Quick Verdict
A pioneering 13W chip for 2013 tablets, but its dual-core design is far too slow for modern multitasking.
Overview
Launch
2013
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
3rd Gen Core i7
Market
Mobile
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.
Launched in 2013, the Intel Core i7-3689Y is an Ivy Bridge mobile CPU featuring a 13W TDP. With 2 cores and 4 threads, it was designed for fanless tablets. Its low power allows for silent operation, but its performance is severely outdated for modern tasks.
Specifications
Performance
Slow for modern office tasks and multitasking.
Not recommended due to 2 cores and low power.
Cannot run modern games; struggles with basic 3D.
13W TDP was efficient in 2013, but outdated now.
- •No integrated graphics listed
- •Relies on external GPU or basic display
- •No AI hardware
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Ivy Bridge
Codename
2C / 4T
Core Config
4 MB
L3 Cache
13 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-3689Y leverages the Ivy Bridge microarchitecture, specifically the ULV (Ultra-Low Voltage) variant optimized for the 13-watt thermal envelope. The 22nm manufacturing process utilizes 3D Tri-Gate transistors to drastically reduce power leakage, a crucial factor for achieving high battery life in mobile devices. The architecture features 2 cores with Hyper-Threading, allowing 4 concurrent threads. It includes 4MB of shared L3 cache, which helps mitigate the performance impact of the low base clock. The integrated memory controller supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. Due to its ultra-low power designation, the integrated graphics are configured to operate at lower frequencies to stay within the strict 13W TDP. The architecture also includes advanced power gating and C-states, allowing the processor to shut down idle portions of the die completely, ensuring minimal power draw during standby and light usage.
CPU Design
2 cores with Hyper-Threading.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3 support.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier.
- 22nm process
- Lower 13W TDP
- Better IPC
Key Highlights
- Was highly efficient in 2013
- Enabled fanless tablet designs
- 13W TDP
- Good single-core burst performance
- Only 2 cores
- Very slow for modern tasks
- No Windows 11 support
- 22nm process is outdated
History
Introduced on January 8, 2013, the Core i7-3689Y was part of Intel's push to bring premium processing power to the Windows 8 tablet market. At the time, ARM-based processors like the Apple A6 and Qualcomm Snapdragon dominated the tablet space, offering superior battery life. Intel responded by creating the Y-series, which dropped the TDP to 13W, enabling manufacturers to build thin Windows tablets with active or passive cooling.
The 3689Y was a niche product, found in a handful of high-end convertible laptops and premium tablets. It represented Intel's ongoing struggle to balance x86 performance with ARM-like power efficiency. While it didn't dethrone ARM in the tablet market, the engineering lessons learned from the 3689Y and the broader Ivy Bridge ULV lineup directly contributed to the development of the highly successful Haswell and Broadwell Y-series processors, which eventually led to modern ultra-portable computing.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- 22nm process
- Lower 13W TDP
- Better IPC
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
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.
Avoid if…
- Buying a new laptop
- Need modern multitasking
- Want to play games
- Need Windows 11 support
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 'Y' suffix denotes an extremely low power processor.
It has a TDP of just 13 watts.
It was designed for premium Windows 8 tablets.
The chip is soldered to the motherboard (BGA 1023).
It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory.
The processor has 1.4 billion transistors.
The die size is 118 mm².
It was a direct response to ARM-based tablets.
The max turbo frequency is 2.6 GHz.
It lacks integrated graphics in this specific SKU.
People Also Ask
Is the i7-3689Y good for gaming?
No, it is too slow and lacks modern graphics support.
What is the TDP of the i7-3689Y?
It has a 13-watt TDP.
Does the i7-3689Y have Hyper-Threading?
Yes, it features 2 cores and 4 threads.
Can the i7-3689Y be overclocked?
No, it is a locked processor.
What socket does the i7-3689Y use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1023 socket.
Does the i7-3689Y support DDR4?
No, it supports DDR3 memory.
What is the base clock of the i7-3689Y?
The base clock is 1.5 GHz.
What generation is the i7-3689Y?
It is a 3rd Generation Intel Core processor.
Does the i7-3689Y have integrated graphics?
No, this specific SKU does not list integrated graphics.
Can the i7-3689Y run Windows 11?
No, it is not officially supported by Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Core i7-3689Y released?
It was released on January 8th, 2013.
What is the max turbo frequency of the i7-3689Y?
It can boost up to 2.6 GHz.
How much L3 cache does the i7-3689Y have?
It has 4MB of L3 cache.
What memory speed does the i7-3689Y support natively?
It natively supports DDR3 memory.
Is the i7-3689Y unlocked?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What is the die size of the i7-3689Y?
The die size is 118 mm².
Does the i7-3689Y support PCIe 3.0?
Yes, it supports PCIe 3.0.
Is the i7-3689Y good for video editing?
No, it is too slow for any video editing.
What is the maximum memory supported by the i7-3689Y?
It supports up to 16GB of RAM.
Why does the i7-3689Y have a 13W TDP?
To enable fanless and ultra-thin tablet designs.