A8-3870K vs Core i7-3537U

A8-3870K vs Core i7-3537U Performance Spectrum

A8-3870K

4 / 4

2,360

+0.5%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7955WX

Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Core i7-3537U

2 / 4

2,349

0.0%

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.

A8-3870K vs Core i7-3537U 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.

A8-3870K vs Core i7-3537U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

A8-3870K

2011

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 100W instead of 512W, a 412W reduction.
✅25% more PCIe lanes (20 vs 16) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-3537U.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i7-3537U

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,349 vs 2,360).
❌Launch MSRP is still $346 MSRP, while A8-3870K mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌412% higher power demand at 512W vs 100W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike A8-3870K.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3537U better than A8-3870K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-3537U is ahead with a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, A8-3870K pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, A8-3870K is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-3537U is the better buy right now. Core i7-3537U comes in at an unclear MSRP at $346 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that A8-3870K is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.5% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (6.8 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-3537U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

A8-3870K vs Core i7-3537U Technical Specifications

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

A8-3870K

The A8-3870K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,360 points. Launch price was $90.

Core i7-3537U

The Core i7-3537U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.1 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,349 points. Launch price was $346.

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Processing Power

The A8-3870K packs 4 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-3537U offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the A8-3870K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the A8-3870K versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-3537U — a 3.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-3537U (base: 3 GHz vs 2 GHz). The A8-3870K uses the Llano (2011−2012) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-3537U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the A8-3870K scores 2,360 against the Core i7-3537U's 2,349 — a 0.5% lead for the A8-3870K. L3 cache: 0 kB on the A8-3870K vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3537U.

Feature	A8-3870K	Core i7-3537U
Cores / Threads	4 / 4+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3 GHz	3.1 GHz+3%
Base Clock	3 GHz+50%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	0 kB	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Llano (2011−2012)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,360	2,349
Geekbench 6 Single	380	—

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Memory & Platform

The A8-3870K uses the FM1 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-3537U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1866 on the A8-3870K versus 1600 on the Core i7-3537U — the A8-3870K supports 16.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (A8-3870K) vs 16 (Core i7-3537U) — the A8-3870K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: A55,A75 (A8-3870K) and HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3537U).

Feature	A8-3870K	Core i7-3537U
Socket	FM1	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1866+17%	1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	20+25%	16

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Advanced Features

Only the A8-3870K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: AMD-V (A8-3870K) vs true (Core i7-3537U). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon HD 6550D (A8-3870K) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3537U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-3870K targets Budget Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: A8-3870K rivals Core i3-2125; Core i7-3537U rivals AMD A10-4655M.