Core i5-2537M
VS
Core 2 Extreme X7800

Core i5-2537M vs Core 2 Extreme X7800

Intel

Core i5-2537M

2 Cores4 Thrd17 WWMax: 2.3 GHz2011
VS
Intel

Core 2 Extreme X7800

2 Cores2 Thrd4 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2007

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 i5-2537M is positioned at rank 1217 and the Core 2 Extreme X7800 is on rank 1145, so the Core 2 Extreme X7800 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2537M

#1205
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
6406%
#1206
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
6312%
#1207
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
5795%
#1208
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
5769%
#1209
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
5716%
#1211
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
5520%
#1212
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
5293%
#1213
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
5284%
#1214
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
5142%
#1217
Core i5-2537M
MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A
100%
#1218
Core i7-720QM
MSRP: $364|Avg: N/A
99%
#1219
Pentium U5400
MSRP: $289|Avg: $214
97%
#1220
Pentium T2330
MSRP: $150|Avg: $7
97%
#1221
Z-01
MSRP: $50|Avg: $10
94%
#1222
Pentium T2310
MSRP: $150|Avg: $14
91%
#1223
Celeron SU2300
MSRP: $134|Avg: $134
89%
#1224
Core i5-560UM
MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A
89%
#1225
Core i7-660UM
MSRP: $317|Avg: N/A
88%
#1226
C-30
MSRP: $50|Avg: $15
88%
#1228
Core i7-620UM
MSRP: $278|Avg: N/A
86%
#1230
Celeron 570
MSRP: $134|Avg: $15
82%
#1232
Core i7-820QM
MSRP: $546|Avg: N/A
73%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core 2 Extreme X7800

#1133
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
3866%
#1134
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
3809%
#1135
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
3497%
#1136
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
3481%
#1137
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
3449%
#1139
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
3331%
#1140
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
3194%
#1141
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
3188%
#1142
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
3103%
#1145
Core 2 Extreme X7800
MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A
100%
#1146
Pentium 957
MSRP: $134|Avg: $10
100%
#1147
Core 2 Duo SL9400
MSRP: $284|Avg: N/A
99%
#1149
Pentium N3540
MSRP: $161|Avg: $161
99%
#1150
Core i7-3555LE
MSRP: $300|Avg: $280
98%
#1151
Core i3-2377M
MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A
97%
#1152
Core 2 Duo E8435
MSRP: $150|Avg: $74
97%
#1153
Celeron M 723
MSRP: $161|Avg: $161
97%
#1154
Core M-5Y51
MSRP: $281|Avg: $281
95%
#1155
Core i7-3517UE
MSRP: $330|Avg: $35
95%
#1156
Pentium N3530
MSRP: $161|Avg: $20
95%
#1157
Core i3-330E
MSRP: $177|Avg: $89
94%
#1159
Core i7-2640M
MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A
93%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Performance Trade-off: The Core 2 Extreme X7800 leads in gaming performance. However, the Core i5-2537M is the stronger candidate for professional workloads, offering 0.5% greater multi-core processing power.
InsightCore i5-2537MCore 2 Extreme X7800
Gaming
Lower gaming performance
Superior gaming performance
Workstation
Better multi-core power
Weaker in multi-core tasks
Price
⚠️ Higher cost ($250)
More affordable ($0)
Longevity
🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm)
🛑 Legacy (Merom XE (2007) / 65 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

InsightCore i5-2537MCore 2 Extreme X7800
Cost Efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost
⚠️ Higher cost ($250)
More affordable ($0)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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 i5-2537M and Core 2 Extreme X7800

Intel

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.

Intel

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.

Processing Power

The Core i5-2537M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core 2 Extreme X7800's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the Core i5-2537M versus 2.6 GHz on the Core 2 Extreme X7800 — a 12.2% clock advantage for the Core 2 Extreme X7800 (base: 1.4 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i5-2537M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core 2 Extreme X7800 uses Merom XE (2007) (65 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2537M scores 1,144 against the Core 2 Extreme X7800's 1,138 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i5-2537M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2537M vs 4 MB L2 Cache on the Core 2 Extreme X7800.

FeatureCore i5-2537MCore 2 Extreme X7800
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.3 GHz
2.6 GHz+13%
Base Clock
1.4 GHz
2.6 GHz+86%
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
4 MB L2 Cache+33%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
4 MB+1500%
Process
32 nm-51%
65 nm
Architecture
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Merom XE (2007)
PassMark
1,144
1,138
Geekbench 6 Single
427
Geekbench 6 Multi
717
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2537M uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core 2 Extreme X7800 uses PGA478 (PCIe 1.1) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i5-2537M versus DDR2-667 on the Core 2 Extreme X7800 — 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: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS57,QS67,UM67 (Core i5-2537M) and Socket P (Core 2 Extreme X7800).

FeatureCore i5-2537MCore 2 Extreme X7800
Socket
BGA1023
PGA478
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0+82%
PCIe 1.1
Max RAM Speed
1333+66550%
DDR2-667
Max RAM Capacity
16
4 GB+26214300%
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: true (Core i5-2537M) vs VT-x (Core 2 Extreme X7800). 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.

FeatureCore i5-2537MCore 2 Extreme X7800
Integrated GPU
Yes
No
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked
No
Yes
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
true
VT-x