CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-3340M vs Intel Core i7-3537U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-3340M is a dual-core, quad-thread Ivy Bridge mobile processor in a socketed FC-PGA12F package for Intel Socket G2, offering 2.7 GHz base and 3.4 GHz turbo clocks with Intel HD 4000 graphics and TXT security, representing one of the fastest dual-core mobile CPUs of its generation.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
The 3.4 GHz turbo provides a small but noticeable improvement over the i5-3230M in single-threaded tasks.
Slow for modern office tasks and multitasking.
Gaming
HD 4000 at 1250 MHz turbo is slightly better than lower-clocked variants but still only suitable for very old games.
Cannot run modern games; struggles with basic 3D.
Virtualization
Full VT-x, VT-d, and TXT support make this well-equipped for enterprise virtualization scenarios within its two-core limit.
Not recommended due to 2 cores.
Efficiency
Standard 35 W mobile power consumption, identical to other Ivy Bridge dual-core parts.
17W TDP was efficient in 2013, but outdated now.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware
- No AVX2 instruction support
- Completely unsuitable for AI workloads
- No AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 4000 at 1250 MHz turbo is the best integrated graphics in the Ivy Bridge dual-core lineup
- Still fundamentally limited for any modern gaming
- Can handle older titles like Minecraft and Source engine games at low settings better than lower-clocked variants
- HD 4000 is too weak
- Only suitable for older 2D games
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Highest turbo frequency (3.4 GHz) of any socketed Ivy Bridge dual-core
- TXT Trusted Execution Technology for enterprise security
- Higher HD 4000 turbo (1250 MHz) than i5-3230M
- Socket G2 allows drop-in upgrades from Sandy Bridge
- Complete enterprise feature set: VT-x, VT-d, TXT, AES-NI
Cons
- Still only two cores, fundamentally limiting for modern workloads
- No AVX2 instruction support
- 35 W TDP constrains thin laptop designs
- Socket G2 platform is dead with no further upgrade path
- Quad-core i7 upgrades may offer better value on the same platform
Pros
- Was efficient in 2013
- Good single-core burst performance
- 17W TDP
- Enabled thin-and-light designs
Cons
- Only 2 cores
- Very slow for modern tasks
- No Windows 11 support
- 22nm process is outdated
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-3340M
- AMD A10-4655MRival
Mobile ULV
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile Mainstream
- Intel Core i7-3520MRival
Mobile Performance
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3365MRival
Mobile BGA
- AMD A8-4500MRival
Mobile Value
- Intel Core i7-3612QMAlt
Quad-core upgrade for Socket G2 that dramatically outperforms the i5-3340M in multi-threaded tasks at the same 35 W TDP.
Lower-cost dual-core alternative with only slightly lower clocks (2.6/3.2 GHz vs 2.7/3.4 GHz).
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-3537U
- AMD A6-5357MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3337URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3517URival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5557MRival
Mobile
- AMD A4-5145MRival
Mobile
Successor with better efficiency and performance.
Compare head-to-headModern budget CPU with vastly superior performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 5300UAlt
Modern budget alternative.
Excellent modern ultrabook chip.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Unmatched efficiency for basic use.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
The i5-3340M was the fastest dual-core Ivy Bridge mobile processor available in a socketed package, making it the ultimate upgrade for Socket G2 laptops. While thoroughly obsolete for modern use, it remains the best drop-in option for extending older business laptops.
Best for: As the final CPU upgrade for a Socket G2 laptop, providing the maximum possible dual-core performance on that platform.
Read the full reviewA capable 2013 ultrabook chip, but its dual-core design is too slow for modern multitasking.
Best for: When considering the Intel Core i7-3537U today, it is crucial to recognize its age and severe limitations. It should only be purchased in the used market at a significant discount. It remains capable of basic web browsing, document editing, and media consumption, but its 2-core, 4-thread design is a major bottleneck for modern multitasking and web applications. Avoid purchasing a laptop with this CPU if you need to do any modern productivity work, video editing, or gaming. It is best suited for budget-conscious buyers who need a cheap, secondary machine for light web browsing or for students on a very tight budget who only need to write papers. For any primary computing needs, investing in a newer platform is strongly recommended.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-3340M or Intel Core i7-3537U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-3340M comes out ahead with a score of 5.5/10. 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, Intel Core i5-3340M or Intel Core i7-3537U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-3340M leads with a gaming performance score of 22/100 among Intel Core i5-3340M and Intel Core i7-3537U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-3537U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-3340M (35 W), Intel Core i7-3537U (17 W).
Do Intel Core i5-3340M and Intel Core i7-3537U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-3340M: Intel Socket G2 (988B), Intel Core i7-3537U: Intel BGA 1023), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-3340M posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-3340M (2,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.