Quick Verdict
A top-tier 2013 ultrabook chip, but its dual-core design is too slow for modern multitasking.
Overview
Launch
2013
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
3rd Gen Core i7
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i7-3687U is an ultra-low voltage mobile processor launched in January 2013 as a refresh within the Ivy Bridge ULV family. Designed for premium thin-and-light laptops, 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 2.1 GHz and can boost up to 3.3 GHz, making it one of the highest-clocked Ivy Bridge ULV chips. It includes 4MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. The integration of Intel HD Graphics 4000 provides capable multimedia performance. While its dual-core architecture limits multi-threaded performance by modern standards, the 3687U was a top-tier performer in 2013, offering snappy single-core responsiveness for premium ultrabook users.
Launched in 2013, the Intel Core i7-3687U is an Ivy Bridge mobile CPU featuring 2 cores and 4 threads. With a max turbo of 3.3 GHz, it delivers decent single-core performance.
Its 17W TDP makes it ideal for ultrabooks, but its dual-core design is a major bottleneck for modern multitasking.
Specifications
Performance
Slow for modern office tasks and multitasking.
Not recommended due to 2 cores.
Cannot run modern games; struggles with basic 3D.
17W TDP was efficient in 2013, but outdated now.
- •HD 4000 is too weak
- •Only suitable for older 2D games
- •No AI hardware
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Ivy Bridge
Codename
2C / 4T
Core Config
4 MB
L3 Cache
17 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-3687U leverages the Ivy Bridge microarchitecture, a 22nm die-shrink of Sandy Bridge utilizing Tri-Gate transistors. This ULV variant is optimized for the 17-watt thermal envelope. The architecture features 2 physical cores with Hyper-Threading, allowing 4 concurrent threads. It includes 4MB of shared L3 cache. The integrated memory controller supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. For graphics, it integrates Intel HD Graphics 4000, which features 16 execution units and supports DirectX 11.1. The architecture also includes advanced power management features, allowing for fast transitions between power states to maximize battery life. The processor is soldered to the motherboard (BGA 1023), enabling thinner laptop designs and reducing platform power consumption.
CPU Design
2 cores with Hyper-Threading.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3 support.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier.
- Higher clock speeds
- Better binning
Key Highlights
- Was efficient in 2013
- Good single-core burst performance
- 17W TDP
- Enabled thin-and-light designs
- Only 2 cores
- Very slow for modern tasks
- No Windows 11 support
- 22nm process is outdated
History
Launched on January 8, 2013, the Core i7-3687U was a refresh SKU released to keep Intel's ultrabook lineup competitive while waiting for the next-generation Haswell architecture. It offered a modest 100 MHz increase in base and boost clocks over the 3667U. The 3687U found its way into numerous high-end ultrabooks, providing a balance of performance and battery life that was highly regarded in early 2013.
During this period, Intel was aggressively marketing the ultrabook category against Apple's MacBook Air. The 3687U helped maintain Intel's dominance in the premium thin-and-light market. As technology advanced, it was eventually superseded by the Haswell ULV processors, which brought massive efficiency gains.
Today, the 3687U is a legacy component, but it represents a key era in mobile computing.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Higher clock speeds
- Better binning
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
When considering the Intel Core i7-3687U today, it is crucial to recognize its age and 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 heavy 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. For any primary computing needs, investing in a newer platform is strongly recommended for better efficiency, security, and overall performance.
Avoid if…
- Buying a new laptop
- Need modern multitasking
- Want to play games
- Need Windows 11 support
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 'U' suffix stands for Ultra-low power.
It has a default TDP of 17 watts.
It is a refresh of the i7-3667U with higher clocks.
It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory.
The chip is soldered to the motherboard (BGA 1023).
It was heavily featured in 2013 ultrabooks.
The processor has 1.4 billion transistors.
The die size is 118 mm².
The max turbo frequency is 3.3 GHz.
It features Intel HD Graphics 4000.
People Also Ask
Is the i7-3687U good for gaming?
No, it is only suitable for very light or older 2D games.
What is the TDP of the i7-3687U?
It has a default TDP of 17 watts.
Does the i7-3687U have Hyper-Threading?
Yes, it features 2 cores and 4 threads.
Can the i7-3687U be overclocked?
No, it is a locked processor.
What socket does the i7-3687U use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1023 socket.
Does the i7-3687U support DDR4?
No, it supports DDR3 memory.
What is the base clock of the i7-3687U?
The base clock is 2.1 GHz.
What generation is the i7-3687U?
It is a 3rd Generation Intel Core processor.
Does the i7-3687U have integrated graphics?
Yes, it has Intel HD Graphics 4000.
Can the i7-3687U run Windows 11?
No, it is not officially supported by Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Core i7-3687U released?
It was released on January 8th, 2013.
What is the max turbo frequency of the i7-3687U?
It can boost up to 3.3 GHz.
How much L3 cache does the i7-3687U have?
It has 4MB of L3 cache.
What memory speed does the i7-3687U support natively?
It natively supports DDR3 memory.
Is the i7-3687U unlocked?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What is the die size of the i7-3687U?
The die size is 118 mm².
Does the i7-3687U support PCIe 3.0?
Yes, it supports PCIe 3.0.
Is the i7-3687U good for video editing?
No, it is too slow for any video editing.
What is the maximum memory supported by the i7-3687U?
It supports up to 16GB of RAM.
What graphics are in the i7-3687U?
It features Intel HD Graphics 4000.