CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-3439Y vs Intel Core i7-3612QE
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.
Handles office tasks well but slow for modern rendering.
Gaming
No integrated graphics capability listed; even if present, performance would be negligible for any gaming.
Not intended for gaming, but can run older titles.
Virtualization
With only two threads and no Hyper-Threading, virtualization is extremely limited.
Can run basic VMs but limited by 4 cores.
Efficiency
Impressive power efficiency for 2013, but modern low-power chips deliver vastly more performance per watt.
35W TDP was efficient in 2012, but outdated now.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
- Not intended for gaming
- HD 4000 is too weak for modern titles
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
- ECC memory support
- 4 cores with Hyper-Threading
- Lower 35W TDP
- VT-x and VT-d virtualization
Cons
- Very slow for modern tasks
- No Windows 11 support
- Soldered to motherboard
- 22nm process is outdated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 i7-3612QE
- AMD Embedded R-464LRival
Embedded
- Intel Core i7-2712QERival
Embedded
- Intel Core i5-3610QERival
Embedded
- AMD Embedded G-T40NRival
Embedded
- Intel Atom E3845Rival
Embedded
- Intel Core i7-4700EQAlt
Successor with better performance and efficiency.
- Intel Core i7-9700TAlt
Modern embedded alternative with 8 cores.
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605BAlt
Modern embedded alternative with Vega graphics.
Higher 45W TDP alternative with higher clocks.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Xeon E-2176GAlt
Modern server alternative with ECC support.
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 2012 embedded quad-core chip with ECC support, but inefficient by modern standards.
Best for: If you are considering the Intel Core i7-3612QE, you are likely maintaining an older industrial PC or a specialized embedded system. This processor should not be sought for consumer use, as its older 22nm architecture makes it inefficient for modern laptops and ultrabooks. It is only recommended if you need to keep a specific legacy system running that requires a direct replacement part with ECC memory support. Avoid using this CPU for general web browsing or modern office work, as there are much cheaper and faster alternatives available. It is best utilized in its original context: high-performance, always-on embedded systems where stability is paramount. For any new industrial builds, modern embedded processors offer vastly superior performance, security, and power efficiency.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-3439Y or Intel Core i7-3612QE?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-3612QE comes out ahead with a score of 6/10. 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 i7-3612QE?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-3612QE leads with a gaming performance score of 20/100 among Intel Core i5-3439Y and Intel Core i7-3612QE.
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 i7-3612QE (35 W).
Do Intel Core i5-3439Y and Intel Core i7-3612QE use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1023 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-3612QE has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-3439Y (2 cores), Intel Core i7-3612QE (4 cores).
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.