base frequency of 2.0 GHz and a 3.2 GHz turbo boost, it leverages Intel’s 22 nm Ivy Bridge architecture to handle light multitasking and office software. However, its two cores and four threads limit scalability for modern multi-threaded workloads. Benchmarks like Cinebench R23 (2,009 multi-core) and Geekbench (961 multicore) highlight its performance ceiling, where it lags behind contemporary quad-core or hexa-core CPUs. For single-core tasks, the i7-3537U scores 481 in Geekbench and 283 in Cinebench R23 single-core, reflecting its adequacy for basic productivity but struggles in demanding scenarios. How does this dual-core CPU hold up against today’s needs? Its 4 MB shared L3 cache and 17W TDP suggest it was designed for ultraportable systems, but modern users may find it insufficient for video editing or 3D rendering.
  • Best suited for legacy laptops where upgradability is nonexistent due to the BGA 1023 socket.
  • Offers hyper-threading for improved task-switching in dual-core environments.
  • Its 3.2 GHz turbo clock provides temporary boosts for single-threaded applications.
  • Power efficiency aligns with older ultrabooks prioritizing battery life over performance.
The i7-3537U’s value proposition hinges on its role in older systems, where it might still serve for basic computing. For users with Ivy Bridge-era hardware, it remains a reliable workhorse for web browsing, streaming, and light document editing, but its performance ceiling is evident in more recent benchmarks. Compatibility-wise, the 3537U is locked to Intel’s BGA 1023 socket, making it non-upgradable for most desktop builds a critical limitation for today’s DIY enthusiasts. Its 22 nm process and 17W TDP also require matching thermal solutions, which may not align with newer, more aggressive cooling demands. Can the 3537U justify its price in a modern context? Likely not, as it’s dwarfed by budget-friendly, energy-efficient processors from the 10th Gen onward. For collectors or those maintaining vintage notebooks, the 2013 i7-3537U’s compatibility with older OSes and software remains a niche advantage, but it’s a poor fit for any system requiring current performance.

The AMD Equivalent of Core i7-3537U

Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 7 1700 offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.

AMD Ryzen 7 1700

AMD β€’ 8 Cores

View Specs Compare

Popular Intel Core i7-3537U Comparisons

See how the Core i7-3537U stacks up against similar processors from the same generation and competing brands.

Compare Core i7-3537U with Other CPUs

Select another CPU to compare specifications and benchmarks side-by-side.

Browse CPUs