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.

Overview

The Core i5-2537M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 17 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,144 points. Launch price was $250.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-2537M

#377

Pentium N3510

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

141%

#378

Core i7-4500U

MSRP: $398|Avg: N/A

137%

#379

Core i3-2370M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

133%

#380

Core m7-6Y75

MSRP: $393|Avg: $393

131%

#381

Pentium U5400

MSRP: $289|Avg: $214

131%

#382

Core Solo T1350

MSRP: $200|Avg: $70

126%

#383

Atom N475

MSRP: $75|Avg: N/A

118%

#384

Core i3-2312M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

115%

#385

Celeron 925

MSRP: $100|Avg: $100

115%

#386

Core 2 Duo SU7300

MSRP: $289|Avg: N/A

113%

#387

Core Duo T2400

MSRP: $294|Avg: N/A

110%

#388

Pentium M 735

MSRP: $294|Avg: N/A

108%

#389

Core i7-620LM

MSRP: $300|Avg: N/A

107%

#390

Core i7-740QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

106%

#391

Celeron U3600

MSRP: $134|Avg: $134

102%

#392

Core i5-2537M

MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A

100%

#393

Core i7-720QM

MSRP: $364|Avg: N/A

99%

#394

Celeron SU2300

MSRP: $134|Avg: $134

89%

#395

Core i5-560UM

MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A

89%

#396

Core i7-660UM

MSRP: $317|Avg: N/A

88%

#397

Core i7-620UM

MSRP: $278|Avg: N/A

86%

#398

Core i7-820QM

MSRP: $546|Avg: N/A

73%

#399

Core Duo T2700

MSRP: $663|Avg: N/A

61%

#400

Core 2 Extreme X9100

MSRP: $851|Avg: N/A

53%

#401

Core i7-940XM

MSRP: $1096|Avg: N/A

45%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-2537M across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-2537M specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-2537M is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture, manufactured on a 32 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.3 GHz from a base frequency of 1.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 3 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 1,144, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 427, while multi-core reaches 717.

Specification	Core i5-2537M
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.3 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.4 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	32 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	3 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	149 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	624 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 × 5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	1,144
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	427
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	717

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2537M fits into the BGA1023 socket and supports PCIe 2.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to 1333 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics 3000 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i5-2537M
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i5
SocketMotherboard socket required	BGA1023
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 2.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	16
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	1333
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Intel HD Graphics 3000
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	HM65,HM67,QM67,QS57,QS67,UM67
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Core i5-2410M.

Specification	Core i5-2537M
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	true
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Core i5-2410M

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-2537M has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 17 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. It ships with the false stock cooler. Recommended cooling: Laptop Integrated.

Specification	Core i5-2537M
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	17 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	false
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Laptop Integrated

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $250, the Core i5-2537M delivers 5 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2985 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-2537M
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$250
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$250
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2985
Release DateLaunch date	1 February 2011 (14 years ago)
Release Year	2011
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

8 specs

Type	Laptop
Series	Intel Core i5
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$250
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	1 February 2011 (14 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Performance Ranking Position	2985

Technical Specifications

16 specs

Cores	2
Threads	4
Bus Type	DMI 2.0
Die Size	149 mm2
L1 Cache	64K (per core)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)
Bus Speed	4 × 5 GT/s
Multiplier	14
Max Frequency	2.3 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	1.4 GHz
Transistor Count	624 million
Process Technology	32 nm
Max Core Temperature	100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-