Core i7-3537U vs Celeron G3950
Core i7-3537U
Celeron G3950
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 Celeron G3950 is on rank 457, so the Celeron G3950 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 Celeron G3950
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3537U | Celeron G3950 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($346) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3537U | Celeron G3950 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+1047%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($346) | ✅ More affordable ($30) |
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 Celeron G3950
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.
Celeron G3950
The Celeron G3950 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 51 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 2133, DDR3L 1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,336 points. Launch price was $52.
Processing Power
The Core i7-3537U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Celeron G3950's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-3537U versus 3 GHz on the Celeron G3950 — 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 Celeron G3950 uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3537U scores 2,349 against the Celeron G3950's 2,336 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-3537U. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3537U vs 2 MB (total) on the Celeron G3950.
| Feature | Core i7-3537U | Celeron G3950 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 2 / 2 |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz+3% | 3 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 3 GHz+50% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total)+100% | 2 MB (total) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256K (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm | 14 nm-36% |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Kaby Lake (2016−2019) |
| PassMark | 2,349 | 2,336 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 750 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,100 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3537U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Celeron G3950 uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i7-3537U versus DDR4-2400 on the Celeron G3950 — the Core i7-3537U supports 199% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Celeron G3950 supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3537U) and H110,B250,H270,Z270 (Celeron G3950).
| Feature | Core i7-3537U | Celeron G3950 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | LGA1151 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1600+39900% | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 | 64 GB+209715100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: true (Core i7-3537U) vs VT-x (Celeron G3950). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3537U) and HD Graphics 610 (Celeron G3950) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Celeron G3950 targets Budget. Direct competitor: Core i7-3537U rivals AMD A10-4655M; Celeron G3950 rivals Pentium G4560.
| Feature | Core i7-3537U | Celeron G3950 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | Yes |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | HD Graphics 610 |
| Unlocked | No | No |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | VT-x |
| Target Use | — | Budget |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-3537U launched at $346 MSRP, while the Celeron G3950 debuted at $52.
| Feature | Core i7-3537U | Celeron G3950 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $346 | $52-85% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $30 |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2017 |
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