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. The Core m3-7Y30 is positioned at rank #1116 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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

#1104

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

3412%

#1105

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

3362%

#1106

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

3086%

#1107

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

3072%

#1108

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

3044%

#1110

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

2940%

#1111

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

2819%

#1112

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

2814%

#1113

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

2738%

#1116

Core m3-7Y30

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

100%

#1117

Pentium 977

MSRP: $134|Avg: $10

100%

#1118

Core i7-2715QE

MSRP: $378|Avg: $50

99%

#1119

VIA Nano U2250

MSRP: $50|Avg: $10

99%

#1121

Core i5-560M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

98%

#1122

Pentium U5600

MSRP: $100|Avg: $50

97%

#1123

Core m5-6Y57

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

97%

#1125

Core i7-610E

MSRP: $250|Avg: $40

96%

#1126

Core i5-5350U

MSRP: $315|Avg: N/A

96%

#1127

Core i7-3520M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

95%

#1128

Pentium Dual Core T4300

MSRP: $150|Avg: $99

95%

#1129

Core i3-4100E

MSRP: $225|Avg: $30

95%

#1130

Core i3-2310E

MSRP: $225|Avg: $20

95%

#1131

Core i5-2510E

MSRP: $230|Avg: $30

95%

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. It currently holds Rank #1116 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. 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
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1116
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