Core i7-3537U vs A8-3870K
Core i7-3537U
A8-3870K
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 i7-3537U is positioned at rank 1165 and the A8-3870K is on rank 502, so the A8-3870K offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-3537U
Performance Per Dollar A8-3870K
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3537U | A8-3870K |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($346) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Llano (2011−2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3537U | A8-3870K |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($346) | ✅ More affordable ($0) |
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 i7-3537U and A8-3870K
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.
A8-3870K
The A8-3870K is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2014-01-01. It is based on the Llano (2011−2012) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 0 kB. L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: FM1. Thermal design power (TDP): 100 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,360 points. Launch price was $90.
Processing Power
The Core i7-3537U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the A8-3870K offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the A8-3870K has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-3537U versus 3 GHz on the A8-3870K — a 3.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-3537U (base: 2 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Core i7-3537U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the A8-3870K uses Llano (2011−2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3537U scores 2,349 against the A8-3870K's 2,360 — a 0.5% lead for the A8-3870K. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3537U vs 0 kB on the A8-3870K.
| Feature | Core i7-3537U | A8-3870K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 4+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz+3% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 3 GHz+50% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 0 kB |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 1 MB (per core)+300% |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Llano (2011−2012) |
| PassMark | 2,349 | 2,360 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 380 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3537U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the A8-3870K uses FM1 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i7-3537U versus DDR3-1866 on the A8-3870K — the Core i7-3537U supports 199.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i7-3537U) vs 20 (A8-3870K) — the A8-3870K offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3537U) and A55,A75 (A8-3870K).
| Feature | Core i7-3537U | A8-3870K |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | FM1 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1600+53233% | DDR3-1866 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 | 32 GB+104857500% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 20+25% |
Advanced Features
Only the A8-3870K has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-3537U) vs AMD-V (A8-3870K). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3537U) and Radeon HD 6550D (A8-3870K) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: A8-3870K targets Budget Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3537U rivals AMD A10-4655M; A8-3870K rivals Core i3-2125.
| Feature | Core i7-3537U | A8-3870K |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | Radeon HD 6550D |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | AMD-V |
| Target Use | — | Budget Gaming Desktop |
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