CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-3689Y vs Intel Core i3-1215U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-3689Y is an ultra-low power mobile processor launched in January 2013 as part of the Ivy Bridge family. Designed specifically for premium tablets and extremely thin-and-light laptops, it operates at a remarkably low 13-watt TDP. Built on Intel's 22nm Tri-Gate process, it features 2 physical cores and 4 threads, a standard configuration for U and Y series chips of that era. The processor runs at a base clock of 1.5 GHz and can boost up to 2.6 GHz when thermal headroom permits. It includes 4MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. The low TDP allows the 3689Y to be used in fanless chassis designs, a major selling point for mobile form factors in 2013. While its dual-core design heavily limits multi-threaded performance by modern standards, it was engineered to prioritize battery life and thermal efficiency over raw computing power, making it a pioneer for modern tablet computing.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Slow for modern office tasks and multitasking.
Handles standard office applications and web browsing smoothly. Heavier multitasking with many browser tabs and applications can show some slowdown.
Gaming
Cannot run modern games; struggles with basic 3D.
Not designed for gaming. The UHD 64EU can handle very light casual titles but modern AAA games are unplayable.
Virtualization
Not recommended due to 2 cores and low power.
8 threads allow for a lightweight VM alongside host tasks, but this is not a virtualization-focused part.
Efficiency
13W TDP was efficient in 2013, but outdated now.
The 15W base TDP with Intel's Thread Director scheduler enables efficient power distribution between P and E cores.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- 2 P-cores provide limited CPU inference capability
- Not suitable for AI or ML development workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- No integrated graphics listed
- Relies on external GPU or basic display
- Not designed for gaming workloads
- UHD 64EU can manage 2D games and very basic 3D
- Modern AAA titles will not run at playable frame rates
- Older eSports titles at lowest settings may be marginally playable
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Hybrid architecture brings efficiency gains to the i3 tier
- 2 P-cores provide responsive single-threaded performance
- 4 E-cores handle background tasks without waking P-cores
- Broad memory compatibility for OEM flexibility
- 15W TDP enables excellent battery life
- 20 PCIe Gen 4 lanes for fast storage
Cons
- Only 8 threads limit heavy multitasking
- 15W base power constrains sustained performance
- E-cores lack Hyper-Threading
- UHD 64EU integrated graphics are weak for 3D workloads
- BGA package means no CPU upgrade path
- E-core L2 cache is 2MB per module (less than Raptor Lake's 4MB)
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Intel Core i3-1215U
- AMD Ryzen 3 5300URival
Budget Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500URival
Mainstream Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5625URival
Mainstream Mobile
- Apple M1 (base)Rival
Premium Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1235URival
Mid-Range Mobile
Raptor Cove P-cores offer better IPC and higher boost clocks for similar power.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 5425UAlt
Zen 3 architecture provides competitive efficiency for basic computing tasks.
- Apple M1 (base MacBook Air)Alt
Dramatically better performance per watt and battery life at a higher price point.
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA competent entry-level hybrid mobile chip that introduced the P+E architecture to the i3 laptop segment. Adequate for everyday tasks, though the 8-thread ceiling and 15W power limit constrain heavier workloads.
Best for: Purchasing a budget to mid-range laptop in 2022-2023 for everyday tasks, schoolwork, and office use where battery life matters more than raw performance.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-3689Y or Intel Core i3-1215U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i3-1215U 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 i7-3689Y or Intel Core i3-1215U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-3689Y leads with a gaming performance score of 5/100 among Intel Core i7-3689Y and Intel Core i3-1215U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-3689Y has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-3689Y (13 W), Intel Core i3-1215U (15 W).
Do Intel Core i7-3689Y and Intel Core i3-1215U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-3689Y: Intel BGA 1023, Intel Core i3-1215U: BGA 1744), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i3-1215U has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-3689Y (2 cores), Intel Core i3-1215U (6 cores).