Core i5-655K vs Core M-5Y51

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 i5-655K vs Core M-5Y51 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 i5-655K vs Core M-5Y51: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-655K

2010

Why buy it

✅Costs $65 less on MSRP ($216 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
✅Delivers 29.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 9.3 vs 7.2 PassMark/$ ($216 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
✅Draws 73W instead of 512W, a 439W 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-5Y51 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,017 vs 2,030).

Core M-5Y51

2014

Why buy it

✅+0.6% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 7.2 vs 9.3 PassMark/$ ($281 MSRP vs $216 MSRP).
❌601.4% higher power demand at 512W vs 73W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-655K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-655K better than Core M-5Y51?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i5-655K is ahead with a 1.4% average FPS lead across 36 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core M-5Y51 pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core M-5Y51 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i5-655K is the better buy right now. Core i5-655K comes in $65 cheaper on MSRP at $216 MSRP versus $281 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.4% average FPS lead across 36 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core M-5Y51 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.6% better PassMark. It is also 29.3% better value on MSRP (9.3 vs 7.2 PassMark/$), 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-5Y51 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2010) 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 i5-655K vs Core M-5Y51 Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-655K

The Core i5-655K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 May 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.46 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1156. Thermal design power (TDP): 73 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,017 points. Launch price was $69.

Core M-5Y51

The Core M-5Y51 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 1.1 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: 2,030 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i5-655K and Core M-5Y51 share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.46 GHz on the Core i5-655K versus 2.6 GHz on the Core M-5Y51 — a 28.4% clock advantage for the Core i5-655K (base: 3.2 GHz vs 1.1 GHz). The Core i5-655K uses the Clarkdale (2010−2011) architecture (32 nm), while the Core M-5Y51 uses Broadwell-Y (2014) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-655K scores 2,017 against the Core M-5Y51's 2,030 — a 0.6% lead for the Core M-5Y51. Both processors carry 4 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i5-655K	Core M-5Y51
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.46 GHz+33%	2.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.2 GHz+191%	1.1 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	32 nm	14 nm-56%
Architecture	Clarkdale (2010−2011)	Broadwell-Y (2014)
PassMark	2,017	2,030
Geekbench 6 Single	560	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,250	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-655K uses the LGA1156 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core M-5Y51 uses FCBGA1234 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i5-655K	Core M-5Y51
Socket	LGA1156	FCBGA1234
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core i5-655K) / not specified (Core M-5Y51). The Core i5-655K includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)), while the Core M-5Y51 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-655K targets Desktop.

Feature	Core i5-655K	Core M-5Y51
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics (Westmere)	—
Unlocked	Yes	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x	—
Target Use	Desktop	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-655K was priced at $216, while the Core M-5Y51 came in at $281. On launch pricing ($216 vs $281), Core i5-655K was $65 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-655K delivers 9.3 pts/$ vs 7.2 pts/$ for the Core M-5Y51 — making the Core i5-655K the 25.5% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-655K	Core M-5Y51
MSRP	$216-23%	$281
Performance per Dollar	9.3+29%	7.2
Release Date	2010	2014

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