Core i5-560M vs Core M-5Y70

Intel

Core i5-560M

2 Cores4 Thrd35 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2010
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core M-5Y70

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2014
Similar parts
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Core i5-560M vs Core M-5Y70 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 i5-560M 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 i5-560M 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 i5-560M

2010

Why buy it

  • Costs $56 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
  • Delivers 25.2% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 8.4 vs 6.7 PassMark/$ ($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 (Westmere), 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

  • Lower PassMark (1,890 vs 1,894).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.7 vs 8.4 PassMark/$ ($281 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).
  • 1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i5-560M can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-560M better than Core M-5Y70?
Yes. Core i5-560M is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.2% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i5-560M is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.9% 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 i5-560M is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
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 $281 MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 25.2% better value on MSRP (8.4 vs 6.7 PassMark/$), 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 2010) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-560M vs Core M-5Y70 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

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.

Intel

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.

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-560M and Core M-5Y70 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-560M versus 2.6 GHz on the Core M-5Y70 — a 20.7% clock advantage for the Core i5-560M (base: 2.66 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). The Core i5-560M uses the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core M-5Y70 uses Broadwell-Y (2014) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-560M scores 1,894 against the Core M-5Y70's 1,890 — a 0.2% lead for the Core i5-560M. L3 cache: 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-560M vs 4 MB (total) on the Core M-5Y70.

FeatureCore i5-560MCore M-5Y70
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 4
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz+23%
2.6 GHz
Base Clock
2.66 GHz+142%
1.1 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
1,890
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-5Y70 uses FCBGA1234 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i5-560MCore M-5Y70
Socket
PGA988
FCBGA1234
PCIe Generation
PCIe 2.0
PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity
8 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
16
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-560M) / not specified (Core M-5Y70). The Core i5-560M includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)), while the Core M-5Y70 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-560M targets Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i5-560M rivals AMD Turion II Ultra M660.

FeatureCore i5-560MCore M-5Y70
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Laptop
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-560M was priced at $225, while the Core M-5Y70 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 6.7 pts/$ for the Core M-5Y70 — making the Core i5-560M the 22.3% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-560MCore M-5Y70
MSRP
$225-20%
$281
Performance per Dollar
8.4+25%
6.7
Release Date
2010
2014

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