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Intel Core M-5Y31

Intel Core M-5Y31 in 2025: An Outdated Chip for Narrow Tasks

Broadwell Architecture, 14 nm, TDP 4.5 W—Is It Worth Buying a Laptop with Such a Processor?

Architecture and Technology Process: Compactness at the Expense of Power

The Intel Core M-5Y31 processor, released in 2015, is based on the Broadwell microarchitecture and 14-nm technology process. It is a dual-core chip with Hyper-Threading support (4 threads) and a base frequency of 0.9 GHz. In turbo mode, the frequency can rise to 2.4 GHz, but only briefly due to the limited TDP.

Key Features:

- Graphics: Integrated iGPU Intel HD Graphics 5300 with 24 execution units and a frequency of up to 850 MHz. Supports 4K output via DisplayPort, but struggles with modern games.

- Cache: 4 MB L3 cache—modest even for office tasks in 2025.

The 14-nm technology process looks archaic in 2025 compared to 5-nm (Apple M2) or 3-nm (AMD Zen 5) chips. However, at the time, it allowed the creation of ultra-thin laptops without active cooling.

Power Consumption and TDP: Quiet Operation, but Limitations

The 4.5 W TDP is the main advantage of the Core M-5Y31. Thanks to its low thermal output, the chip is used in passively cooled devices, such as:

- Convertibles (e.g., Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro);

- Ultrabooks (Dell XPS 13 2015).

However, in 2025, similar TDPs are demonstrated by more powerful processors, such as the Intel Alder Lake-Y (7 W) or AMD Ryzen 3 7320U (8 W).

Performance: Only Basic Tasks

According to Geekbench 6, the chip scores 666 points in single-threaded and 1244 in multi-threaded tests. For comparison, the budget Intel N100 (2023) shows 1100/3300 points.

Real-World Scenarios:

- Office Work: Word, Excel, browser with 5-10 tabs—acceptable, but lag may occur when running Zoom simultaneously.

- Multimedia: Watching Full HD video (4K with stuttering), light editing in Shotcut—only short clips.

- Gaming: Minecraft on low settings (25-30 FPS), Stardew Valley—stable. Modern AAA titles are inaccessible.

Turbo Mode: Frequency up to 2.4 GHz is activated for 10-20 seconds, after which throttling begins. In games, this leads to sharp drops in FPS.

Use Cases: Who is the Chip Relevant for in 2025?

The Core M-5Y31 is suitable only for two categories of users:

1. Students—for note-taking, web browsing, and Netflix.

2. Secondary Devices—a compact laptop for travel.

Not suitable for:

- Photo/video editing (even in Lightroom—long processing);

- Programming (Android Studio, Docker);

- Multitasking (simultaneous work with 10+ tabs and apps).

Battery Life: Up to 8 Hours, But There Are Nuances

Thanks to the 4.5 W TDP, laptops with Core M-5Y31 in 2025 can operate for 6-8 hours under:

- Screen brightness of 50%;

- Power-saving mode;

- Activity: browser, documents, music.

Energy Efficiency Technologies:

- Intel SpeedStep—dynamic frequency scaling;

- C-States—turning off unused cores.

However, modern processors (e.g., Apple M1) provide double the performance at similar battery life.

Comparison with Competitors: Weak Even Against Budget Chips

- AMD Ryzen 3 7320U (4 cores/8 threads, 8 W): +80% in multi-threading, DDR5 support.

- Apple M1 (8 cores, 10 W): 4 times faster in rendering, up to 15 hours of battery life.

- Intel N100 (4 cores, 6 W): twice the performance, laptops from $250.

Conclusion: The Core M-5Y31 falls short even against the cheapest modern chips.

Pros and Cons

Strengths:

- Passive cooling—absolute silence;

- Ultra-compact device sizes (thickness starting from 12 mm);

- Low price—laptops starting from $200 (new models in 2025, if any remain).

Weaknesses:

- Low performance for modern OS (Windows 11 demands resources);

- Throttling under prolonged loads;

- Lack of support for modern standards (Wi-Fi 6, PCIe 4.0).

Laptop Choice Recommendations

If you are still considering a device with Core M-5Y31 in 2025, pay attention to:

1. Type of Storage: Only SSD (NVMe preferred over SATA).

2. RAM: Minimum of 8 GB (4 GB is unacceptable for Windows 11).

3. Screen: Full HD IPS—HD (1366x768) is outdated even for office use in 2025.

Example 2025 Models (if available):

- Chuwi Minibook X—8 GB/256 GB, $220;

- Teclast F6 Pro—12-inch screen, 8 GB/512 GB, $270.

Important! For $300-400, you can buy a laptop with Intel N100 or AMD Ryzen 3 7320U—they will last longer.

Final Conclusion: Who is the Core M-5Y31 Suitable for in 2025?

This processor is a relic of the past. It should only be considered if:

- You need a super-budget laptop for text and YouTube;

- Absolute silence is critically important (e.g., for recording lectures).

Key Benefits: affordability and portability. However, even in 2025, the market offers more balanced options. Think twice before buying a device with Core M-5Y31—it's likely better to pay extra for a modern chip.

If you find a laptop with this processor priced below $200 and are willing to accept the limitations—it may serve as a temporary solution. But for long-term use, look for alternatives.

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.

5Y31

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

900 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.

2.40 GHz

Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 Frequency

2.40 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.

850 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

666

Geekbench 6

Multi Core Score

1244

Geekbench 5

Single Core Score

531

Geekbench 5

Multi Core Score

1061

Passmark CPU

Single Core Score

1256

Passmark CPU

Multi Core Score

1907

Compared to Other CPU

Geekbench 6 Single Core

Xeon E5-2658 v4

776 +16.5%

Core i7-3770K

722 +8.4%

Core M-5Y31

666

Core i7-3770T

631 -5.3%

Pentium G3450

591 -11.3%

Geekbench 6 Multi Core

A10-9700

1552 +24.8%

Ryzen 3 2200G

1420 +14.1%

Core M-5Y31

1244

Athlon II X4 651

1109 -10.9%

A8 PRO-7600B

979 -21.3%

Geekbench 5 Single Core

Xeon E7-4850 v4

568 +7%

Core i5-3340S

551 +3.8%

Core M-5Y31

531

Xeon W3530

518 -2.4%

Xeon E7-8870 v4

503 -5.3%

Geekbench 5 Multi Core

EPYC 7281

1212 +14.2%

Core i5-3437U

1120 +5.6%

Core M-5Y31

1061

Core i3-5015U

966 -9%

A6-3410MX

876 -17.4%

Passmark CPU Single Core

Pentium G850

1355 +7.9%

Pentium G640

1301 +3.6%

Core M-5Y31

1256

Celeron 6305

1200 -4.5%

Celeron 2950M

1141 -9.2%

Passmark CPU Multi Core

Core i3-5010U

2195 +15.1%

Core i3-2102

2029 +6.4%

Core M-5Y31

1907

Pentium G3250T

1754 -8%

Celeron G1840T

1576 -17.4%