CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-3537U vs Intel Core i7-3689Y
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.
Cannot run modern games; struggles with basic 3D.
Virtualization
Not recommended due to 2 cores.
Not recommended due to 2 cores and low power.
Efficiency
17W TDP was efficient in 2013, but outdated now.
13W TDP was efficient in 2013, but outdated now.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
- No integrated graphics listed
- Relies on external GPU or basic display
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- 22nm process is outdated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 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- 22nm process is outdated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 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 i7-3689Y
- 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
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 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 i7-3537U or Intel Core i7-3689Y?
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 i7-3537U or Intel Core i7-3689Y?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-3537U leads with a gaming performance score of 10/100 among Intel Core i7-3537U and Intel Core i7-3689Y.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-3689Y has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-3537U (17 W), Intel Core i7-3689Y (13 W).
Do Intel Core i7-3537U 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.