Core M-5Y10a vs Core M-5Y10c

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 M-5Y10a vs Core M-5Y10c 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 M-5Y10a vs Core M-5Y10c: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core M-5Y10a

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,905 vs 1,906).

Core M-5Y10c

2014

Why buy it

✅+0.1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core M-5Y10c better than Core M-5Y10a?

Yes. Core M-5Y10c is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you 0.1% better PassMark and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core M-5Y10c is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core M-5Y10c is the better buy right now. Core M-5Y10c comes in in basically the same MSRP band at $281 MSRP versus $281 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.1% higher PassMark. It is also 0.1% better value on MSRP (6.8 vs 6.8 PassMark/$), 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-5Y10c makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting 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 M-5Y10a vs Core M-5Y10c Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core M-5Y10c

The Core M-5Y10c 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 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: 1,906 points. Launch price was $281.

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Processing Power

Both the Core M-5Y10a and Core M-5Y10c share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core M-5Y10a versus 2 GHz on the Core M-5Y10c — identical boost frequencies (base: 0.8 GHz vs 0.8 GHz). Both are built on the Broadwell-Y (2014) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Core M-5Y10a scores 1,905 against the Core M-5Y10c's 1,906 — a 0.1% lead for the Core M-5Y10c. Both processors carry 4 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core M-5Y10a	Core M-5Y10c
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	2 GHz	2 GHz
Base Clock	0.8 GHz	0.8 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Broadwell-Y (2014)	Broadwell-Y (2014)
PassMark	1,905	1,906

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the FCBGA1234 socket with PCIe 3.0. Both support up to LPDDR3-1600 memory speed. Both support up to 16 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 12 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core M-5Y10a	Core M-5Y10c
Socket	FCBGA1234	FCBGA1234
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR3-1600	LPDDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	16 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	12	12

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 5300 (Core M-5Y10a) and HD Graphics 5300 (Core M-5Y10c) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core M-5Y10a targets Mobile, Core M-5Y10c targets Mobile.

Feature	Core M-5Y10a	Core M-5Y10c
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 5300	HD Graphics 5300
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Mobile	Mobile

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core M-5Y10a was priced at $281, while the Core M-5Y10c came in at $281. On launch pricing ($281 vs $281), Core M-5Y10c was $0 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core M-5Y10a delivers 6.8 pts/$ vs 6.8 pts/$ for the Core M-5Y10c — making the Core M-5Y10c the 0.1% better value option.

Feature	Core M-5Y10a	Core M-5Y10c
MSRP	$281	$281
Performance per Dollar	6.8	6.8
Release Date	2014	2014

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