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 i5-560M vs Core M-5Y10a 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 i5-560M vs Core M-5Y10a: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-560M

2010

Why buy it

✅Costs $56 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
✅Delivers 24.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.4 vs 6.8 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,894 vs 1,905).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Core M-5Y10a

2014

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.8 vs 8.4 PassMark/$ ($281 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-560M better than Core M-5Y10a?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-560M is ahead with a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core M-5Y10a pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark. Core M-5Y10a also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core M-5Y10a is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% 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 i5-560M is the better buy right now. Core i5-560M comes in $56 cheaper on MSRP at $225 MSRP versus $281 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core M-5Y10a is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 24.2% better value on MSRP (8.4 vs 6.8 PassMark/$), 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-5Y10a makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2010), 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 i5-560M vs Core M-5Y10a Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-560M

The Core i5-560M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.66 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 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: 1,894 points. Launch price was $225.

Core M-5Y10a

The Core M-5Y10a 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 0.8 GHz, with boost up to 2 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: 1,905 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-560M and Core M-5Y10a share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-560M versus 2 GHz on the Core M-5Y10a — a 46.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-560M (base: 2.66 GHz vs 0.8 GHz). The Core i5-560M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core M-5Y10a uses Broadwell-Y (2014) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-560M scores 1,894 against the Core M-5Y10a's 1,905 — a 0.6% lead for the Core M-5Y10a. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-560M vs 4 MB (total) on the Core M-5Y10a.

Feature	Core i5-560M	Core M-5Y10a
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+60%	2 GHz
Base Clock	2.66 GHz+233%	0.8 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	Arrandale (2010−2011)	Broadwell-Y (2014)
PassMark	1,894	1,905
Geekbench 6 Single	450	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	950	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-560M uses the PGA988 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core M-5Y10a uses FCBGA1234 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1066 on the Core i5-560M versus LPDDR3-1600 on the Core M-5Y10a — the Core M-5Y10a supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core M-5Y10a supports up to 16 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i5-560M) vs 12 (Core M-5Y10a) — the Core i5-560M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i5-560M	Core M-5Y10a
Socket	PGA988	FCBGA1234
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1066	LPDDR3-1600+50%
Max RAM Capacity	8 GB	16 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16+33%	12

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics (Westmere) (Core i5-560M) and HD Graphics 5300 (Core M-5Y10a) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-560M targets Laptop, Core M-5Y10a targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i5-560M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660.

Feature	Core i5-560M	Core M-5Y10a
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)	HD Graphics 5300
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Laptop	Mobile

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-560M was priced at $225, while the Core M-5Y10a came in at $281. On launch pricing ($225 vs $281), Core i5-560M was $56 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-560M delivers 8.4 pts/$ vs 6.8 pts/$ for the Core M-5Y10a — making the Core i5-560M the 21.6% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-560M	Core M-5Y10a
MSRP	$225-20%	$281
Performance per Dollar	8.4+24%	6.8
Release Date	2010	2014

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