Core 2 Extreme X7800 vs Core i5-2537M
Core 2 Extreme X7800
Core i5-2537M
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core 2 Extreme X7800 is positioned at rank 1145 and the Core i5-2537M is on rank 1217, so the Core 2 Extreme X7800 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Extreme X7800
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2537M
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core 2 Extreme X7800 | Core i5-2537M |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Merom XE (2007) / 65 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core 2 Extreme X7800 | Core i5-2537M |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($250) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core 2 Extreme X7800 and Core i5-2537M
Core 2 Extreme X7800
The Core 2 Extreme X7800 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 17 July 2007 (18 years ago). It is based on the Merom XE (2007) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB L2 Cache. L2 cache: 4 MB. Built on 65 nm process technology. Socket: PGA478. Thermal design power (TDP): 44 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 1,138 points. Launch price was $851.
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 Core 2 Extreme X7800 packs 2 cores / 2 threads, matching the Core i5-2537M's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme X7800 versus 2.3 GHz on the Core i5-2537M — a 12.2% clock advantage for the Core 2 Extreme X7800 (base: 2.6 GHz vs 1.4 GHz). The Core 2 Extreme X7800 uses the Merom XE (2007) architecture (65 nm), while the Core i5-2537M uses Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core 2 Extreme X7800 scores 1,138 against the Core i5-2537M's 1,144 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-2537M. L3 cache: 4 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Extreme X7800 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2537M.
| Feature | Core 2 Extreme X7800 | Core i5-2537M |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 2 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 2.6 GHz+13% | 2.3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz+86% | 1.4 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB L2 Cache+33% | 3 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 4 MB+1500% | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 65 nm | 32 nm-51% |
| Architecture | Merom XE (2007) | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) |
| PassMark | 1,138 | 1,144 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 427 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 717 |
Memory & Platform
The Core 2 Extreme X7800 uses the PGA478 socket (PCIe 1.1), while the Core i5-2537M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Extreme X7800 versus 1333 on the Core i5-2537M — the Core i5-2537M supports 199.4% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-2537M supports up to 16 of RAM compared to 4 GB — 120% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: Socket P (Core 2 Extreme X7800) and HM65,HM67,QM67,QS57,QS67,UM67 (Core i5-2537M).
| Feature | Core 2 Extreme X7800 | Core i5-2537M |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA478 | BGA1023 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 1.1 | PCIe 2.0+82% |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR2-667 | 1333+66550% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 4 GB+26214300% | 16 |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Only the Core 2 Extreme X7800 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core 2 Extreme X7800) vs true (Core i5-2537M). The Core i5-2537M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core 2 Extreme X7800 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-2537M rivals Core i5-2410M.
| Feature | Core 2 Extreme X7800 | Core i5-2537M |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | No | Yes |
| IGPU Model | — | Intel HD Graphics 3000 |
| Unlocked | Yes | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x | true |
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