CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-3439Y vs Intel Core i7-3537U
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.
Slow for modern office tasks and multitasking.
Gaming
No integrated graphics capability listed; even if present, performance would be negligible for any gaming.
Cannot run modern games; struggles with basic 3D.
Virtualization
With only two threads and no Hyper-Threading, virtualization is extremely limited.
Not recommended due to 2 cores.
Efficiency
Impressive power efficiency for 2013, but modern low-power chips deliver vastly more performance per watt.
17W TDP was efficient in 2013, but outdated now.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration capabilities
- Insufficient compute performance for any AI workload
- No 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
- HD 4000 is too weak
- Only suitable for older 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
- 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- 22nm process is outdated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 i5-3439Y
- 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 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 i5-3439Y 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 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 i5-3439Y or Intel Core i7-3537U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-3537U 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 i7-3537U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-3537U leads with a gaming performance score of 10/100 among Intel Core i5-3439Y and Intel Core i7-3537U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-3439Y has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-3439Y (13 W), Intel Core i7-3537U (17 W).
Do Intel Core i5-3439Y and Intel Core i7-3537U use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1023 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-3439Y posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-3439Y (1,050). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.