Quick Verdict
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.
Overview
Launch
2013
Status
DiscontinuedGeneration
3rd Gen Core i5 (Ivy Bridge Y-Series)
Market
Mobile
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 Core i5-3439Y is notable for its 13 W TDP and lack of Hyper-Threading, offering only two cores and two threads at 1.5 GHz base, boosting to 2.3 GHz.
It used the FC-LGA12C package and Intel BGA 1023 socket, targeting devices where thermal and power budgets were extremely constrained.
Specifications
Performance
Only suitable for the most basic document editing and simple tasks; struggles with modern web applications.
With only two threads and no Hyper-Threading, virtualization is extremely limited.
No integrated graphics capability listed; even if present, performance would be negligible for any gaming.
Impressive power efficiency for 2013, but modern low-power chips deliver vastly more performance per watt.
- •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 AI acceleration capabilities
- •Insufficient compute performance for any AI workload
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Ivy Bridge
Codename
2C / 2T
Core Config
3 MB
L3 Cache
13 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The i5-3439Y uses the same Ivy Bridge architecture as other 3rd generation Core processors but is specifically binned and configured for ultra-low-power operation. The Y-series chips operated at significantly lower voltages and clock speeds than their M-series counterparts.
CPU Design
Two physical cores without Hyper-Threading, a notable configuration for a Core i5-branded part. The 1.5 GHz base clock with 15x multiplier and 100 MHz base clock can turbo to 2.3 GHz. The 3 MB L3 cache is shared between both cores.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3 memory controller, supporting DDR3-1600 speeds with up to 32 GB of system memory.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes available from the processor for peripheral connectivity.
Overclocking
No overclocking support; the multiplier is locked and the chip is designed for fixed low-power operation.
- Slightly higher turbo clock (2.3 GHz vs 2.6 GHz for 3317Y actually, so this was more of a lateral move)
- Same 13 W TDP envelope
- Maintained ultra-low-power form factor compatibility
Key Highlights
- 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
- 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
History
The Core i5-3439Y launched in January 2013 as part of Intel's push to establish x86 processors in the tablet market, a space dominated by ARM-based chips. The Y-series represented Intel's belief that full x86 compatibility could be a differentiator in Windows 8 tablets and convertibles.</br>What makes this particular SKU interesting is its disabled Hyper-Threading, which was atypical for a Core i5 processor.
This decision likely stemmed from power constraints at the 13 W level, where Hyper-Threading's additional power draw may not have justified the marginal performance gain in the thermal-limited scenarios these chips operated in.</br>The Y-series ultimately served as a bridge between Intel's traditional mobile offerings and what would become the Core M line with Broadwell. While Intel's tablet ambitions with x86 would eventually give way to ARM dominance in that form factor, processors like the i5-3439Y demonstrated that meaningful x86 performance could be achieved in tablet-class power envelopes, even if the compromises were significant.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Slightly higher turbo clock (2.3 GHz vs 2.6 GHz for 3317Y actually, so this was more of a lateral move)
- Same 13 W TDP envelope
- Maintained ultra-low-power form factor compatibility
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
No scenario; this processor is obsolete and should not be sought for any purpose.
Avoid if…
- Any computing task beyond basic document editing on legacy hardware
- Running any modern software
- Any form of media consumption beyond standard definition
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The lack of Hyper-Threading on this Core i5 SKU is unusual; most i5 mobile processors included HTT. This was likely a power-saving measure or a binning decision for Y-series parts.
The FC-LGA12C package used by this chip is distinct from the FC-BGA12F used by most other Ivy Bridge mobile processors, indicating a different physical footprint for tablet-specific designs.
At 13 W, this chip consumed roughly one-third the power of a standard 35 W Ivy Bridge mobile processor.
The Y-series was Intel's precursor to the Core M processors that would later target similar ultra-thin and tablet form factors.
Despite the Core i5 branding, this chip's 2-thread configuration made it perform closer to a Core i3 in multi-threaded workloads.
The 67°C Tcase max is notably lower than the typical 100-105°C of standard Ivy Bridge mobile parts, reflecting its constrained thermal environment.
This processor contained approximately 1.4 billion transistors on a 160 mm² die, the same die as higher-power Ivy Bridge mobile parts, but binned for low-power operation.
The i5-3439Y lacked VT-d (directed I/O) support that was present in higher-power i5 mobile counterparts.
Y-series processors like this one were critical in proving that x86 could compete with ARM in tablet form factors, a battle Intel would eventually concede.
The SR12Q part number indicates this was a specific stepping and batch of the Ivy Bridge die.
People Also Ask
Why does the Core i5-3439Y only have 2 threads?
This Y-series SKU was configured without Hyper-Threading, likely as a power-saving measure or die-binning decision for ultra-low-voltage tablet operation. It was unusual for a Core i5-branded processor.
What devices used the Intel Core i5-3439Y?
This processor was primarily used in Windows 8 tablets and convertible ultrabooks from manufacturers like Acer, ASUS, and HP in early 2013.
Can the i5-3439Y run Windows 11?
No, this processor does not meet Windows 11's CPU generation or TPM 2.0 requirements.
How does the 13 W TDP of the i5-3439Y compare to modern tablet processors?
Modern tablet processors like the Apple M2 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 deliver dramatically more performance at similar or lower power levels.
Does the i5-3439Y have integrated graphics?
The available specifications list integrated graphics as N/A, suggesting this specific SKU may have had the iGPU disabled, possibly for industrial or embedded applications.
What is the difference between Y-series and M-series Intel processors?
Y-series processors have much lower TDPs (typically 10-13 W) for tablets and fanless designs, while M-series parts operate at 35 W for standard laptops with active cooling.
Can the i5-3439Y handle 1080p video?
Without integrated graphics listed, software decoding of 1080p video would be extremely challenging at 1.5 GHz with only two threads.
Is the i5-3439Y the same die as other Ivy Bridge mobile processors?
Yes, it uses the same 160 mm² Ivy Bridge die with 1.4 billion transistors, but is binned and configured for low-power operation.
What does the 'Y' suffix mean in Intel processor names?
The Y suffix denotes an extremely low-power processor variant, typically with a TDP of 10-13 W, designed for tablets and ultra-thin devices.
Was the i5-3439Y a good processor when it launched?
It was adequate for its intended use case of basic tablet computing, but the lack of Hyper-Threading and very low clocks meant it offered limited value over cheaper alternatives for most users.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cores and threads does the i5-3439Y have?
2 cores and 2 threads (no Hyper-Threading).
What is the TDP of the i5-3439Y?
13 watts.
Does the i5-3439Y support Hyper-Threading?
No, this specific SKU does not have Hyper-Threading enabled.
What package does the i5-3439Y use?
FC-LGA12C.
What is the maximum turbo frequency of the i5-3439Y?
2.3 GHz.
Does the i5-3439Y support AES-NI?
Yes, AES-NI instruction set is supported.
What is the Tcase max of the i5-3439Y?
67°C.
How much L3 cache does the i5-3439Y have?
3 MB of shared L3 cache.
What process node is the i5-3439Y built on?
22nm with Intel's tri-gate (FinFET) transistors.
Does the i5-3439Y support VT-d?
No, VT-d is not listed among its supported features, though VT-x is supported.