Core i5-2410M vs Core M-5Y71

Intel

Core i5-2410M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2011
Similar parts
·······
VS
Intel

Core M-5Y71

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.9 GHz2014
Similar parts
·······

Core i5-2410M vs Core M-5Y71 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 i5-2410M vs Core M-5Y71 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 i5-2410M vs Core M-5Y71: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-2410M

2011

Why buy it

  • Costs $56 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
  • Delivers 23.6% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.7 vs 7.0 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
  • Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Intel HD Graphics 3000, while Core M-5Y71 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (1,954 vs 1,975).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Core M-5Y71

2014

Why buy it

  • +1.1% higher PassMark.
  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.0 vs 8.7 PassMark/$ ($281 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
  • 1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-2410M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core M-5Y71 better than Core i5-2410M?
Yes. Core M-5Y71 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1.1% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core M-5Y71 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% 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 M-5Y71 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core M-5Y71 comes in 24.9% more expensive on MSRP at $281 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-2410M only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 23.6% better value on paper (8.7 vs 7.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core M-5Y71 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2011), 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 i5-2410M vs Core M-5Y71 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i5-2410M

The Core i5-2410M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,954 points. Launch price was $225.

Intel

Core M-5Y71

The Core M-5Y71 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 October 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell-Y (2014) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 2.9 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: 1,975 points. Launch price was $281.

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-2410M and Core M-5Y71 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2.9 GHz on the Core i5-2410M versus 2.9 GHz on the Core M-5Y71 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.3 GHz vs 1.2 GHz). The Core i5-2410M uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core M-5Y71 uses Broadwell-Y (2014) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-2410M scores 1,954 against the Core M-5Y71's 1,975 — a 1.1% lead for the Core M-5Y71. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-2410M vs 4 MB (total) on the Core M-5Y71.

FeatureCore i5-2410MCore M-5Y71
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 4
Boost Clock
2.9 GHz
2.9 GHz
Base Clock
2.3 GHz+92%
1.2 GHz
L3 Cache
3 MB (total)
4 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
256K (per core)
Process
32 nm
14 nm-56%
Architecture
Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)
Broadwell-Y (2014)
PassMark
1,954
1,975+1%
Geekbench 6 Single
444
Geekbench 6 Multi
913
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-2410M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core M-5Y71 uses FCBGA1234 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-2410MCore M-5Y71
Socket
PGA988
FCBGA1234
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed
1333
Max RAM Capacity
16
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: true (Core i5-2410M) / not specified (Core M-5Y71). The Core i5-2410M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 3000), while the Core M-5Y71 requires a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Core i5-2410M rivals AMD A8-3500M.

FeatureCore i5-2410MCore M-5Y71
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 3000
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
true
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-2410M was priced at $225, while the Core M-5Y71 came in at $281. On launch pricing ($225 vs $281), Core i5-2410M was $56 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-2410M delivers 8.7 pts/$ vs 7.0 pts/$ for the Core M-5Y71 — making the Core i5-2410M the 21.1% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-2410MCore M-5Y71
MSRP
$225-20%
$281
Performance per Dollar
8.7+24%
7.0
Release Date
2011
2014

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.