A4-3300 vs Core i5-2537M

AMD

A4-3300

2 Cores2 Thrd65 WWMax: 2.5 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i5-2537M

2 Cores4 Thrd17 WWMax: 2.3 GHz2011
Similar parts
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A4-3300 vs Core i5-2537M Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

A4-3300 vs Core i5-2537M FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

A4-3300 vs Core i5-2537M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

A4-3300

2011

Why buy it

  • Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i5-2537M.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (266 vs 427).
  • Lower PassMark (1,143 vs 1,144).
  • 282.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 17W.

Core i5-2537M

2011

Why buy it

  • +60.5% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • Draws 17W instead of 65W, a 48W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $250 MSRP, while A4-3300 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike A4-3300.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2537M better than A4-3300?
Yes. Core i5-2537M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i5-2537M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.9% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-2537M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-2537M is the better buy right now. Core i5-2537M comes in at an unclear MSRP at $250 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (4.6 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-2537M makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

A4-3300 vs Core i5-2537M Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

AMD

A4-3300

The A4-3300 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.5 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,143 points. Launch price was $50.

Intel

Core i5-2537M

The Core i5-2537M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,144 points. Launch price was $250.

Processing Power

The A4-3300 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-2537M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.5 GHz on the A4-3300 versus 2.3 GHz on the Core i5-2537M — a 8.3% clock advantage for the A4-3300 (base: 2.5 GHz vs 1.4 GHz). The A4-3300 uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i5-2537M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the A4-3300 scores 1,143 against the Core i5-2537M's 1,144 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i5-2537M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 266 vs 427, a 46.5% lead for the Core i5-2537M that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A4-3300 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2537M.

FeatureA4-3300Core i5-2537M
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
2.5 GHz+9%
2.3 GHz
Base Clock
2.5 GHz+79%
1.4 GHz
L3 Cache
0 kB
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
512 kB (per core)+100%
256K (per core)
Process
32 nm
32 nm
Architecture
Llano (2011−2012)
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark
1,143
1,144
Geekbench 6 Single
266
427+61%
Geekbench 6 Multi
717
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Memory & Platform

The A4-3300 uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i5-2537M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the A4-3300 versus 1333 on the Core i5-2537M — the A4-3300 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: A55,A75 (A4-3300) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS57,QS67,UM67 (Core i5-2537M).

FeatureA4-3300Core i5-2537M
Socket
FM1
BGA1023
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600+20%
1333
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A4-3300) vs true (Core i5-2537M). Both include integrated graphics Radeon HD 6410D (A4-3300) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2537M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A4-3300 targets Budget Desktop. Direct competitor: A4-3300 rivals Celeron G530; Core i5-2537M rivals Core i5-2410M.

FeatureA4-3300Core i5-2537M
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Radeon HD 6410D
Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
AMD-V
true
Target Use
Budget Desktop