Core i3-10100Y vs Core i5-4210M

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 i3-10100Y vs Core i5-4210M 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 i3-10100Y vs Core i5-4210M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-10100Y

2018

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-4210M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-4210M

2014

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Core i3-10100Y needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,899 vs 2,918).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-10100Y better than Core i5-4210M?

Yes. Core i3-10100Y is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.7% better 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 i3-10100Y is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% 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 i3-10100Y is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% 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 i3-10100Y still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-10100Y comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-10100Y makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2014), 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 i3-10100Y vs Core i5-4210M Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-10100Y

The Core i3-10100Y is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Amber Lake-Y (2018−2021) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,918 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i5-4210M

The Core i5-4210M 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 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,899 points. Launch price was $225.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-10100Y and Core i5-4210M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-10100Y versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-4210M — a 19.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-10100Y (base: 1.3 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i3-10100Y uses the Amber Lake-Y (2018−2021) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-4210M uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-10100Y scores 2,918 against the Core i5-4210M's 2,899 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-10100Y. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i3-10100Y vs 3 MB on the Core i5-4210M.

Feature	Core i3-10100Y	Core i5-4210M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+22%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	1.3 GHz	2.6 GHz+100%
L3 Cache	4 MB+33%	3 MB
L2 Cache	512 kB	512 kB
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Amber Lake-Y (2018−2021)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	2,918	2,899
Geekbench 6 Single	—	959

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-10100Y uses the FCBGA1515 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-4210M uses PGA946 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-10100Y	Core i5-4210M
Socket	FCBGA1515	PGA946
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

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i3-10100Y) / VT-x, EPT (Core i5-4210M). The Core i5-4210M includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i3-10100Y requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-4210M targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-4210M rivals A10-5750M.