Core i5-2540M vs Core i7-3537U
Core i5-2540M
Core i7-3537U
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 i5-2540M is positioned at rank 8 and the Core i7-3537U is on rank 1165, so the Core i5-2540M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2540M
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3537U
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-2540M | Core i7-3537U |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($346) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) / 32 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-2540M | Core i7-3537U |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+3370%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($10) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($346) |
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 i5-2540M and Core i7-3537U
Core i5-2540M
The Core i5-2540M 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 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,356 points. Launch price was $266.
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.
Processing Power
Both the Core i5-2540M and Core i7-3537U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-2540M versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-3537U — a 6.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-2540M (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i5-2540M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-3537U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2540M scores 2,356 against the Core i7-3537U's 2,349 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i5-2540M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2540M vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3537U.
| Feature | Core i5-2540M | Core i7-3537U |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 4 |
| Boost Clock | 3.3 GHz+6% | 3.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.6 GHz+30% | 2 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 3 MB (total) | 4 MB (total)+33% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 32 nm | 22 nm-31% |
| Architecture | Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) |
| PassMark | 2,356 | 2,349 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-2540M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-3537U uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1333 on the Core i5-2540M versus 1600 on the Core i7-3537U — the Core i7-3537U supports 18.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-3537U supports up to 32 of RAM compared to 16 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM65,HM67,QM67,QS67 (Core i5-2540M) and HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3537U).
| Feature | Core i5-2540M | Core i7-3537U |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA988 | BGA1023 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 2.0 | PCIe 3.0+50% |
| Max RAM Speed | 1333 | 1600+20% |
| Max RAM Capacity | 16 | 32+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support true virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 3000 (Core i5-2540M) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3537U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-2540M rivals Phenom II Black Edition N660; Core i7-3537U rivals AMD A10-4655M.
| Feature | Core i5-2540M | Core i7-3537U |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | true |
Value Analysis
The Core i5-2540M launched at $266 MSRP, while the Core i7-3537U debuted at $346.
| Feature | Core i5-2540M | Core i7-3537U |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $266-23% | $346 |
| Avg Price (30d) | $10 | — |
| Release Date | 2011 | 2013 |
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