Core i3-3130M vs Core M-5Y70

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 i3-3130M vs Core M-5Y70 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 i3-3130M vs Core M-5Y70: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-3130M

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.8% higher average FPS across 48 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $56 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
✅Delivers 25.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.5 vs 6.7 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 4000, while Core M-5Y70 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Core M-5Y70

2014

Why buy it

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

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-3130M across 48 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (1,890 vs 1,906).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.7 vs 8.5 PassMark/$ ($281 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-3130M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3130M better than Core M-5Y70?

Yes. Core i3-3130M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.8% average FPS lead across 48 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-3130M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.8% more average FPS across 48 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3130M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-3130M is the better buy right now. Core i3-3130M comes in $56 cheaper on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $281 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.8% average FPS lead across 48 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 25.9% better value on MSRP (8.5 vs 6.7 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core M-5Y70 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-3130M vs Core M-5Y70 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3130M

The Core i3-3130M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 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 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,906 points. Launch price was $225.

Core M-5Y70

The Core M-5Y70 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 September 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-Y (2014) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1234. Thermal design power (TDP): 4.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,890 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-3130M and Core M-5Y70 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.6 GHz on the Core i3-3130M versus 2.6 GHz on the Core M-5Y70 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.6 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). The Core i3-3130M uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core M-5Y70 uses Broadwell-Y (2014) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3130M scores 1,906 against the Core M-5Y70's 1,890 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i3-3130M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3130M vs 4 MB (total) on the Core M-5Y70.

Feature	Core i3-3130M	Core M-5Y70
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2.6 GHz	2.6 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz+136%	1.1 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Broadwell-Y (2014)
PassMark	1,906	1,890

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3130M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core M-5Y70 uses FCBGA1234 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-3130M	Core M-5Y70
Socket	PGA988	FCBGA1234
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i3-3130M) / not specified (Core M-5Y70). The Core i3-3130M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4000), while the Core M-5Y70 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i3-3130M rivals AMD A8-4500M.

Feature	Core i3-3130M	Core M-5Y70
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 4000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	true	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3130M was priced at $225, while the Core M-5Y70 came in at $281. On launch pricing ($225 vs $281), Core i3-3130M was $56 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3130M delivers 8.5 pts/$ vs 6.7 pts/$ for the Core M-5Y70 — making the Core i3-3130M the 23% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3130M	Core M-5Y70
MSRP	$225-20%	$281
Performance per Dollar	8.5+27%	6.7
Release Date	2013	2014

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