Core i5-2537M vs E2-3800

Intel

Core i5-2537M

2 Cores4 Thrd17 WWMax: 2.3 GHz2011
Similar parts
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VS
AMD

E2-3800

4 Cores4 Thrd15 WWMax: 1.3 GHz2013
Similar parts
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Core i5-2537M vs E2-3800 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.

Core i5-2537M vs E2-3800 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 i5-2537M vs E2-3800: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2537M

2011

Why buy it

  • +214% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
  • 300% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 4) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 4.6 vs 11.4 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $100 MSRP).

E2-3800

2013

Why buy it

  • Costs $150 less on MSRP ($100 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
  • Delivers 148.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 11.4 vs 4.6 PassMark/$ ($100 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
  • Draws 15W instead of 17W, a 2W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (136 vs 427).
  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (389 vs 717).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-2537M better than E2-3800?
Yes. Core i5-2537M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 84.3% better Geekbench multi-core, and 0.7% higher PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i5-2537M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.7% 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 i5-2537M is the stronger fit. You are getting 84.3% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i5-2537M is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i5-2537M comes in 150.0% more expensive on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $100 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. E2-3800 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, especially when the gap is already 1.7% in the shared gaming data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
E2-3800 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-2537M vs E2-3800 Technical Specifications

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

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.

AMD

E2-3800

The E2-3800 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Kabini (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Max frequency: 1.3 GHz. L2 cache: 2048 kB. Built on 28 nm process technology. Socket: FT3. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 1,136 points. Launch price was $50.

Processing Power

The Core i5-2537M packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the E2-3800 offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the E2-3800 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the Core i5-2537M versus 1.3 GHz on the E2-3800 — a 55.6% clock advantage for the Core i5-2537M. The Core i5-2537M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the E2-3800 uses Kabini (2013−2014) (28 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2537M scores 1,144 against the E2-3800's 1,136 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-2537M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 427 vs 136, a 103.4% lead for the Core i5-2537M that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 717 vs 389 (59.3% advantage for the Core i5-2537M).

FeatureCore i5-2537ME2-3800
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock
2.3 GHz+77%
1.3 GHz
Base Clock
1.4 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
2048 kB+700%
Process
32 nm
28 nm-13%
Architecture
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Kabini (2013−2014)
PassMark
1,144
1,136
Geekbench 6 Single
427+214%
136
Geekbench 6 Multi
717+84%
389
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2537M uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the E2-3800 uses FT3 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i5-2537M versus DDR3-1600 on the E2-3800 — the E2-3800 supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Memory channels: 2 (Core i5-2537M) vs 1 (E2-3800). PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-2537M) vs 4 (E2-3800) — the Core i5-2537M offers 12 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS57,QS67,UM67 (Core i5-2537M) and SoC (E2-3800).

FeatureCore i5-2537ME2-3800
Socket
BGA1023
FT3
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed
1333
DDR3-1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
16 GB
RAM Channels
2+100%
1
ECC Support
No
Yes
PCIe Lanes
16+300%
4
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: true (Core i5-2537M) vs Yes (E2-3800). Both include integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2537M) and Radeon HD 8280 (E2-3800) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-2537M rivals Core i5-2410M.

FeatureCore i5-2537ME2-3800
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 3000
Radeon HD 8280
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
true
Yes
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2537M was priced at $250, while the E2-3800 came in at $100. On launch pricing ($250 vs $100), E2-3800 was $150 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2537M delivers 4.6 pts/$ vs 11.4 pts/$ for the E2-3800 — making the E2-3800 the 85.1% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-2537ME2-3800
MSRP
$250
$100-60%
Performance per Dollar
4.6
11.4+148%
Release Date
2011
2013

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