Core i7-3537U vs Core m5-6Y57

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 i7-3537U vs Core m5-6Y57 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 i7-3537U vs Core m5-6Y57: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-3537U

2013

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Core m5-6Y57 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.8 vs 8.3 PassMark/$ ($346 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
❌11277.8% higher power demand at 512W vs 4.5W.

Core m5-6Y57

2015

Why buy it

✅Costs $65 less on MSRP ($281 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Delivers 22.8% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.3 vs 6.8 PassMark/$ ($281 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Draws 5W instead of 512W, a 508W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,342 vs 2,349).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3537U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3537U better than Core m5-6Y57?

Yes. Core i7-3537U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3537U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.1% 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 i7-3537U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-3537U is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i7-3537U comes in 23.1% more expensive on MSRP at $346 MSRP versus $281 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core m5-6Y57 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 2.1% in the shared gaming data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core m5-6Y57 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-3537U vs Core m5-6Y57 Technical Specifications

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

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 m5-6Y57

The Core m5-6Y57 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-Y (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 4.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,342 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-3537U and Core m5-6Y57 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-3537U versus 2.8 GHz on the Core m5-6Y57 — a 10.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-3537U (base: 2 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). The Core i7-3537U uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core m5-6Y57 uses Skylake-Y (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3537U scores 2,349 against the Core m5-6Y57's 2,342 — a 0.3% lead for the Core i7-3537U. Both processors carry 4 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-3537U	Core m5-6Y57
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.1 GHz+11%	2.8 GHz
Base Clock	2 GHz+82%	1.1 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Skylake-Y (2015)
PassMark	2,349	2,342

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3537U uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core m5-6Y57 uses FCBGA1515 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-3537U	Core m5-6Y57
Socket	BGA1023	FCBGA1515
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i7-3537U) / not specified (Core m5-6Y57). The Core i7-3537U includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core m5-6Y57 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i7-3537U rivals AMD A10-4655M.

Feature	Core i7-3537U	Core m5-6Y57
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 4000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-3537U was priced at $346, while the Core m5-6Y57 came in at $281. On launch pricing ($346 vs $281), Core m5-6Y57 was $65 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3537U delivers 6.8 pts/$ vs 8.3 pts/$ for the Core m5-6Y57 — making the Core m5-6Y57 the 20.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-3537U	Core m5-6Y57
MSRP	$346	$281-19%
Performance per Dollar	6.8	8.3+22%
Release Date	2013	2015

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