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. 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

#334

Pentium T3400

MSRP: $150|Avg: $90

115%

#335

Core i7-2635QM

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115%

#336

Core i5-3337U

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

114%

#337

Core i5-2450M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

113%

#338

Core i5-7Y57

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

113%

#339

Core 2 Duo SP9600

MSRP: $316|Avg: N/A

110%

#340

Core i5-2430M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

110%

#341

Core i7-7Y75

MSRP: $393|Avg: $285

109%

#342

Core i5-2410M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

106%

#343

Core m3-7Y30

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

105%

#344

Core i3-3130M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

104%

#345

Core i5-560M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

103%

#346

Core m5-6Y57

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

102%

#347

Core i5-5350U

MSRP: $315|Avg: N/A

101%

#348

Core i7-3520M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

101%

#349

Core m5-6Y54

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

100%

#350

Core i7-3555LE

MSRP: $300|Avg: $280

98%

#351

Core i5-4288U

MSRP: $342|Avg: N/A

95%

#352

Core m3-6Y30

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

95%

#353

Core i3-2340UE

MSRP: $200|Avg: $200

95%

#354

Core i7-2820QM

MSRP: $568|Avg: N/A

94%

#355

Core i5-520M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

94%

#356

Celeron 220

MSRP: $42|Avg: $42

93%

#357

Celeron 2981U

MSRP: $137|Avg: N/A

93%

#358

Core 2 Duo SL9400

MSRP: $284|Avg: N/A

93%

#359

Pentium N3540

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

92%

#360

Core i3-2377M

MSRP: $250|Avg: N/A

91%

#361

Celeron M 723

MSRP: $161|Avg: $161

90%

#362

Core M-5Y51

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

88%

#363

Core i7-2640M

MSRP: $346|Avg: N/A

87%

#364

Core M-5Y71

MSRP: $281|Avg: $281

86%

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. 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
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

Specifications Reference

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

4 categories

General Information

8 specs

Type	Laptop
Series	Intel Core m5
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$281
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	1 September 2015 (10 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Skylake-Y (2015)
Performance Ranking Position	2464

Technical Specifications

16 specs

Cores	2
Threads	4
Bus Type	DMI 3.0
Die Size	98.57 mm2
L1 Cache	64 kB (per core)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)
Bus Speed	4 GT/s
Multiplier	11
Max Frequency	2.7 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	1.1 GHz
Transistor Count	1750 Million
Process Technology	14 nm
Max Core Temperature	100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-