CPU Comparison
Core i5-2520M vs Core i5-2537M
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-2520M (Socket G2) is the socketed variant of the popular Sandy Bridge business dual-core processor, allowing for CPU upgrades in compatible laptops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Adequate for lightweight office work and web browsing.
Adequate for basic enterprise tasks but slow by any modern metric.
Gaming
Not suitable for modern 3D games.
Completely unsuitable for gaming.
Efficiency
Standard 35W mobile power draw for 2011.
Excellent power efficiency for its era, enabling thin business laptops.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
Content Creation
Gaming
- Outdated architecture
- Weak iGPU
- 1.4 GHz base clock
- Intel HD 3000 graphics
- Not intended for gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Socketed for easy upgrades
- Enterprise VT-d and TXT support
- Very cheap on the used market
- Reliable
Cons
- Obsolete performance
- 35W TDP limits battery life in older laptops
- No modern OS support
- Limited to DDR3
Pros
- Enterprise security features in a ULV package
- Very low power consumption
- Hyper-Threading support
- Enabled premium ultrabook designs
Cons
- Extremely low clock speed
- Obsolete for modern work
- Soldered BGA package
- No modern OS support
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i5-2520M
- Intel Core i5-2520M (BGA)Rival
Mobile
- AMD A8-3510MXRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2620MRival
Mobile
- AMD Phenom II N970Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-2540MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2640MAlt
Drop-in upgrade with higher clocks and 4MB cache.
- Intel Core i7-2720QMAlt
Quad-core upgrade (if BIOS allows).
Ivy Bridge upgrade requiring a new motherboard.
Compare head-to-headQuad-core option for heavy multitasking.
Compare head-to-head- AMD A10-4600MAlt
Alternative platform with better graphics.
Core i5-2537M
- AMD A4-3305MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-2467MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2677MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i3-2367MRival
Mobile
- AMD E-450Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-3427UAlt
Ivy Bridge ULV with better graphics and efficiency.
- Intel Core i3-3227UAlt
Budget Ivy Bridge ULV for basic tasks.
- AMD A6-4455MAlt
Competing ULV with stronger graphics.
- Intel Pentium 2117UAlt
Modern budget ULV replacement.
Our Verdict on Each
Identical in performance to the BGA variant, but highly prized today by tinkerers because its rPGA988B socket allows for easy swapping and upgrades to i7 processors.
Best for: Upgrading an existing Socket G2 laptop to an i7
Read the full reviewA unique ULV chip that bridged the gap between extreme portability and enterprise security needs, though its 1.4 GHz base clock severely limits its usefulness today.
Best for: Running a legacy secure enterprise environment
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-2520M or Core i5-2537M?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i5-2520M comes out ahead with a score of 4.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Core i5-2520M or Core i5-2537M?
For gaming, the Core i5-2520M leads with a gaming performance score of 12/100 among Core i5-2520M and Core i5-2537M.
Which uses less power?
The Core i5-2537M has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i5-2520M (35 W), Core i5-2537M (17 W).
Do Core i5-2520M and Core i5-2537M use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i5-2520M: Intel Socket G2 (988B), Core i5-2537M: Intel BGA 1023), so each needs a compatible motherboard.