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 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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core m5-6Y54 is positioned at rank #1132 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 m5-6Y54

#1120

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

3596%

#1121

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

3543%

#1122

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

3252%

#1123

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

3238%

#1124

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

3208%

#1126

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

3098%

#1127

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

2971%

#1128

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

2966%

#1129

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

2886%

#1132

Core m5-6Y54

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

100%

#1134

Core i3-2330E

MSRP: $225|Avg: $10

99%

#1135

Core i5-4288U

MSRP: $342|Avg: N/A

95%

#1136

Core m3-6Y30

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

95%

#1137

Core i3-2340UE

MSRP: $200|Avg: $200

95%

#1138

Core i7-2820QM

MSRP: $568|Avg: N/A

94%

#1139

Core i5-520M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

94%

#1141

Celeron 807

MSRP: $70|Avg: $10

94%

#1142

Pentium B950

MSRP: $134|Avg: $35

94%

#1143

Celeron 220

MSRP: $42|Avg: $42

93%

#1144

Pentium B960

MSRP: $134|Avg: $15

93%

#1146

Pentium 957

MSRP: $134|Avg: $10

93%

#1147

Core 2 Duo SL9400

MSRP: $284|Avg: N/A

93%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core m5-6Y54 across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core m5-6Y54 specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core m5-6Y54 is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Skylake-Y (2015) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 2.7 GHz from a base frequency of 1.1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 4 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256 kB (per core) of L2 cache and 64 kB (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 2,294, 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 875, while multi-core reaches 1,648.

Specification	Core m5-6Y54
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	2.7 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.1 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Skylake-Y (2015)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	4 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256 kB (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64 kB (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	98.57 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1750 Million
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	2,294
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	875
Geekbench 6 MultiMulti-core parallel workload performance	1,648

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core m5-6Y54 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 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 16 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: HD Graphics 515 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core m5-6Y54
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core m5
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
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	HD Graphics 515
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	Skylake-Y
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core m5-6Y54 is primarily designed for Enthusiast. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Pentium Gold 4415Y.

Specification	Core m5-6Y54
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Enthusiast
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
Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer	Pentium Gold 4415Y

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core m5-6Y54 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: Tower 120mm.

Specification	Core m5-6Y54
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	Tower 120mm

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $281, the Core m5-6Y54 delivers 8 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1132 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #2464 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core m5-6Y54
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	#1132
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#2464
Release DateLaunch date	1 September 2015 (10 years ago)
Release Year	2015
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel