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Intel Core M-5Y70

Intel Core M-5Y70

Intel Core M-5Y70 in 2025: Is it worth buying a laptop with this processor?

Introduction: Ultra-Mobility as a Priority

The Intel Core M-5Y70, released in 2014–2015, became a symbol of the ultrabook era. Its key feature is minimal power consumption (TDP of 4.5 W) and passive cooling. But, a decade later, in 2025, should one consider devices on this platform? Let's delve into the details.

Architecture and Technology Process: Compactness at the Expense of Power

Broadwell Features

The processor is built on the Broadwell microarchitecture (5th generation Intel Core) with a 14 nm technology process. This was the first stage of evolution where Intel focused on reducing TDP for ultra-portable devices.

- Cores and Threads: 2 cores, 4 threads (Hyper-Threading). Base frequency is 1.1 GHz, turbo mode up to 2.6 GHz.

- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 5300 (24 EU, frequency 100–800 MHz). Supports 4K via DisplayPort.

- Cache: L3 — 4 MB.

What does this mean? Even at the time of its release, the Core M-5Y70 was not aimed at high performance. Its task was to handle basic tasks without active cooling.

Power Consumption and TDP: Silence and Autonomy

TDP 4.5 W: Pros and Cons

Such a low thermal design power allowed for the creation of fanless laptops. For instance, models like the Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro or the Apple MacBook 12" (2015) adopted a similar approach.

- Advantages:

- Complete silence.

- Reduced weight and thickness of the chassis.

- Disadvantages:

- Performance limitations under prolonged loads (throttling).

Important: In 2025, the TDP of modern processors, such as the Intel Core i5-1230U (9 W) or Apple M2 (20 W), is higher, but their efficiency far exceeds that of the Core M-5Y70.

Performance: What Can the Core M-5Y70 Do in 2025?

Real-World Use Cases

- Office Tasks:

- Document editing (Word, Excel), browsing (5-10 tabs) — acceptable, but possible slowdowns when launching background applications.

- Video calls (Zoom, Teams) — sufficient for basic quality, but without background filters.

- Multimedia:

- Streaming 4K (YouTube, Netflix) — handles it thanks to hardware decoding.

- Photo editing (Lightroom) — just for light corrections.

- Gaming:

- Older games (Half-Life 2, Minecraft at low settings) — 20-30 FPS.

- Modern titles — not recommended.

Turbo Boost Mode: Under brief loads, the frequency can rise to 2.6 GHz, but throttling starts within 1-2 minutes. For instance, video rendering in Handbrake would take 3-4 times longer than on a 12th generation Core i5.

Use Cases: Who Is the Core M-5Y70 Suitable For?

Ideal Audience

- Students: For lectures, note-taking, PDF work.

- Travelers: Lightweight laptop (1-1.3 kg) with 8-10 hours of battery life.

- Secondary Devices: As a complement to a primary PC for on-the-go tasks.

Not Suitable:

- Gamers and video editors.

- Users of heavy IDEs (Android Studio, Unity).

Example: A Dell XPS 13 (2015) with Core M-5Y70 can be found on refurbished marketplaces for $150–200. However, devices based on Intel N100 (2023) that are twice as powerful are available for $300–400.

Battery Life: How Long Will It Last?

Power-Saving Technologies

- Intel SpeedShift: Dynamic frequency management for quick transitions to low-power mode.

- C-States: Shutting down unused cores.

In Practice:

- Web surfing — 7-9 hours (40–50 Wh battery).

- Video playback — up to 6 hours.

Tip: In 2025, batteries in such devices are often worn out. Check the battery status before purchasing.

Comparison with Competitors: What Was and What Is

2015 Alternatives

- Intel Core i5-5200U (Broadwell, 15 W): 30-40% faster in multi-threaded tasks, but requires active cooling.

- AMD A6-8500P (Carrizo-L, 15 W): Weaker in single-threaded tests, but better graphics.

Modern Alternatives (2025)

- Intel Processor N100 (Alder Lake-N, 6 W): 4 cores, 3.4 GHz, TDP of 6 W. 2-3 times faster than Core M-5Y70.

