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Intel Core M-5Y10c

Intel Core M-5Y10c: Review and Recommendations for Users in 2025

Analysis of the ultra-mobile processor for thin devices

Architecture and Technology Process: Evolution of Energy Efficiency

The Intel Core M-5Y10c processor, released in 2014-2015, became part of the Broadwell line—Intel's fifth-generation architecture. This chip was one of the first created using a 14nm technology process, which allowed for reduced power consumption and lower heat generation.

- Cores and Threads: 2 physical cores with Hyper-Threading support (4 threads).

- Clock Frequencies: Base frequency is 800 MHz, maximum in turbo mode is 2 GHz.

- Graphics Accelerator: Intel HD Graphics 5300 (24 EU, frequency up to 800 MHz).

A key feature of the Broadwell architecture is its optimization for mobile devices. The chip supports AVX2 instructions, enhancing performance in vectorized tasks, but due to its low TDP, its potential is rarely fully realized. The HD 5300 graphics can handle 4K video decoding, but it is not suitable for gaming.

Power Consumption and TDP: A Revolution in Compactness

The processor's TDP (Thermal Design Power) is only 4.5 W. This allowed for the creation of laptops without active cooling (fans), making devices thinner (down to 9 mm) and lighter (less than 1 kg). For example, the 2015 Apple MacBook 12" lineup used similar Core M chips.

How It Works:

- The processor dynamically adjusts frequency based on load.

- During peak tasks (like opening a browser), turbo mode activates, but due to TDP limitations, it lasts only briefly (10-20 seconds).

Performance: Real-World Tasks and Limitations

In Geekbench 6 tests (Single Core — 593, Multi Core — 1156), the Core M-5Y10c lags behind even budget modern processors from 2025. However, for basic tasks, it remains functional:

- Office Tasks: Microsoft Office, Google Docs, email — no problems.

- Multimedia: 4K video playback (via YouTube or local files), photo editing in Lightroom (for simple retouching).

- Gaming: Only older games (like Half-Life 2) or browser-based projects on low settings.

Turbo Boost mode temporarily raises the frequency to 2 GHz, but under prolonged load (like video rendering), the processor throttles, reducing performance back to base levels.

Use Cases: Who Is the Core M-5Y10c Suitable for in 2025?

This processor is relevant for niche markets:

1. Ultra-portable Devices: Convertible laptops (like the ASUS Transformer Mini) or tablets with keyboards.

2. Secondary Devices: For travel or as an addition to a main PC.

3. Education: School laptops for text work and educational applications.

Not Suitable For:

- Gamers and designers.

- Users working with heavy software (video editing, 3D modeling).

Battery Life: How Long Does the Device Last?

Thanks to its 4.5 W TDP, laptops with the Core M-5Y10c provided up to 9-10 hours of use in 2015. In modern 2025 models (with optimized OS and SSD), battery life can reach 7-8 hours due to:

- Intel Technologies: SpeedStep (frequency adjustment), C-States (turning off unused cores).

- Display Efficiency: Many ultrabooks with this chip use low-power displays (like e-ink panels in hybrid devices).

Comparison with Competitors: Against AMD and Apple

In its segment (2014-2016), the Core M-5Y10c competed with:

- AMD A6-8500P (15 W TDP, 2 cores): Better graphics (Radeon R5), but higher power consumption.

- Intel Core i5-5200U (15 W TDP): Significantly more powerful but requires active cooling.

In 2025, similar TDP chips include Apple M1 (in base iPads) and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx (for Windows tablets). They outperform the Core M by 3-4 times in performance with similar battery life.

Pros and Cons: Is It Worth Buying in 2025?

Pros:

- Silent operation (no fans).

- Compact devices.

- Low price: Laptops with this processor in 2025 cost $250-$400 (new models from stock).

Cons:

- Low performance for modern tasks (like running AI-based applications).

- Limited OS support: Some Linux distributions and Windows 11 require workarounds for installation.

Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop

If you are considering a device with the Core M-5Y10c in 2025, pay attention to:

1. Device Type: Ultrabook or convertible tablet (like the Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro).

2. Display: Full HD or higher — for comfortable work.

3. Storage: SSD is a must (minimum 128 GB).

4. Ports: USB-C with charging support — for versatility.

Example Model:

- HP Spectre x2 (2015) — 12" screen, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD. In 2025, such devices can be found for $300-$400 among new stock.

Final Conclusion: Who Is This Processor For?

The Intel Core M-5Y10c is a relic but practical choice for:

- Minimalists: Those needing an inexpensive laptop for reading, web browsing, and document work.

- Travelers: Lightweight devices with long battery life.

- Secondary Devices: For instance, connecting to a monitor as a "workstation" in the kitchen.

