CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-3439Y vs Intel Core i5-4200Y
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-3439Y is an ultra-low-voltage dual-core mobile processor from the Ivy Bridge Y-series, running at just 13 W TDP with a 1.5 GHz base clock and 2.3 GHz turbo, designed for tablets, convertibles, and fanless ultrathin devices.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Only suitable for the most basic document editing and simple tasks; struggles with modern web applications.
Struggles with modern multitasking.
Gaming
No integrated graphics capability listed; even if present, performance would be negligible for any gaming.
Incapable of running modern titles.
Virtualization
With only two threads and no Hyper-Threading, virtualization is extremely limited.
Not recommended for virtual machines.
Efficiency
Impressive power efficiency for 2013, but modern low-power chips deliver vastly more performance per watt.
Excellent efficiency for its era.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration capabilities
- Insufficient compute performance for any AI workload
- No dedicated AI hardware.
Content Creation
Gaming
- No integrated graphics listed for this SKU
- Even with HD 4000 graphics, gaming would be practically impossible
- This chip was never intended for any gaming workload
- Only handles old or very light 2D games.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Extremely low 13 W TDP enabled novel device form factors
- 22nm process provided good power efficiency for its era
- VT-x virtualization support despite low power
- AES-NI encryption acceleration
- XD bit (NX bit) security feature
Cons
- No Hyper-Threading on a Core i5-branded processor
- Very low clock speeds (1.5 GHz base, 2.3 GHz turbo)
- No listed integrated graphics capability
- Completely obsolete for any modern use
- Even in 2013, performance was minimal for the Core i5 price premium
Pros
- Extremely low 12W TDP
- Enabled fanless designs
- Good battery life
- Hardware video acceleration
Cons
- Very low clock speeds
- BGA soldered, no upgrades
- Obsolete for modern tasks
- Limited to 16GB DDR3
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-3439Y
- AMD Z-60Rival
Tablet
- Intel Atom Z2760Rival
Tablet
- NVIDIA Tegra 3Rival
Tablet
- Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 ProRival
Tablet
- Intel Core i5-3317YRival
ULV Mobile
Haswell successor with better power efficiency and improved integrated graphics.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i3-3229YAlt
Similar Y-series part with comparable performance at potentially lower cost.
Intel Core i5-4200Y
- AMD A4-5000Rival
Mobile
- AMD A6-5200Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i3-4010YRival
Mobile
- Intel Atom Z3770Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-3317URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-4300YAlt
Slightly faster Y-series chip.
Better performance if you can handle 15W TDP.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core m3-6Y30Alt
Much newer and more efficient.
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200UAlt
Vastly superior modern budget alternative.
- Intel Core i3-8130UAlt
Modern dual-core with much better IPC.
Our Verdict on Each
The i5-3439Y traded performance for extreme power efficiency, enabling new device categories in 2013. Without Hyper-Threading and with very low clocks, it was already modest for its time and is thoroughly obsolete today.
Best for: No scenario; this processor is obsolete and should not be sought for any purpose.
Read the full reviewA pioneering chip for Windows tablets, but severely underpowered for modern workloads.
Best for: Retro computing or free hand-me-down device
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-3439Y or Intel Core i5-4200Y?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-4200Y comes out ahead with a score of 4/10. 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 i5-3439Y or Intel Core i5-4200Y?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4200Y leads with a gaming performance score of 15/100 among Intel Core i5-3439Y and Intel Core i5-4200Y.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-4200Y has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-3439Y (13 W), Intel Core i5-4200Y (12 W).
Do Intel Core i5-3439Y and Intel Core i5-4200Y use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-3439Y: Intel BGA 1023, Intel Core i5-4200Y: Intel BGA 1168), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-4200Y posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-3439Y (1,050), Intel Core i5-4200Y (2,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.