Intel Core i5-3320M vs Intel Core i5-4250U vs Intel Core i5-3439Y

Intel Core i5-3320M

The Intel Core i5-3320M is a fast dual-core processor for laptops based on the Ivy Bridge architecture. Due to Hyperthreading, the two cores can handle up to four threads in parallel leading to better utilization of the CPU. Each core offers a base speed of 2.6 GHz but can dynamically increase clock rates with Turbo Boost up to 3.1 GHz (for 2 active cores) and 3.3 GHz (for 1 active core). As its Sandy-Bridge-based predecessor Core i5-2520M, it offers a 3 MB L3-Cache.

Ivy Bridge is an enhanced die shrink of the Sandy Bridge architecture with improvements on both GPU and CPU performance. The CPUs are produced in 22nm (versus 32nm Sandy Bridge CPUs) and are the first to introduce 3D transistors for increased energy efficiency when compared to similarly clocked Sandy Bridge processors. Other new features are integrated PCI Express 3.0 and  DDR3(L)-1600 support.

The performance of the Core i5-3320M is slightly above a similarly clocked Sandy Bridge processor due to the architectural improvements. As a result, overall performance is similar to the old i7-2640M.

The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 offers 16 Execution Units (EUs) clocked at 650 MHz up to 1200 MHz with Turbo Boost, making it one of the faster variants.

Just like most other Ivy Bridge dual-cores, the i5-3320M is rated at a TDP of 35 W. Therefore, even smaller laptops can use the Core i5.

Intel Core i5-4250U

Intel Core i5-3439Y

The Intel Core i5-3439Y is an ULV-processor for ultrabooks and tablets based on the Ivy Bridge architecture. Due to Hyperthreading, the two cores can handle up to four threads in parallel leading to better utilization of the CPU. Each core offers a base speed of 1.5 GHz but can dynamically increase clock rates with Turbo Boost up to 2.1 GHz (for 2 active cores) and 2.3 GHz (for 1 active core). As other dual core Core i5, it offers a 3 MB L3-Cache.

Ivy Bridge is an enhanced die shrink of the Sandy Bridge architecture with improvements on both GPU and CPU performance. The CPUs are produced in 22nm (versus 32nm Sandy Bridge CPUs) and are the first to introduce 3D transistors for increased energy efficiency when compared to similarly clocked Sandy Bridge processors. Other new features are integrated PCI Express 3.0 and  DDR3(L)-1600 support.

The performance of the Core i5-3439Y is limited by the very low TDP. Therefore, the maximum turbo clocks are rarely achieved. Overall, the 3439Y should be a bit faster than the Core i3-3217U.

The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 offers 16 Execution Units (EUs) clocked at 350 MHz up to 850 MHz with Turbo Boost, delivering a performance comparable with an AMD Radeon HD 6520G.

The 3439Y is rated at a TDP of 13 W including graphics card and memory controller. If necessary, the TDP can be set to an even lower value of 10 W (cTDP Down). Therefore, the CPU is suited for tablets and ultrabooks.