Key Benefits: Price, portability, silence. However, for most users in 2025, devices based on ARM chips (Apple M1, Snapdragon X) or budget Intel Core i3 from the 12th generation will be a more justified choice.

Note: All prices are valid as of April 2025 and relate to new devices available on the market.

Basic

Label Name

Intel

Platform

Mobile

Launch Date

October 2014

Model Name

The Intel processor number is just one of several factors - along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks - to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs.

5Y10c

Code Name

Broadwell

CPU Specifications

Total Cores

Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).

Total Threads

Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.

Basic Frequency

800 MHz

Max Turbo Frequency

Max Turbo Frequency is the maximum single-core frequency at which the processor is capable of operating using Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and, if present, Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 and Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost. Frequency is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billion cycles per second.

2.00 GHz

Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 Frequency

2.00 GHz

Intel Turbo Boost Technology

Intel® Turbo Boost Technology dynamically increases the processor's frequency as needed by taking advantage of thermal and power headroom to give you a burst of speed when you need it, and increased energy efficiency when you don’t.

2.0

Intel Hyper-Threading Technology

Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology (Intel® HT Technology) delivers two processing threads per physical core. Highly threaded applications can get more work done in parallel, completing tasks sooner.

Yes

L3 Cache

4 MB

CPU Socket

The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.

FCBGA1234

Technology

Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.

14 nm

TDP

4.5 W

Max. Operating Temperature

Junction Temperature is the maximum temperature allowed at the processor die.

95 C

PCI Express Version

PCI Express Revision is the supported version of the PCI Express standard. Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (or PCIe) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for attaching hardware devices to a computer. The different PCI Express versions support different data rates.

2.0

Number of PCI Express Lanes

A PCI Express (PCIe) lane consists of two differential signaling pairs, one for receiving data, one for transmitting data, and is the basic unit of the PCIe bus. Max # of PCI Express Lanes is the total number of supported lanes.

Intel 64

Intel® 64 architecture delivers 64-bit computing on server, workstation, desktop and mobile platforms when combined with supporting software.¹ Intel 64 architecture improves performance by allowing systems to address more than 4 GB of both virtual and physical memory.

Yes

Instruction Set

The instruction set is a hard program stored inside the CPU that guides and optimizes CPU operations. With these instruction sets, the CPU can run more efficiently. There are many manufacturers that design CPUs, which results in different instruction sets, such as the 8086 instruction set for the Intel camp and the RISC instruction set for the ARM camp. x86, ARM v8, and MIPS are all codes for instruction sets. Instruction sets can be extended; for example, x86 added 64-bit support to create x86-64. Manufacturers developing CPUs that are compatible with a certain instruction set need authorization from the instruction set patent holder. A typical example is Intel authorizing AMD, enabling the latter to develop CPUs compatible with the x86 instruction set.

64-bit

PCI Express Configurations

PCI Express (PCIe) Configurations describe the available PCIe lane configurations that can be used to link to PCIe devices.

x1 (6) | x2 (4) | x4 (3)

Memory Specifications

Memory Type

Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.

LPDDR3 1333/1600; DDR3L/DDR3L-RS 1600

Max Memory Size

Max memory size refers to the maximum memory capacity supported by the processor.

16 GB

Memory Channels

The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.

Max Memory Bandwidth

Max Memory bandwidth is the maximum rate at which data can be read from or stored into a semiconductor memory by the processor (in GB/s).

25.6 GB/s

ECC Memory Supported

ECC Memory Supported indicates processor support for Error-Correcting Code memory. ECC memory is a type of system memory that can detect and correct common kinds of internal data corruption. Note that ECC memory support requires both processor and chipset support.

GPU Specifications

GPU Name

Intel® HD Graphics 5300

Graphics Base Frequency

Graphics Base frequency refers to the rated/guaranteed graphics render clock frequency in MHz.

300 MHz

Graphics Frequency

Graphics max dynamic frequency refers to the maximum opportunistic graphics render clock frequency (in MHz) that can be supported using Intel® HD Graphics with Dynamic Frequency feature.

800 MHz

Graphics Video Max Memory

16 GB

DirectX Support

DirectX* Support indicates support for a specific version of Microsoft’s collection of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) for handling multimedia compute tasks.

11.2/12

Max Resolution (HDMI)

Max Resolution (HDMI) is the maximum resolution supported by the processor via the HDMI interface (24bits per pixel & 60Hz). System or device display resolution is dependent on multiple system design factors; actual resolution may be lower on your system.

2560x1600@60Hz

Max Resolution (DP)

Max Resolution (DP) is the maximum resolution supported by the processor via the DP interface (24bits per pixel & 60Hz). System or device display resolution is dependent on multiple system design factors; actual resolution may be lower on your system.

