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 i3-3220 vs Core m5-6Y54 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 i3-3220 vs Core m5-6Y54: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-3220

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $164 less on MSRP ($117 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
✅Delivers 138.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 19.5 vs 8.2 PassMark/$ ($117 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
✅60% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 10) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core m5-6Y54.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (503 vs 875).
❌Lower PassMark (2,276 vs 2,294).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Core m5-6Y54

2015

Why buy it

✅+74% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.2 vs 19.5 PassMark/$ ($281 MSRP vs $117 MSRP).
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i3-3220.

Quick Answers

So, is Core m5-6Y54 better than Core i3-3220?

Yes. Core m5-6Y54 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.8% 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 m5-6Y54 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.4% 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 m5-6Y54 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% 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 m5-6Y54 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core m5-6Y54 comes in 140.2% more expensive on MSRP at $281 MSRP versus $117 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i3-3220 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2012 platform. Even with 138.3% better value on paper (19.5 vs 8.2 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

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

Core m5-6Y54 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2012), 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 i3-3220 vs Core m5-6Y54 Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-3220

The Core i3-3220 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 September 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,276 points. Launch price was $117.

Core m5-6Y54

The Core m5-6Y54 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-Y (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 4.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,294 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-3220 and Core m5-6Y54 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i3-3220 versus 2.7 GHz on the Core m5-6Y54 — a 20% clock advantage for the Core i3-3220 (base: 3.3 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). The Core i3-3220 uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core m5-6Y54 uses Skylake-Y (2015) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-3220 scores 2,276 against the Core m5-6Y54's 2,294 — a 0.8% lead for the Core m5-6Y54. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 503 vs 875, a 54% lead for the Core m5-6Y54 that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i3-3220 vs 4 MB (total) on the Core m5-6Y54.

Feature	Core i3-3220	Core m5-6Y54
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.3 GHz+22%	2.7 GHz
Base Clock	3.3 GHz+200%	1.1 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB (total)	4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Skylake-Y (2015)
PassMark	2,276	2,294
Geekbench 6 Single	503	875+74%
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	1,648

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3220 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core m5-6Y54 uses FCBGA1515 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3220 versus LPDDR3-1866 on the Core m5-6Y54 — the Core m5-6Y54 supports 16.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-3220 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-3220) vs 10 (Core m5-6Y54) — the Core i3-3220 offers 6 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: B75,Z75,Z77,H77,Q75,Q77,H61,H67,P67,Z68 (Core i3-3220) and Skylake-Y (Core m5-6Y54).

Feature	Core i3-3220	Core m5-6Y54
Socket	LGA1155	FCBGA1515
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	LPDDR3-1866+17%
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+100%	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16+60%	10

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, EPT (Core i3-3220) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core m5-6Y54). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 2500 (Core i3-3220) and HD Graphics 515 (Core m5-6Y54) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3220 targets Budget Desktop, Core m5-6Y54 targets Enthusiast. Direct competitor: Core i3-3220 rivals FX-4300; Core m5-6Y54 rivals Pentium Gold 4415Y.

Feature	Core i3-3220	Core m5-6Y54
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 2500	HD Graphics 515
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Budget Desktop	Enthusiast

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3220 was priced at $117, while the Core m5-6Y54 came in at $281. On launch pricing ($117 vs $281), Core i3-3220 was $164 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3220 delivers 19.5 pts/$ vs 8.2 pts/$ for the Core m5-6Y54 — making the Core i3-3220 the 81.8% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3220	Core m5-6Y54
MSRP	$117-58%	$281
Performance per Dollar	19.5+138%	8.2
Release Date	2012	2015

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