- Apple M1 (2020): Single-threaded performance is 3 times higher, multi-threaded performance is 6 times higher.

Conclusion: The Core M-5Y70 is outdated even for basic tasks. Its justified niche is ultra-budget devices.

Pros and Cons: Balancing Capabilities

Strengths

- Silence and compactness.

- Support for 4K video.

- Low price on the second-hand market.

Weaknesses

- Low CPU and GPU performance.

- Throttling under load.

- Lack of support for modern standards (USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6E).

Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop

What to Look For in 2025?

1. Device Type: Ultrabook or 2-in-1 convertible. Avoid gaming and workstation models.

2. RAM: Minimum of 8 GB. Models with 4 GB (e.g., Asus UX305FA) are already unsuitable for Windows 11.

3. Storage: Only SSD. HDDs will slow down even basic tasks.

4. Price: Don't overpay. New budget laptops (like the HP Pavilion Aero 13 with Ryzen 5 7530U) cost $500–600 and offer modern technology.

Example of a Bad Choice: Buying a used MacBook 12" (2015) for $250. It's better to add $100 and get a refurbished iPad 9 + keyboard.

Final Conclusion: Who Is the Core M-5Y70 For?

This processor is a choice for those needing:

- An ultra-cheap laptop for text and internet usage.

- A passive cooling device for working quietly.

- A backup gadget for travel.

Key Benefits in 2025:

- Price below $200.

- Time-tested reliability (if the battery has been replaced).

Limitations:

- Not suitable for modern OS with high requirements (Windows 11, macOS Sonoma).

Conclusion: Nostalgia or Rationality?

The Intel Core M-5Y70 is a relic of the ultrabook era, relevant in 2025 only in exceptional cases. If your budget is strictly limited and your tasks minimal, it can be considered. However, for comfortable work, it's better to choose modern processors, even in the budget segment. Technology does not stand still, and today, for $300–400, one can obtain a device that outperforms the Core M-5Y70 in all aspects.

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Basic

Label Name
Intel
Platform
Mobile
Launch Date
September 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.
5Y70
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).
2
Total Threads
?
Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.
4
Basic Frequency
1.10 GHz
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.
2.60 GHz
Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 Frequency
2.60 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.
12
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.
4x1 | 2x4

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.
DDR3L 1333/1600 | LPDDR3 1333/1600
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.
2
Bus Speed
5 GT/s
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.
No

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.
100 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
3
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
650
Geekbench 6
Multi Core Score
1058
Geekbench 5
Single Core Score
525
Geekbench 5
Multi Core Score
901
Passmark CPU
Single Core Score
1081
Passmark CPU
Multi Core Score
1823

Compared to Other CPU

Geekbench 6 Single Core
Xeon D-1581
749 +15.2%
Core i7-3770S
694 +6.8%
Core M-5Y70
650
Core i7-2760QM
616 -5.2%
Core i5-2500S
573 -11.8%
Geekbench 6 Multi Core
A10-9700E
1354 +28%
Core i5-L16G7
1185 +12%
Core M-5Y70
1058
Phenom II X4 975 BE
950 -10.2%
Celeron G1840T
849 -19.8%
Geekbench 5 Single Core
Xeon W3670
562 +7%
Xeon D-1518
541 +3%
Core M-5Y70
525
A4-7300
509 -3%
Xeon Bronze 3206R
495 -5.7%
Geekbench 5 Multi Core
Core i7-2677M
1073 +19.1%
Pentium G870
1004 +11.4%
Core M-5Y70
901
A8-3510MX
840 -6.8%
Pentium B970
768 -14.8%
Passmark CPU Single Core
Core i5-2510E
1183 +9.4%
Opteron 6378
1127 +4.3%
Core M-5Y70
1081
Celeron G550T
1026 -5.1%
Celeron G530T
962 -11%
Passmark CPU Multi Core
Core i3-2125
2085 +14.4%
A8-6500T
1929 +5.8%
Core M-5Y70
1823
Pentium G2010
1620 -11.1%
Celeron 3867U
1460 -19.9%