Celeron 887 vs Core i7-2637M

Intel

Celeron 887

2 Cores2 Thrd17 WWMax: 1.5 GHz2012
Similar parts
·······
VS
Intel

Core i7-2637M

2 Cores4 Thrd17 WWMax: 2.8 GHz2011
Similar parts
·······

Celeron 887 vs Core i7-2637M 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.

Celeron 887 vs Core i7-2637M 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.

Celeron 887 vs Core i7-2637M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Celeron 887

2012

Why buy it

  • Costs $203 less on MSRP ($86 MSRP vs $289 MSRP).
  • Delivers 233.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.8 vs 6.5 PassMark/$ ($86 MSRP vs $289 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (233 vs 350).
  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (415 vs 628).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 4 MB).

Core i7-2637M

2011

Why buy it

  • +50.2% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • +100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.5 vs 21.8 PassMark/$ ($289 MSRP vs $86 MSRP).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-2637M better than Celeron 887?
Yes. Core i7-2637M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 51.3% better Geekbench multi-core, and 0.6% higher PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-2637M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.7% 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 i7-2637M is the stronger fit. You are getting 51.3% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-2637M is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i7-2637M comes in 236.0% more expensive on MSRP at $289 MSRP versus $86 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron 887 only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Celeron 887 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2012 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron 887 vs Core i7-2637M Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Celeron 887

The Celeron 887 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 1.5 GHz. L3 cache: 2 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: 1,877 points. Launch price was $86.

Intel

Core i7-2637M

The Core i7-2637M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333. Passmark benchmark score: 1,889 points. Launch price was $289.

Processing Power

The Celeron 887 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i7-2637M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 1.5 GHz on the Celeron 887 versus 2.8 GHz on the Core i7-2637M — a 60.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-2637M (base: 1.5 GHz vs 1.7 GHz). Both are built on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture using a 32 nm process. In PassMark, the Celeron 887 scores 1,877 against the Core i7-2637M's 1,889 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-2637M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 233 vs 350, a 40.1% lead for the Core i7-2637M that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 415 vs 628 (40.8% advantage for the Core i7-2637M). L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron 887 vs 4 MB on the Core i7-2637M.

FeatureCeleron 887Core i7-2637M
Cores / Threads
2 / 2
2 / 4
Boost Clock
1.5 GHz
2.8 GHz+87%
Base Clock
1.5 GHz
1.7 GHz+13%
L3 Cache
2 MB (total)
4 MB+100%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
512 kB+100%
Process
32 nm
32 nm
Architecture
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
PassMark
1,877
1,889
Geekbench 6 Single
233
350+50%
Geekbench 6 Multi
415
628+51%
🧠

Memory & Platform

Both processors use the BGA1023 socket with PCIe 2.0. Both support up to DDR3-1333 memory speed. The Celeron 887 supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,HM70,HM76 (Celeron 887) and HM65,HM67,QM67 (Core i7-2637M).

FeatureCeleron 887Core i7-2637M
Socket
BGA1023
BGA1023
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1333
1333
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB+100%
8 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron 887) vs true (Core i7-2637M). Both include integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge) (Celeron 887) and Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i7-2637M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron 887 targets Laptop. Direct competitor: Celeron 887 rivals Pentium 967.

FeatureCeleron 887Core i7-2637M
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics (Sandy Bridge)
Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x
true
Target Use
Laptop
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron 887 was priced at $86, while the Core i7-2637M came in at $289. On launch pricing ($86 vs $289), Celeron 887 was $203 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron 887 delivers 21.8 pts/$ vs 6.5 pts/$ for the Core i7-2637M — making the Celeron 887 the 107.8% better value option.

FeatureCeleron 887Core i7-2637M
MSRP
$86-70%
$289
Performance per Dollar
21.8+235%
6.5
Release Date
2012
2011

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.