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Intel Core i5-3339Y

Intel Core i5-3339Y: An Obsolete Processor for Basic Tasks in 2025 – Is It Worth Considering?

Even in 2025, some budget laptops and refurbished devices continue to use processors from previous generations. The Intel Core i5-3339Y is one such example. Let’s explore who might find this chip useful in an era of 5nm technologies and neural networks.

Architecture and Process: Ivy Bridge in Miniature

Cores, Threads, and Frequencies

The Core i5-3339Y belongs to the Ivy Bridge generation (2013), manufactured on a 22nm process. This was a step forward from Sandy Bridge: Intel engineers implemented 3D Tri-Gate transistors, which allowed for reduced power consumption without sacrificing performance. However, by 2025, 22nm technology is considered archaic (modern chips are 3-5nm).

Specifications:

- 2 cores / 4 threads thanks to Hyper-Threading;

- Base frequency: 1.5 GHz, Turbo Boost up to 2.0 GHz (single core) or 1.9 GHz (both cores);

- Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4000 with a frequency of 350-850 MHz;

- L3 cache: 3 MB.

The iGPU HD Graphics 4000 supports DirectX 11, OpenGL 4.0, and resolutions up to 2560x1600. For 2025, this is insufficient even for basic gaming — suitable only for displaying images and accelerating video.

TDP 13W: Energy Efficiency vs. Performance

The TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 13W indicates that it belongs to the ultra-low-voltage processors (Y-series). These chips are designed for:

- Passive cooling (without fans);

- Ultra-slim laptops and hybrid devices.

Pros:

- Minimal heating;

- Compatibility with compact cases.

Cons:

- Strict frequency limitations due to low TDP;

- Turbo mode works temporarily (1-2 minutes under load).

Performance in 2025: Realistic Expectations

According to Geekbench 6 (2024 test):

- Single-core score: 368;

- Multi-core: 707.

For comparison:

- Apple M1 (2020): ~2300 (single core), ~7500 (multi-core);

- Intel Core i3-1215U (2022): ~1600 / ~4200.

Usage Scenarios

1. Office Tasks:

- Working with documents (Word, Excel), browsing (5-10 tabs) — acceptable, but there may be slowdowns when launching background processes.

- Video calls: HD streaming is possible but without background effects (blurring, virtual background).

2. Multimedia:

- Video playback: 1080p@60 FPS (YouTube), 4K — only with hardware decoding through VLC.

- Photo editing: Lightroom (basic edits) — slow, Photoshop — only for simple operations.

3. Gaming:

- 2010s games on low settings: Dota 2 (25-30 FPS), CS:GO (720p).

- Modern titles (even indie games) — not recommended.

The Turbo Boost mode provides a temporary increase of 20-25%, but due to TDP, the processor quickly returns to base frequency. In multi-threaded tasks (rendering, compilation), it hits the limit of 2 physical cores.

Usage Scenarios: Who is the i5-3339Y Suitable for in 2025?

1. Students: For lectures, writing papers, watching lectures.

2. Older Users: Simple tasks with no speed requirements.

3. Secondary Market: Laptops with this CPU sell for $200-300 (new devices with it are no longer produced).

Not suitable for:

- Gamers;

- Designers, programmers;

- Those who work with video or 3D.

Battery Life: Myths and Reality

Theoretically, the low TDP should ensure long battery life. But in reality:

- Typical battery life: 4-6 hours (with a battery capacity of 40-50 Wh).

- Power-saving technologies:

- Intel SpeedStep (dynamic frequency adjustment);

- C-States (turning off unused CPU blocks).

Problem: By 2025, even browsers (Chrome, Edge) have become "heavier." Background processes (antivirus, updates) consume resources, reducing battery life.

Comparison with Competitors

AMD A6-4455M (2013)

- 2 cores / 2 threads, TDP 17W, Radeon HD 7500G.

- Performance is 10-15% lower, but graphics are slightly better.

Apple Silicon (M1, 2020)

- M1 is 3-4 times faster in single-threaded tasks;

- MacBook Air with M1: 12-15 hours of battery life.

Intel Core i5-7Y54 (2016)

- More modern Y-series (Kaby Lake), 4.5W TDP;

- Higher frequency (1.2-3.2 GHz), supports HEVC.

Conclusion: The i5-3339Y falls behind even chips from 2016-2020. Its only advantage is price.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

- Low device cost;

- Passive cooling (quiet operation);

- Sufficient for Linux distributions (Lubuntu, Xubuntu).

