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.

Overview

The Core m3-7Y30 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 GHz, with boost up to 2.6 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: 2,418 points. Launch price was $281.

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.

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 m3-7Y30

#328

Core i7-2675QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

120%

#329

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

119%

#330

Core i5-2520M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

116%

#331

Core m3-7Y32

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

112%

#332

Core i3-1115GRE

MSRP: $338|Avg: $480

111%

#333

Core i7-2630QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

109%

#334

Pentium T3400

MSRP: $150|Avg: $90

109%

#335

Core i7-2635QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

109%

#336

Core i5-3337U

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

108%

#337

Core i5-2450M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

107%

#338

Core i5-7Y57

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

107%

#339

Core 2 Duo SP9600

MSRP: $316|Avg: N/A

104%

#340

Core i5-2430M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

104%

#341

Core i7-7Y75

MSRP: $393|Avg: $285

103%

#342

Core i5-2410M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

101%

#343

Core m3-7Y30

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

100%

#344

Core i3-3130M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

98%

#345

Core i5-560M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

98%

#346

Core m5-6Y57

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

97%

#347

Core i5-5350U

MSRP: $315|Avg: N/A

96%

#348

Core i7-3520M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

95%

#349

Core m5-6Y54

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

95%

#350

Core i7-3555LE

MSRP: $300|Avg: $280

93%

#351

Core i5-4288U

MSRP: $342|Avg: N/A

90%

#352

Core m3-6Y30

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

90%

#353

Core i3-2340UE

MSRP: $200|Avg: $200

90%

#354

Core i7-2820QM

MSRP: $568|Avg: N/A

90%

#355

Core i5-520M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

89%

#356

Celeron 220

MSRP: $42|Avg: $42

89%

#357

Celeron 2981U

MSRP: $137|Avg: N/A

88%

#358

Core 2 Duo SL9400

MSRP: $284|Avg: N/A

88%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core m3-7Y30 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core m3-7Y30 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core m3-7Y30 is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.6 GHz from a base frequency of 1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 4 MB of L3 cache, plus 512 kB of L2 cache and 128 kB of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,418, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 768, while multi-core reaches 1,481. Cinebench R23 multi-core (measuring sustained rendering workload performance) scores 645.

Specification	Core m3-7Y30
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.6 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	4 MB
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	512 kB
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	128 kB
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	2,418
Cinebench R23 MultiSustained multi-core rendering performance	645
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	768
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	1,481

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core m3-7Y30 fits into the FCBGA1515 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 10 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR3 memory at speeds up to LPDDR3-1866 / DDR3L-1600 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core m3-7Y30
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core m3
SocketMotherboard socket required	FCBGA1515
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	10
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	LPDDR3-1866 / DDR3L-1600
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	16 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	Intel HD Graphics 615
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	Kaby Lake-Y SoC
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core m3-7Y30 is primarily designed for Ultra-portable. Virtualization: VT-x / VT-d / EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads).

Specification	Core m3-7Y30
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Ultra-portable
OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased	🔒 Locked
AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads	❌ Not Supported
VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology	VT-x / VT-d / EPT

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core m3-7Y30 has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 4.5 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: Passive.

Specification	Core m3-7Y30
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	4.5 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	Passive

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $281, the Core m3-7Y30 delivers 9 PassMark points per dollar. Performance ranking position: #2422 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core m3-7Y30
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$281
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$281
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$281
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2422
Release DateLaunch date	30 August 2016 (9 years ago)
Release Year	2016
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

7 specs

Type	Laptop
Series	Intel Core m3
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$281
Release Date	30 August 2016 (9 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
Performance Ranking Position	2422

Technical Specifications

14 specs

Cores	2
Threads	4
Bus Type	OPI
L1 Cache	128 kB
L2 Cache	512 kB
L3 Cache	4 MB
Bus Speed	4 GT/s
Multiplier	10
Max Frequency	2.6 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	1 GHz
Process Technology	14 nm
Max Core Temperature	100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-