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 i5-7Y54 vs Core i5-3230M 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 i5-7Y54 vs Core i5-3230M: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i5-7Y54

2016

Why buy it

✅+59.3% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).
✅Draws 5W instead of 512W, a 508W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 9.2 vs 11.4 PassMark/$ ($281 MSRP vs $225 MSRP).

Core i5-3230M

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $56 less on MSRP ($225 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
✅Delivers 23.9% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 11.4 vs 9.2 PassMark/$ ($225 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
✅60% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 10) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (565 vs 900).
❌Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,128 vs 1,700).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).
❌11277.8% higher power demand at 512W vs 4.5W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-7Y54 better than Core i5-3230M?

Yes. Core i5-7Y54 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 50.7% better Geekbench multi-core, 0.8% higher 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 i5-7Y54 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.9% 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 i5-7Y54 is the stronger fit. You are getting 50.7% better Geekbench multi-core, 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 i5-7Y54 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i5-7Y54 comes in 24.9% more expensive on MSRP at $281 MSRP versus $225 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i5-3230M only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games.

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

Core i5-7Y54 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2013), 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 i5-7Y54 vs Core i5-3230M Technical Specifications

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

Core i5-7Y54

The Core i5-7Y54 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 30 August 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 4.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,586 points. Launch price was $281.

Core i5-3230M

The Core i5-3230M is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1023. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,565 points. Launch price was $225.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i5-7Y54 and Core i5-3230M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-7Y54 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3230M — identical boost frequencies (base: 1.2 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i5-7Y54 uses the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-3230M uses Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7Y54 scores 2,586 against the Core i5-3230M's 2,565 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i5-7Y54. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 900 vs 565, a 45.7% lead for the Core i5-7Y54 that directly translates to higher frame rates. Multi-core Geekbench: 1,700 vs 1,128 (40.5% advantage for the Core i5-7Y54). L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i5-7Y54 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3230M.

Feature	Core i5-7Y54	Core i5-3230M
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	1.2 GHz	2.6 GHz+117%
L3 Cache	4 MB+33%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	512 kB+100%	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)
PassMark	2,586	2,565
Geekbench 6 Single	900+59%	565
Geekbench 6 Multi	1,700+51%	1,128

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-7Y54 uses the FCBGA1515 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3230M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches LPDDR3-1866 on the Core i5-7Y54 versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i5-3230M — the Core i5-7Y54 supports 16.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-3230M 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: 10 (Core i5-7Y54) vs 16 (Core i5-3230M) — the Core i5-3230M offers 6 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: SoC (Core i5-7Y54) and HM76,HM77 (Core i5-3230M).

Feature	Core i5-7Y54	Core i5-3230M
Socket	FCBGA1515	BGA1023
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR3-1866+17%	DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	32 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	10	16+60%

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7Y54) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i5-3230M). Both include integrated graphics — Intel HD Graphics 615 (Core i5-7Y54) and HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3230M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7Y54 targets Tablet/2-in-1, Core i5-3230M targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-3230M rivals Ryzen 5 3500U.

Feature	Core i5-7Y54	Core i5-3230M
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	Intel HD Graphics 615	HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Tablet/2-in-1	Gaming

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i5-7Y54 was priced at $281, while the Core i5-3230M came in at $225. On launch pricing ($281 vs $225), Core i5-3230M was $56 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7Y54 delivers 9.2 pts/$ vs 11.4 pts/$ for the Core i5-3230M — making the Core i5-3230M the 21.3% better value option.

Feature	Core i5-7Y54	Core i5-3230M
MSRP	$281	$225-20%
Performance per Dollar	9.2	11.4+24%
Release Date	2016	2013

Search Core i5-7Y54 on Amazon

Search Core i5-3230M on Amazon

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.