Core m5-6Y54 vs Pentium 1403 v2

Intel

Core m5-6Y54

2 Cores4 Thrd4.5 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2015
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Pentium 1403 v2

2 Cores2 Thrd80 WWMax: 2.6 GHz2014
Similar parts
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Core m5-6Y54 vs Pentium 1403 v2 Performance Spectrum

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.

Core m5-6Y54 vs Pentium 1403 v2 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 m5-6Y54 vs Pentium 1403 v2: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core m5-6Y54

2015

Why buy it

  • Draws 5W instead of 80W, a 76W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (10 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 515, while Pentium 1403 v2 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 8.2 vs 15.2 PassMark/$ ($281 MSRP vs $150 MSRP).

Pentium 1403 v2

2014

Why buy it

  • +50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
  • Costs $131 less on MSRP ($150 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).
  • Delivers 86.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 15.2 vs 8.2 PassMark/$ ($150 MSRP vs $281 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (2,284 vs 2,294).
  • 1677.8% higher power demand at 80W vs 4.5W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core m5-6Y54 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core m5-6Y54 better than Pentium 1403 v2?
Yes. Core m5-6Y54 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.4% better 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 m5-6Y54 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.4% 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 m5-6Y54 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core m5-6Y54 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core m5-6Y54 comes in 87.3% more expensive on MSRP at $281 MSRP versus $150 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium 1403 v2 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2014 platform. Even with 86.5% better value on paper (15.2 vs 8.2 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1356.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core m5-6Y54 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2014) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core m5-6Y54 vs Pentium 1403 v2 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core m5-6Y54

The Core m5-6Y54 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-Y (2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1515. Thermal design power (TDP): 4.5 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,294 points. Launch price was $281.

Intel

Pentium 1403 v2

The Pentium 1403 v2 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2007-01-01. It is based on the Ivy Bridge-EN (2013−2014) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 80 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-800, DDR3-1066, DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,284 points. Launch price was $69.

Processing Power

The Core m5-6Y54 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium 1403 v2's 2 cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core m5-6Y54 versus 2.6 GHz on the Pentium 1403 v2 — a 3.8% clock advantage for the Core m5-6Y54 (base: 1.1 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core m5-6Y54 uses the Skylake-Y (2015) architecture (14 nm), while the Pentium 1403 v2 uses Ivy Bridge-EN (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core m5-6Y54 scores 2,294 against the Pentium 1403 v2's 2,284 — a 0.4% lead for the Core m5-6Y54. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core m5-6Y54 vs 6 MB (total) on the Pentium 1403 v2.

FeatureCore m5-6Y54Pentium 1403 v2
Cores / Threads
2 / 4
2 / 2
Boost Clock
2.7 GHz+4%
2.6 GHz
Base Clock
1.1 GHz
2.6 GHz+136%
L3 Cache
4 MB (total)
6 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
256K (per core)
Process
14 nm-36%
22 nm
Architecture
Skylake-Y (2015)
Ivy Bridge-EN (2013−2014)
PassMark
2,294
2,284
Geekbench 6 Single
875
Geekbench 6 Multi
1,648
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Memory & Platform

The Core m5-6Y54 uses the FCBGA1515 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium 1403 v2 uses LGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore m5-6Y54Pentium 1403 v2
Socket
FCBGA1515
LGA1356
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
LPDDR3-1866
Max RAM Capacity
16 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
10
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core m5-6Y54) / not specified (Pentium 1403 v2). The Core m5-6Y54 includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 515), while the Pentium 1403 v2 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core m5-6Y54 targets Enthusiast. Direct competitor: Core m5-6Y54 rivals Pentium Gold 4415Y.

FeatureCore m5-6Y54Pentium 1403 v2
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 515
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Enthusiast
💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core m5-6Y54 was priced at $281, while the Pentium 1403 v2 came in at $150. On launch pricing ($281 vs $150), Pentium 1403 v2 was $131 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core m5-6Y54 delivers 8.2 pts/$ vs 15.2 pts/$ for the Pentium 1403 v2 — making the Pentium 1403 v2 the 60.4% better value option.

FeatureCore m5-6Y54Pentium 1403 v2
MSRP
$281
$150-47%
Performance per Dollar
8.2
15.2+85%
Release Date
2015
2014

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