Core i5-7Y57
VS
Core i5-3230M

Core i5-7Y57 vs Core i5-3230M

Intel

Core i5-7Y57

2 Cores4 Thrd4.5 WWMax: 3.3 GHz2017
VS
Intel

Core i5-3230M

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2013

Performance Spectrum - CPU

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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-7Y57 is positioned at rank 1101 and the Core i5-3230M is on rank 30, so the Core i5-3230M offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-7Y57

#1088
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
3189%
#1089
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
3142%
#1090
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
2885%
#1091
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
2872%
#1092
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
2845%
#1094
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
2748%
#1095
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
2635%
#1096
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
2630%
#1097
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
2560%
#1100
Core i5-7Y54
MSRP: $281|Avg: $100
100%
#1101
Core i5-7Y57
MSRP: $281|Avg: $281
100%
#1103
Pentium 997
MSRP: $134|Avg: $10
99%
#1104
Pentium A1018
MSRP: $132|Avg: $15
98%
#1106
Core i5-2430M
MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A
97%
#1107
Pentium Dual Core T4500
MSRP: $150|Avg: $30
97%
#1108
Celeron B820
MSRP: $86|Avg: $15
97%
#1109
Pentium B980
MSRP: $125|Avg: $35
96%
#1110
Celeron 867
MSRP: $86|Avg: $15
95%
#1111
Pentium B970
MSRP: $125|Avg: $39
95%
#1112
Core i5-2410M
MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A
94%
#1113
Pentium T2370
MSRP: $86|Avg: $10
94%
#1114
Pentium N3710
MSRP: $161|Avg: $50
94%
#1115
Core m3-7Y30
MSRP: $281|Avg: $281
93%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core i5-3230M

#18
Atom x5-Z8300
MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A
172%
#19
Atom Z3735G
MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A
169%
#20
Core i5-480M
MSRP: $81|Avg: $77
155%
#21
Core i5-460M
MSRP: $80|Avg: $129
155%
#22
Core i5-2540M
MSRP: $266|Avg: $10
153%
#24
Core i5-450M
MSRP: $32|Avg: $31
148%
#25
Core i3-380M
MSRP: $49|Avg: $25
142%
#26
Core i5-430M
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33
142%
#27
Core 2 Duo T6600
MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4
138%
#30
Core i5-3230M
MSRP: $225|Avg: $13
100%
#31
Atom D525
MSRP: $63|Avg: N/A
100%
#32
Atom x7835RE
MSRP: $127|Avg: N/A
99%
#33
Core 2 Duo P8400
MSRP: $209|Avg: $10
97%
#38
Core 2 Duo T8100
MSRP: $209|Avg: $10
90%
#39
Atom 330
MSRP: $43|Avg: $30
89%
#43
Core 2 Duo SU7300
MSRP: $289|Avg: N/A
87%
Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The Core i5-7Y57 (2017) utilizes 14 nm technology and DDR3, providing a fundamental performance advantage.
InsightCore i5-7Y57Core i5-3230M
Gaming
Superior gaming performance
Lower gaming performance
Workstation
Better multi-core power
Weaker in multi-core tasks
Price
⚠️ Higher cost ($281)
More affordable ($13)
Longevity
✨ Modern (Kaby Lake (2016−2019) / 14 nm)
🛑 Legacy (Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) / 22 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core i5-3230M (2013) relies on 22 nm technology and DDR3, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.
InsightCore i5-7Y57Core i5-3230M
Cost Efficiency
Lower cost efficiency
Better overall value (+2045%)
Upfront Cost
⚠️ Higher cost ($281)
More affordable ($13)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.

Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-7Y57 and Core i5-3230M

Intel

Core i5-7Y57

The Core i5-7Y57 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 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 3.3 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: 2,585 points. Launch price was $281.

Intel

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 i5-7Y57 and Core i5-3230M share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.3 GHz on the Core i5-7Y57 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-3230M — a 3.1% clock advantage for the Core i5-7Y57 (base: 1.2 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i5-7Y57 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 i5-7Y57 scores 2,585 against the Core i5-3230M's 2,565 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i5-7Y57. L3 cache: 4 MB on the Core i5-7Y57 vs 3 MB (total) on the Core i5-3230M.

FeatureCore i5-7Y57Core i5-3230M
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 4
Boost Clock
3.3 GHz+3%
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
2,585
2,565
Geekbench 6 Single
565
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,128
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-7Y57 uses the FCBGA1515 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-3230M uses BGA1023 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to LPDDR3-1866 memory speed. The Core i5-3230M supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 16 GB 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i5-7Y57) vs 16 (Core i5-3230M) — the Core i5-3230M offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

FeatureCore i5-7Y57Core i5-3230M
Socket
FCBGA1515
BGA1023
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
LPDDR3-1866
DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
32 GB+100%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
PCIe Lanes
12
16+33%
🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics HD Graphics 615 (Core i5-7Y57) and HD Graphics 4000 (Core i5-3230M) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7Y57 targets Mobile, Core i5-3230M targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-3230M rivals Ryzen 5 3500U.

FeatureCore i5-7Y57Core i5-3230M
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 615
HD Graphics 4000
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Mobile
Gaming
💰

Value Analysis

The Core i5-7Y57 launched at $281 MSRP, while the Core i5-3230M debuted at $225. At current prices ($281 vs $13), the Core i5-3230M is $268 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i5-7Y57 delivers 9.2 pts/$ vs 197.3 pts/$ for the Core i5-3230M — making the Core i5-3230M the 182.2% better value option.

FeatureCore i5-7Y57Core i5-3230M
MSRP
$281
$225-20%
Avg Price (30d)
$281
$13-95%
Performance per Dollar
9.2
197.3+2045%
Release Date
2017
2013