2560x1600@60Hz

Number of Displays Supported

Graphics Output

Graphics Output defines the interfaces available to communicate with display devices.

eDP/DP/HDMI

Miscellaneous

Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x)

Intel® Virtualization Technology (VT-x) allows one hardware platform to function as multiple “virtual” platforms. It offers improved manageability by limiting downtime and maintaining productivity by isolating computing activities into separate partitions.

Yes

Intel Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d)

Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d) continues from the existing support for IA-32 (VT-x) and Itanium® processor (VT-i) virtualization adding new support for I/O-device virtualization. Intel VT-d can help end users improve security and reliability of the systems and also improve performance of I/O devices in virtualized environments.

Yes

Intel Standard Manageability (ISM)

Intel® Standard Manageability is the manageability solution for Intel vPro® Essentials platforms and is a subset of Intel® AMT with out-of-band management over Ethernet and Wi-Fi, but no KVM or new life cycle management features.

Intel® SSE4.1 | Intel® SSE4.2 | Intel® AVX2

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology is an advanced means of enabling high performance while meeting the power-conservation needs of mobile systems. Conventional Intel SpeedStep® Technology switches both voltage and frequency in tandem between high and low levels in response to processor load. Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology builds upon that architecture using design strategies such as Separation between Voltage and Frequency Changes, and Clock Partitioning and Recovery.

Yes

Execute Disable Bit

Execute Disable Bit is a hardware-based security feature that can reduce exposure to viruses and malicious-code attacks and prevent harmful software from executing and propagating on the server or network.

Yes

Cache

CPU Cache is an area of fast memory located on the processor. Intel® Smart Cache refers to the architecture that allows all cores to dynamically share access to the last level cache.

4 MB

Intel AES New Instructions

Intel® AES New Instructions (Intel® AES-NI) are a set of instructions that enable fast and secure data encryption and decryption. AES-NI are valuable for a wide range of cryptographic applications, for example: applications that perform bulk encryption/decryption, authentication, random number generation, and authenticated encryption.

Yes

Intel Clear Video HD Technology

Intel® Clear Video HD Technology, like its predecessor, Intel® Clear Video Technology, is a suite of image decode and processing technologies built into the integrated processor graphics that improve video playback, delivering cleaner, sharper images, more natural, accurate, and vivid colors, and a clear and stable video picture. Intel® Clear Video HD Technology adds video quality enhancements for richer color and more realistic skin tones.

Yes

Intel VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT)

Intel® VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT), also known as Second Level Address Translation (SLAT), provides acceleration for memory intensive virtualized applications. Extended Page Tables in Intel® Virtualization Technology platforms reduces the memory and power overhead costs and increases battery life through hardware optimization of page table management.

Yes

Intel InTru 3D Technology

Yes

Intel Flex Memory Access

Yes

Intel OS Guard

Yes

OpenGL Support

OpenGL (Open Graphics Library) is a cross-language, multi-platform API (Application Programming Interface) for rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics.

4.3

Intel Quick Sync Video

Intel® Quick Sync Video delivers fast conversion of video for portable media players, online sharing, and video editing and authoring.

Yes

Benchmarks

Geekbench 6

Single Core Score

593

Geekbench 6

Multi Core Score

1156

Geekbench 5

Single Core Score

484

Geekbench 5

Multi Core Score

1059

Passmark CPU

Single Core Score

1119

Passmark CPU

Multi Core Score

1906

Compared to Other CPU

Geekbench 6 Single Core

Ryzen Embedded R1102G

667 +12.5%

Core i7-2860QM

635 +7.1%

Core M-5Y10c

593

A6-6420K

558 -5.9%

Core i5-2300

518 -12.6%

Geekbench 6 Multi Core

Ryzen 3 3200U

1487 +28.6%

Core i3-5010U

1324 +14.5%

Core M-5Y10c

1156

Core i3-3130M

1036 -10.4%

Core i5-3427U

937 -18.9%

Geekbench 5 Single Core

Core i3-6102E

510 +5.4%

Core i3-5020U

498 +2.9%

Core M-5Y10c

484

Athlon X4 750

467 -3.5%

Celeron J4125

444 -8.3%

Geekbench 5 Multi Core

Phenom II X4 850

1207 +14%

Celeron G1840

1110 +4.8%

Core M-5Y10c

1059

Core i7-3517U

959 -9.4%

Core i5-3439Y

873 -17.6%

Passmark CPU Single Core

Xeon D-1537

1225 +9.5%

Celeron 1020M

1176 +5.1%

Core M-5Y10c

1119

A10-5757M

1074 -4%

Xeon E5-2609

1020 -8.8%

Passmark CPU Multi Core

Celeron J3455E

2193 +15.1%

Core i3-5005U

2016 +5.8%

Core M-5Y10c

1906

Pentium G2030

1742 -8.6%

A8-5545M

1575 -17.4%