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 G3950 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.

Celeron G3950 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.

Celeron G3950

2017

Why buy it

✅Costs $294 less on MSRP ($52 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Delivers 561.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 44.9 vs 6.8 PassMark/$ ($52 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Draws 51W instead of 512W, a 461W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,336 vs 2,349).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 4 MB).

Core i7-3537U

2013

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.8 vs 44.9 PassMark/$ ($346 MSRP vs $52 MSRP).
❌903.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 51W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3537U better than Celeron G3950?

Yes. Core i7-3537U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3537U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.8% 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 i7-3537U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, 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 i7-3537U is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-3537U comes in 565.4% more expensive on MSRP at $346 MSRP versus $52 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Celeron G3950 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2017 platform. Even with 561.7% better value on paper (44.9 vs 6.8 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Celeron G3950 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Celeron G3950 vs Core i7-3537U Technical Specifications

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

Celeron G3950

The Celeron G3950 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 2133, DDR3L 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,336 points. Launch price was $52.

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 Celeron G3950 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i7-3537U's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3 GHz on the Celeron G3950 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 Celeron G3950 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-3537U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Celeron G3950 scores 2,336 against the Core i7-3537U's 2,349 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-3537U. L3 cache: 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G3950 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3537U.

Feature	Celeron G3950	Core i7-3537U
Cores / Threads	2 / 2	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3 GHz	3.1 GHz+3%
Base Clock	3 GHz+50%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	2 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,336	2,349
Geekbench 6 Single	750	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,100	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Celeron G3950 uses the LGA1151 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3537U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Celeron G3950 versus 1600 on the Core i7-3537U — the Celeron G3950 supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G3950 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H110,B250,H270,Z270 (Celeron G3950) and HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3537U).

Feature	Celeron G3950	Core i7-3537U
Socket	LGA1151	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+50%	1600
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	Yes	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Celeron G3950) vs true (Core i7-3537U). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 610 (Celeron G3950) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3537U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3950 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Celeron G3950 rivals Pentium G4560; Core i7-3537U rivals AMD A10-4655M.

Feature	Celeron G3950	Core i7-3537U
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 610	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	true
Target Use	Budget	—

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Celeron G3950 was priced at $52, while the Core i7-3537U came in at $346. On launch pricing ($52 vs $346), Celeron G3950 was $294 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Celeron G3950 delivers 44.9 pts/$ vs 6.8 pts/$ for the Core i7-3537U — making the Celeron G3950 the 147.5% better value option.

Feature	Celeron G3950	Core i7-3537U
MSRP	$52-85%	$346
Performance per Dollar	44.9+560%	6.8
Release Date	2017	2013

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