Core i3-4025U vs Core i7-3689Y

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i3-4025U vs Core i7-3689Y FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-4025U vs Core i7-3689Y: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-4025U

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,949 vs 1,967).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3689Y can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-3689Y

2013

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Core i3-4025U needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3689Y better than Core i3-4025U?

Yes. Core i7-3689Y is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 29 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.9% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3689Y is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.1% more average FPS across 29 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3689Y is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.9% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-3689Y still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-3689Y comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 29 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-4025U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-4025U vs Core i7-3689Y Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-4025U

The Core i3-4025U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.9 GHz, with boost up to 1.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,949 points. Launch price was $275.

Core i7-3689Y

The Core i7-3689Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 8 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.5 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 13 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,967 points. Launch price was $69.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i3-4025U and Core i7-3689Y share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 1.9 GHz on the Core i3-4025U versus 2.6 GHz on the Core i7-3689Y — a 31.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-3689Y (base: 1.9 GHz vs 1.5 GHz). The Core i3-4025U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-3689Y uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-4025U scores 1,949 against the Core i7-3689Y's 1,967 — a 0.9% lead for the Core i7-3689Y. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i3-4025U vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3689Y.

Feature	Core i3-4025U	Core i7-3689Y
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	1.9 GHz	2.6 GHz+37%
Base Clock	1.9 GHz+27%	1.5 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	1,949	1,967
Geekbench 6 Single	—	507
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,100

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-4025U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-3689Y uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-4025U	Core i7-3689Y
Socket	FCBGA1168	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity	—	32 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-4025U) / VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3689Y). The Core i7-3689Y includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i3-4025U requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3689Y targets Ultra-Low Power Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-3689Y rivals AMD A10-4655M.