Core i3-3240 vs Core i7-3537U

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.

Core i3-3240 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.

Core i3-3240 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.

Core i3-3240

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $214 less on MSRP ($132 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Delivers 162.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.8 vs 6.8 PassMark/$ ($132 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Draws 55W instead of 512W, a 457W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3537U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-3537U

2013

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Core i3-3240 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,349 vs 2,352).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.8 vs 17.8 PassMark/$ ($346 MSRP vs $132 MSRP).
❌830.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 55W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3240 better than Core i7-3537U?

Yes. Core i3-3240 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-3240 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.2% 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 i3-3240 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 i3-3240 is the better buy right now. Core i3-3240 comes in $214 cheaper on MSRP at $132 MSRP versus $346 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 162.5% better value on MSRP (17.8 vs 6.8 PassMark/$), 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 2012) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3240 vs Core i7-3537U Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3240

The Core i3-3240 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,352 points. Launch price was $75.

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

Both the Core i3-3240 and Core i7-3537U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i3-3240 versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-3537U — a 9.2% clock advantage for the Core i3-3240 (base: 3.4 GHz vs 2 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i3-3240 scores 2,352 against the Core i7-3537U's 2,349 — a 0.1% lead for the Core i3-3240. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3240 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3537U.

Feature	Core i3-3240	Core i7-3537U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz+10%	3.1 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+70%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,352	2,349

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3240 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3537U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3240	Core i7-3537U
Socket	LGA1155	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-3240) / true (Core i7-3537U). The Core i7-3537U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i3-3240 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-3537U rivals AMD A10-4655M.

Feature	Core i3-3240	Core i7-3537U
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	true

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3240 was priced at $132, while the Core i7-3537U came in at $346. On launch pricing ($132 vs $346), Core i3-3240 was $214 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3240 delivers 17.8 pts/$ vs 6.8 pts/$ for the Core i7-3537U — making the Core i3-3240 the 89.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3240	Core i7-3537U
MSRP	$132-62%	$346
Performance per Dollar	17.8+162%	6.8
Release Date	2012	2013

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