CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-3537U vs Intel Core i7-4550U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-3537U is an ultra-low voltage mobile processor launched in January 2013 as a minor refresh within the Ivy Bridge family. Designed for thin-and-light laptops and ultrabooks, it operates at a 17-watt TDP. Built on Intel's 22nm process, it features 2 cores and 4 threads. The processor runs at a base clock of 2.0 GHz and can boost up to 3.2 GHz, offering a slight frequency bump over the older i7-3517U. It includes 4MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. The integration of Intel HD Graphics 4000 provides capable multimedia performance for a chip of its era. While its dual-core architecture is a major bottleneck by modern standards, the 3537U was a reliable performer in 2013, bringing snappy single-core responsiveness to premium portable systems.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Slow for modern office tasks and multitasking.
Slow for modern office tasks and multitasking.
Gaming
Cannot run modern games; struggles with basic 3D.
HD 5000 is slightly better than HD 4400 but still too weak for modern games.
Virtualization
Not recommended due to 2 cores.
Not recommended due to 2 cores.
Efficiency
17W TDP was efficient in 2013, but outdated now.
15W TDP was efficient in 2013, but outdated now.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- HD 4000 is too weak
- Only suitable for older 2D games
- HD 5000 is too weak for modern gaming
- Suitable only for older 2D games
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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- 22nm process is outdated
Pros
- Was efficient in 2013
- Good single-core burst performance
- 15W TDP
- Better graphics than 4500U
Cons
- Only 2 cores
- Very slow for modern tasks
- No Windows 11 support
- 22nm process is outdated
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Intel Core i7-4550U
- AMD A6-5200Rival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5545MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4200URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4500URival
Mobile
- AMD A4-5000Rival
Mobile
Modern budget CPU with vastly superior performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 5300UAlt
Modern budget alternative with 4 cores.
Excellent modern ultrabook chip.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Unmatched efficiency for basic use.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Great budget performance.
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA capable 2013 ultrabook chip with better graphics than the 4500U, but too slow for modern tasks.
Best for: If you are considering a laptop with the Intel Core i7-4550U today, it should only be purchased in the used market at an extremely low price. It remains capable of very basic web browsing and document editing, but its 2-core design is a major bottleneck for modern multitasking. 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. For any primary computing needs, investing in a newer platform is strongly recommended.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-3537U or Intel Core i7-4550U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4550U leads with a gaming performance score of 15/100 among Intel Core i7-3537U and Intel Core i7-4550U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-4550U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-3537U (17 W), Intel Core i7-4550U (15 W).
Do Intel Core i7-3537U and Intel Core i7-4550U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-3537U: Intel BGA 1023, Intel Core i7-4550U: Intel BGA 1168), so each needs a compatible motherboard.