Core i5-3439Y vs Core i7-620M

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 i7-620M 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 i7-620M: 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

✅+34.9% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Core i7-620M

2010

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (350 vs 472).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (800 vs 966).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-3439Y better than Core i7-620M?

Yes. Core i5-3439Y is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 20.8% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 i5-3439Y is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.6% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i5-3439Y is the stronger fit. You are getting 20.8% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-3439Y still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-3439Y comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i5-3439Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010) 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 i7-620M 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 i7-620M

The Core i7-620M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 7 January 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.33 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,976 points. Launch price was $332.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-3439Y and Core i7-620M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.3 GHz on the Core i5-3439Y versus 3.33 GHz on the Core i7-620M — a 36.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-620M (base: 1.5 GHz vs 2.66 GHz). The Core i5-3439Y uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-620M uses Arrandale (2010−2011) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-3439Y scores 1,957 against the Core i7-620M's 1,976 — a 1% lead for the Core i7-620M. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 472 vs 350, a 29.7% lead for the Core i5-3439Y that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 966 vs 800 (18.8% advantage for the Core i5-3439Y). L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3439Y vs 4 MB (total) on the Core i7-620M.

Feature	Core i5-3439Y	Core i7-620M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.3 GHz	3.33 GHz+45%
Base Clock	1.5 GHz	2.66 GHz+77%
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	1,957	1,976
Geekbench 6 Single	472+35%	350
Geekbench 6 Multi	966+21%	800

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-3439Y uses the BGA1023 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-620M uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i5-3439Y versus DDR3-1066 on the Core i7-620M — the Core i5-3439Y supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-3439Y supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: 7-series (Core i5-3439Y) and HM55,QM57,HM57,QS57 (Core i7-620M).

Feature	Core i5-3439Y	Core i7-620M
Socket	BGA1023	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600+50%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+300%	8 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 i7-620M). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3439Y) and Intel HD Graphics (Core i7-620M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-3439Y targets Budget, Core i7-620M targets Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-3439Y rivals Athlon Silver 3050U; Core i7-620M rivals Core 2 Duo T9600.