CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-3439Y vs Intel Core i7-3689Y
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 and low power.
Efficiency
Impressive power efficiency for 2013, but modern low-power chips deliver vastly more performance per watt.
13W TDP was efficient in 2013, but outdated now.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
- No integrated graphics listed
- Relies on external GPU or basic display
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 highly efficient in 2013
- Enabled fanless tablet designs
- 13W TDP
- Good single-core burst performance
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- 22nm process is outdated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 i7-3689Y
- AMD A6-1450Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-3427URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2677MRival
Mobile
- AMD A4-1200Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 800Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4610YAlt
Successor with better efficiency and performance.
- Alt
Unmatched efficiency for basic use.
Compare head-to-head Modern 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
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 13W chip for 2013 tablets, but its dual-core design is far too slow for modern multitasking.
Best for: If you are considering a device with the Intel Core i7-3689Y today, it should only be purchased in the used market at an extremely low price for very specific legacy needs. Its 2-core, 4-thread design is a massive bottleneck for modern multitasking, and its 13W TDP, while low for 2013, is easily outclassed by modern 5W ARM processors. It is suitable for basic web browsing, document editing, and light media consumption, but it will struggle with any modern productivity workload. Avoid this processor if you need to run modern applications, do video editing, or play games. It is best suited as a cheap, secondary machine for light duties or for collectors of vintage mobile hardware.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-3439Y or Intel Core i7-3689Y?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-3439Y comes out ahead with a score of 3.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Do Intel Core i5-3439Y and Intel Core i7-3689Y 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.