Cons:

- Cannot handle modern OS (Windows 11 requires at least 8th generation Intel);

- No support for USB 3.2, Wi-Fi 6;

- Limited upgradeability (memory is often soldered).

Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop

If you are considering a device with the i5-3339Y in 2025, pay attention to:

1. Type of Device:

- Ultrabooks (ASUS Zenbook UX305CA);

- Budget Chromebooks (with OS replaced by Linux).

2. Upgradability:

- Presence of SSD (not HDD!);

- Ability to increase RAM (at least 8 GB).

3. Alternatives:

- New laptops with Intel N100 (2023): $350-400, 6-10 hours of battery life;

- Used MacBook Air M1: from $500.

Important! Laptops with the i5-3339Y should not be purchased for more than $250-300, even in new condition (e.g., stock leftovers).

Final Thoughts: Who is the Core i5-3339Y Suitable for in 2025?

This processor is suitable for:

- Limited budgets ($200-300);

- Offline tasks (working with text, watching saved movies);

- Linux enthusiasts willing to optimize the system.

Key Benefits:

- Inexpensive;

- Silent operation;

- Compatibility with legacy software.

However, for 99% of users in 2025, the i5-3339Y is an outdated solution. It is better to pay an additional $100-150 and get a device based on Intel N100, Celeron J6412, or a used MacBook. If you are looking for a "typewriter" for occasional use — this chip may still serve its purpose.

Basic

Label Name

Intel

Platform

Mobile

Launch Date

January 2013

Model Name

The Intel processor number is just one of several factors - along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks - to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs.

i5-3339Y

Code Name

Ivi Bridge

CPU Specifications

Total Cores

Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).

Total Threads

Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.

Basic Frequency

1.50 GHz

Max Turbo Frequency

Max Turbo Frequency is the maximum single-core frequency at which the processor is capable of operating using Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and, if present, Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 and Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost. Frequency is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billion cycles per second.

2.00 GHz

Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 Frequency

2.00 GHz

Intel Turbo Boost Technology

Intel® Turbo Boost Technology dynamically increases the processor's frequency as needed by taking advantage of thermal and power headroom to give you a burst of speed when you need it, and increased energy efficiency when you don’t.

2.0

Intel Hyper-Threading Technology

Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology (Intel® HT Technology) delivers two processing threads per physical core. Highly threaded applications can get more work done in parallel, completing tasks sooner.

Yes

CPU Socket

The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.

FCBGA1023

Technology

Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.

22 nm

TDP

13 W

Max. Operating Temperature

Junction Temperature is the maximum temperature allowed at the processor die.

105 C

Intel 64

Intel® 64 architecture delivers 64-bit computing on server, workstation, desktop and mobile platforms when combined with supporting software.¹ Intel 64 architecture improves performance by allowing systems to address more than 4 GB of both virtual and physical memory.

Yes

Instruction Set

The instruction set is a hard program stored inside the CPU that guides and optimizes CPU operations. With these instruction sets, the CPU can run more efficiently. There are many manufacturers that design CPUs, which results in different instruction sets, such as the 8086 instruction set for the Intel camp and the RISC instruction set for the ARM camp. x86, ARM v8, and MIPS are all codes for instruction sets. Instruction sets can be extended; for example, x86 added 64-bit support to create x86-64. Manufacturers developing CPUs that are compatible with a certain instruction set need authorization from the instruction set patent holder. A typical example is Intel authorizing AMD, enabling the latter to develop CPUs compatible with the x86 instruction set.

64-bit

Memory Specifications

Memory Type

Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.

DDR3/L/-RS 1333/1600

Max Memory Size

Max memory size refers to the maximum memory capacity supported by the processor.

32 GB

Memory Channels

The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.

Bus Speed

5 GT/s

Max Memory Bandwidth

Max Memory bandwidth is the maximum rate at which data can be read from or stored into a semiconductor memory by the processor (in GB/s).

25.6 GB/s

ECC Memory Supported

ECC Memory Supported indicates processor support for Error-Correcting Code memory. ECC memory is a type of system memory that can detect and correct common kinds of internal data corruption. Note that ECC memory support requires both processor and chipset support.

GPU Specifications

GPU Name

Intel® HD Graphics 4000

Graphics Base Frequency

Graphics Base frequency refers to the rated/guaranteed graphics render clock frequency in MHz.

