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 Pentium G3420T 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 Pentium G3420T: 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

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (1,905 vs 1,912).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 6.8 vs 25.5 PassMark/$ ($281 MSRP vs $75 MSRP).
❌1362.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 35W.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Pentium G3420T.

Pentium G3420T

2013

Why buy it

✅Costs $206 less on MSRP ($75 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
✅Delivers 276.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 25.5 vs 6.8 PassMark/$ ($75 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 512W, a 477W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core M-5Y10a.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 4 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Pentium G3420T better than Core M-5Y10a?

Yes. Pentium G3420T is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 48 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Pentium G3420T is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.0% more average FPS across 48 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Pentium G3420T is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 2 threads.

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

Pentium G3420T is the better buy right now. Pentium G3420T comes in $206 cheaper on MSRP at $75 MSRP versus $281 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.0% average FPS lead across 48 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 276.0% better value on MSRP (25.5 vs 6.8 PassMark/$), 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-5Y10a makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013) and 33.3% larger total L3 cache (4 MB vs 3 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core M-5Y10a vs Pentium G3420T 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.

Pentium G3420T

The Pentium G3420T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 1,912 points. Launch price was $75.

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Processing Power

The Core M-5Y10a packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium G3420T's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2 GHz on the Core M-5Y10a versus 2.7 GHz on the Pentium G3420T — a 29.8% clock advantage for the Pentium G3420T (base: 0.8 GHz vs 2.7 GHz). The Core M-5Y10a uses the Broadwell-Y (2014) architecture (14 nm), while the Pentium G3420T uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core M-5Y10a scores 1,905 against the Pentium G3420T's 1,912 — a 0.4% lead for the Pentium G3420T. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core M-5Y10a vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium G3420T.

Feature	Core M-5Y10a	Pentium G3420T
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	2 GHz	2.7 GHz+35%
Base Clock	0.8 GHz	2.7 GHz+238%
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)+33%	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256 kB (per core)
Process	14 nm-36%	22 nm
Architecture	Broadwell-Y (2014)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	1,905	1,912

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Memory & Platform

The Core M-5Y10a uses the FCBGA1234 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium G3420T uses LGA1150 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Both support up to LPDDR3-1600 memory speed. The Pentium G3420T 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: 12 (Core M-5Y10a) vs 16 (Pentium G3420T) — the Pentium G3420T offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core M-5Y10a	Pentium G3420T
Socket	FCBGA1234	LGA1150
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	LPDDR3-1600	DDR3-1600
Max RAM Capacity	16 GB	32 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	12	16+33%

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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 Intel HD Graphics (Pentium G3420T) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core M-5Y10a targets Mobile.

Feature	Core M-5Y10a	Pentium G3420T
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 5300	Intel HD Graphics
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	VT-x, VT-d
Target Use	Mobile	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core M-5Y10a was priced at $281, while the Pentium G3420T came in at $75. On launch pricing ($281 vs $75), Pentium G3420T was $206 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core M-5Y10a delivers 6.8 pts/$ vs 25.5 pts/$ for the Pentium G3420T — making the Pentium G3420T the 116% better value option.

Feature	Core M-5Y10a	Pentium G3420T
MSRP	$281	$75-73%
Performance per Dollar	6.8	25.5+275%
Release Date	2014	2013

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