Core i5-3439Y 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 i5-3439Y 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 i5-3439Y 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 i5-3439Y

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (472 vs 507).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (966 vs 1,100).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Core i7-3689Y

2013

Why buy it

✅+7.4% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3689Y better than Core i5-3439Y?

Yes. Core i7-3689Y is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 29 shared CPU game tests in our data, 13.9% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.5% higher PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, 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 0.1% 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 13.9% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 0.1% average FPS lead across 29 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i7-3689Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i5-3439Y vs Core i7-3689Y Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-3439Y

The Core i5-3439Y 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 2.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 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: 1,957 points. Launch price was $69.

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.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3439Y and Core i7-3689Y share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the Core i5-3439Y versus 2.6 GHz on the Core i7-3689Y — a 12.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-3689Y (base: 1.5 GHz vs 1.5 GHz). Both are built on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i5-3439Y scores 1,957 against the Core i7-3689Y's 1,967 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-3689Y. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 472 vs 507, a 7.2% lead for the Core i7-3689Y that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 966 vs 1,100 (13% advantage for the Core i7-3689Y). L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3439Y vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-3689Y.

Feature	Core i5-3439Y	Core i7-3689Y
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.3 GHz	2.6 GHz+13%
Base Clock	1.5 GHz	1.5 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	1,957	1,967
Geekbench 6 Single	472	507+7%
Geekbench 6 Multi	966	1,100+14%

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the BGA1023 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to DDR3L-1600 memory speed. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: 7-series (Core i5-3439Y) and HM77,QM77 (Core i7-3689Y).

Feature	Core i5-3439Y	Core i7-3689Y
Socket	BGA1023	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i5-3439Y) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3689Y). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3439Y) and Intel HD Graphics 4000 (Core i7-3689Y) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3439Y targets Budget, Core i7-3689Y targets Ultra-Low Power Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3439Y rivals Athlon Silver 3050U; Core i7-3689Y rivals AMD A10-4655M.

Feature	Core i5-3439Y	Core i7-3689Y
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4000	Intel HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Budget	Ultra-Low Power Laptop