Core i7-3537U vs Core i7-860S
Core i7-3537U
Core i7-860S
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 Core i7-860S is on rank 1033, so the Core i7-860S 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 Core i7-860S
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-3537U | Core i7-860S |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ⚠️ Higher cost ($346) | ✅ More affordable ($96) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Lynnfield (2009−2010) / 45 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-3537U | Core i7-860S |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+257%) |
| Upfront Cost | ⚠️ Higher cost ($346) | ✅ More affordable ($96) |
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 Core i7-860S
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.
Core i7-860S
The Core i7-860S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.53 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 45 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 82 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,324 points. Launch price was $422.
Processing Power
The Core i7-3537U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-860S offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-860S has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-3537U versus 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-860S — a 11% clock advantage for the Core i7-860S (base: 2 GHz vs 2.53 GHz). The Core i7-3537U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-860S uses Lynnfield (2009−2010) (45 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3537U scores 2,349 against the Core i7-860S's 2,324 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-3537U. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3537U vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-860S.
| Feature | Core i7-3537U | Core i7-860S |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 2 / 4 | 4 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.1 GHz | 3.46 GHz+12% |
| Base Clock | 2 GHz | 2.53 GHz+26% |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) | 8 MB (total)+100% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-51% | 45 nm |
| Architecture | Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) | Lynnfield (2009−2010) |
| PassMark | 2,349+1% | 2,324 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | — | 451 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 1,332 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-3537U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-860S uses LGA1156 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches 1600 on the Core i7-3537U versus DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-860S — the Core i7-3537U supports 199.3% 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 GB — 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 P55,H55,H57,Q57 (Core i7-860S).
| Feature | Core i7-3537U | Core i7-860S |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1023 | LGA1156 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | 1600+53233% | DDR3-1333 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 | 16 GB+52428700% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 16 | 16 |
Advanced Features
Virtualization support: true (Core i7-3537U) vs Yes (Core i7-860S). The Core i7-3537U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i7-860S requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-3537U rivals AMD A10-4655M.
| Feature | Core i7-3537U | Core i7-860S |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Intel HD Graphics 4000 | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | true | Yes |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-3537U launched at $346 MSRP, while the Core i7-860S debuted at $299.
| Feature | Core i7-3537U | Core i7-860S |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $346 | $299-14% |
| Avg Price (30d) | — | $96 |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2010 |
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