Core i7-860S vs Core i7-3537U

CPU

GPU

Core i7-860S

4 Cores8 Thrd82 WWMax: 3.46 GHz2010

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Core i7-3537U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 3.1 GHz2013

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Core i7-860S vs Core i7-3537U Performance Spectrum

Core i7-860S

4 / 8

2,324

0.0%

2,349

+1.1%

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.

Core i7-860S vs Core i7-3537U 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 i7-860S vs Core i7-3537U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-860S

2010

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Costs $47 less on MSRP ($299 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Delivers 14.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 7.8 vs 6.8 PassMark/$ ($299 MSRP vs $346 MSRP).
✅Draws 82W instead of 512W, a 430W reduction.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-3537U.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,324 vs 2,349).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3537U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-3537U

2013

Why buy it

✅+1.1% higher PassMark.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Core i7-860S needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.8 vs 7.8 PassMark/$ ($346 MSRP vs $299 MSRP).
❌524.4% higher power demand at 512W vs 82W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-860S.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-860S better than Core i7-3537U?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-860S is ahead with a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3537U pulls ahead with 1.1% better PassMark. Core i7-860S also has the bigger cache pool with 100% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 4 MB).

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 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i7-860S is the better buy right now. Core i7-860S comes in $47 cheaper on MSRP at $299 MSRP versus $346 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-3537U is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 1.1% better PassMark. It is also 14.5% better value on MSRP (7.8 vs 6.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i7-3537U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-860S vs Core i7-3537U Technical Specifications

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

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.

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.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-860S packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Core i7-3537U offers 2 cores / 4 threads — the Core i7-860S has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.46 GHz on the Core i7-860S versus 3.1 GHz on the Core i7-3537U — a 11% clock advantage for the Core i7-860S (base: 2.53 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i7-860S uses the Lynnfield (2009−2010) architecture (45 nm), while the Core i7-3537U uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-860S scores 2,324 against the Core i7-3537U's 2,349 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-3537U. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-860S vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3537U.

Feature	Core i7-860S	Core i7-3537U
Cores / Threads	4 / 8+100%	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.46 GHz+12%	3.1 GHz
Base Clock	2.53 GHz+26%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)+100%	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	45 nm	22 nm-51%
Architecture	Lynnfield (2009−2010)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,324	2,349+1%
Geekbench 6 Single	451	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,332	—

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-860S uses the LGA1156 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 DDR3-1333 on the Core i7-860S versus 1600 on the Core i7-3537U — the Core i7-3537U supports 20% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-3537U supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: P55,H55,H57,Q57 (Core i7-860S) and HM76,UM77,QM77,QS77 (Core i7-3537U).

Feature	Core i7-860S	Core i7-3537U
Socket	LGA1156	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	1600+20%
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	32 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization support: Yes (Core i7-860S) vs true (Core i7-3537U). 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 i7-860S	Core i7-3537U
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	Yes	true

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-860S was priced at $299, while the Core i7-3537U came in at $346. On launch pricing ($299 vs $346), Core i7-860S was $47 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-860S delivers 7.8 pts/$ vs 6.8 pts/$ for the Core i7-3537U — making the Core i7-860S the 13.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-860S	Core i7-3537U
MSRP	$299-14%	$346
Performance per Dollar	7.8+15%	6.8
Release Date	2010	2013

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