350 MHz

Graphics Frequency

Graphics max dynamic frequency refers to the maximum opportunistic graphics render clock frequency (in MHz) that can be supported using Intel® HD Graphics with Dynamic Frequency feature.

850 MHz

Number of Displays Supported

Graphics Output

Graphics Output defines the interfaces available to communicate with display devices.

eDP/DP/HDMI/SDVO/CRT

Miscellaneous

Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x)

Intel® Virtualization Technology (VT-x) allows one hardware platform to function as multiple “virtual” platforms. It offers improved manageability by limiting downtime and maintaining productivity by isolating computing activities into separate partitions.

Yes

Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d)

Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d) continues from the existing support for IA-32 (VT-x) and Itanium® processor (VT-i) virtualization adding new support for I/O-device virtualization. Intel VT-d can help end users improve security and reliability of the systems and also improve performance of I/O devices in virtualized environments.

Yes

Instruction Set Extensions

Intel® AVX

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology is an advanced means of enabling high performance while meeting the power-conservation needs of mobile systems. Conventional Intel SpeedStep® Technology switches both voltage and frequency in tandem between high and low levels in response to processor load. Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology builds upon that architecture using design strategies such as Separation between Voltage and Frequency Changes, and Clock Partitioning and Recovery.

Yes

Execute Disable Bit

Execute Disable Bit is a hardware-based security feature that can reduce exposure to viruses and malicious-code attacks and prevent harmful software from executing and propagating on the server or network.

Yes

Cache

CPU Cache is an area of fast memory located on the processor. Intel® Smart Cache refers to the architecture that allows all cores to dynamically share access to the last level cache.

3 MB

Intel AES New Instructions

Intel® AES New Instructions (Intel® AES-NI) are a set of instructions that enable fast and secure data encryption and decryption. AES-NI are valuable for a wide range of cryptographic applications, for example: applications that perform bulk encryption/decryption, authentication, random number generation, and authenticated encryption.

Yes

Intel Clear Video HD Technology

Intel® Clear Video HD Technology, like its predecessor, Intel® Clear Video Technology, is a suite of image decode and processing technologies built into the integrated processor graphics that improve video playback, delivering cleaner, sharper images, more natural, accurate, and vivid colors, and a clear and stable video picture. Intel® Clear Video HD Technology adds video quality enhancements for richer color and more realistic skin tones.

Yes

Intel VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT)

Intel® VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT), also known as Second Level Address Translation (SLAT), provides acceleration for memory intensive virtualized applications. Extended Page Tables in Intel® Virtualization Technology platforms reduces the memory and power overhead costs and increases battery life through hardware optimization of page table management.

Yes

Intel InTru 3D Technology

Yes

Intel Flex Memory Access

Yes

Intel Quick Sync Video

Intel® Quick Sync Video delivers fast conversion of video for portable media players, online sharing, and video editing and authoring.

Yes

Benchmarks

Geekbench 6

Single Core Score

368

Geekbench 6

Multi Core Score

707

Geekbench 5

Single Core Score

299

Geekbench 5

Multi Core Score

598

Passmark CPU

Single Core Score

905

Passmark CPU

Multi Core Score

1589

Compared to Other CPU

Geekbench 6 Single Core

A8-6500

434 +17.9%

Core i3-2120T

403 +9.5%

Core i5-3339Y

368

Pentium B950

328 -10.9%

Celeron B830

275 -25.3%

Geekbench 6 Multi Core

Core i5-2540M

951 +34.5%

Celeron 3965U

852 +20.5%

Core i5-3339Y

707

Celeron 2950M

623 -11.9%

Celeron 2955U

515 -27.2%

Geekbench 5 Single Core

Opteron 6378

366 +22.4%

Athlon II X4 620e

336 +12.4%

Core i5-3339Y

299

A4-3310MX

245 -18.1%

Athlon 5150

180 -39.8%

Geekbench 5 Multi Core

Core i3-3217UE

790 +32.1%

Pentium 2020M

694 +16.1%

Core i5-3339Y

598

A6-4455M

475 -20.6%

E2-3000

337 -43.6%

Passmark CPU Single Core

Xeon E5-4610

1027 +13.5%

E2-3200

964 +6.5%

Core i5-3339Y

905

A4-5150M

800 -11.6%

Pentium N3710

686 -24.2%

Passmark CPU Multi Core

Celeron G1850

1915 +20.5%

PRO A6-9500

1770 +11.4%

Core i5-3339Y

1589

Core i5-2467M

1446 -9%

A8-4555M

1311 -17.5%