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Intel Core M 5y31 Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£220
  • Avg. price in US: ~$280
  • PassMark benchmark result: 1891
  • N. of physical cores: 2
  • CPU boost clock speed: 2.4 GHz

Intel Core M 5y31 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.4

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.4

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.4

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

4.1

Performance

18.0%

4.5

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

3.1

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

7.4

Power & Thermal

4.0%

6.5

Platform

1.0%

6.1

Integrated Graphics

Poor
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 1.3
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.2

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    1.7

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.0

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.6

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.0

    N. of physical cores

  • 4.8
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    9.0

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.0

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    1.6

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    1.6

    L3 cache

  • No image
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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £220

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core M-5Y31 is an ultra-low voltage (ULV) dual-core SoC based on the 14nm Broadwell architecture, launched in late 2014. It features a base clock of 900 MHz with a Turbo Boost up to 2.4 GHz, 4 MB of L3 cache, and integrates Intel HD Graphics 5300 with 24 execution units. Its primary strength lies in its exceptional power efficiency, maintaining a standard TDP of just 4.5W (configurable from 3.5W to 6W), which allows for completely silent, fanless operation in extremely thin tablets and 2-in-1 laptops. However, its main drawbacks include significant performance degradation under sustained heavy workloads due to strict thermal and power limits, as well as very limited gaming capabilities that are only suitable for low-end or older titles.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core M 5y31

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

4.4
Intel Core M 5y31 has a technical score of 4.41 points, which is lower than that of 68% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.0
Intel Core M 5y31 has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.4

Overall score

40.0%

9.4

Price

5.9
Intel Core M 5y31 has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.9 points, which is lower than 69.8% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

mobile
Intel Core M 5y31 belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

FCBGA1234
Intel Core M 5y31 uses the FCBGA1234 CPU socket, which is older than that of 94% of processors and equal to that of 0.3% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core M 5y31 uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

2
Intel Core M 5y31 has 2 CPU cores, which is fewer than 79.3% of processors and equal to 20.6% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

4
Intel Core M 5y31 offers 4 CPU threads, which is fewer than 67.3% of processors and equal to 26.6% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

2
Intel Core M 5y31 offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

2.4 GHz
Intel Core M 5y31 reaches a boost clock of 2.4 GHz which is lower than that of 98.2% of processors and equal to that of 0.7% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

2 x 0.9 GHz
Intel Core M 5y31 has a base clock of 2x0.9 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
Show more
Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

14 nm
Intel Core M 5y31 uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 33.7% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 14 nm
Intel Core M 5y31 is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 29.3% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

4 MB
Intel Core M 5y31 has an L3 cache of 4 MB which is smaller than that of 70.2% of processors and equal to that of 14.6% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

0.5 MB
Intel Core M 5y31 has an L2 cache of 0.5 MB which is smaller than that of 84.8% of processors and equal to that of 15.2% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

128 KB
Intel Core M 5y31 has an L1 cache of 128 KB which is smaller than that of 83.1% of processors and equal to that of 14.9% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR3L/LPDDR3
Intel Core M 5y31 supports DDR DDR3L/LPDDR3, which is older than that of 83.2% of processors and equal to that of 0.8% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

1,600 MHz
Intel Core M 5y31 supports memory speeds up to 1600 MHz, which is lower than that of 87.3% of processors and equal to 11.3% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

1,600 MHz
Intel Core M 5y31 supports JEDEC memory speeds up to 1600 MHz, which is lower than that of 96.6% of processors and equal to 2.1% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

16 GB
Intel Core M 5y31 supports up to 16 GB of memory, which is less than 91.7% of processors and equal to 6.4% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core M 5y31 includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel HD Graphics 5300
Intel Core M 5y31 uses the Intel HD Graphics 5300 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 65.1% of processors and equal to that in 0.3% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

24
Intel Core M 5y31 has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.2% of processors and equal to 21.6% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

300 MHz
Intel Core M 5y31 has an integrated GPU clock of 300 MHz which is lower than that of 57% of processors and equal to that of 38.7% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

VP8 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode)
Intel Core M 5y31 supports VP8 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 74.7% of processors and equal to 0.1% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

4.5 W
Intel Core M 5y31 has a TDP of 4.5 W which is lower than that of 99.1% of processors and equal to that of 0.9% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

4.5 W
Intel Core M 5y31 has a base power of 4.5 W which is lower than that of 99.1% of processors and equal to that of 0.9% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

?
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

28 seconds
Intel Core M 5y31 has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

yes
Intel Core M 5y31 supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core M 5y31 vs the average processor

  • 90% lower base power
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower base power draw than the average processor (4.5 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower base power draw than the average processor (4.5 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.4.5 W vs 45 W
  • 53.9% smaller die size
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower die size than the average processor (82 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
    What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
    When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <150 mm²

    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower die size than the average processor (82 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².82 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • 90% lower TDP
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower TDP than the average processor (4.5 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
    When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower TDP than the average processor (4.5 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.4.5 W vs 45 W
  • 5 °C lower CPU temperature
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (95 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
    What it is: The reported operating temperature of the processor.
    When it matters: When you monitor thermals, cooling, or system stability.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <100 °C

    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (95 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.95 °C vs 100 °C
  • Supports HMP
    Intel Core M 5y31 supports HMP, the average processor does not.
    What it is: Uses heterogeneous multi-processing to coordinate different core types together.
    When it matters: When hybrid-core scheduling behavior matters for efficiency, workload balancing, or lower-level software behavior.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core M 5y31 supports HMP, the average processor does not.
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core M 5y31 has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2 MB/core

    Intel Core M 5y31 has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • Supports HMP
    Intel Core M 5y31 supports HMP, the average processor does not.
  • 53.9% smaller die size
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower die size than the average processor (82 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core M 5y31 has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • 90% lower base power
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower base power draw than the average processor (4.5 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 90% lower TDP
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower TDP than the average processor (4.5 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 5 °C lower CPU temperature
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower CPU temperature than the average processor (95 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.

Total
Platform
Cache & Architecture
Power & Thermal
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core M 5y31 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • 6 year/s older release date
    Intel Core M 5y31 has an older release date than the average processor (2,014 vs 2,020).
    October 2014
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core M 5y31 uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,234 vs FP2).
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core M 5y31 does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 50.4% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,231 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 44.2% lower boost clock
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (2.4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 55.6% lower single-core score
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (653 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 4 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core M 5y31 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 82% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (1,891 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core M 5y31 has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 37.5% lower bus speed
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower bus speed than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
  • 19 lower clock multiplier
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (9 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • 80% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 66.7% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (128 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core M 5y31 has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • 50% smaller L3 cache
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (4 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 73.7% fewer transistors
    Intel Core M 5y31 has fewer transistors than the average processor (1.3 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core M 5y31 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Broadwell vs Kaby Lake).
  • 44.1% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 45.4% lower memory speed
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (1,600 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • Older PCIe version
    Intel Core M 5y31 supports an older PCIe version than the average processor (2 vs 3.0).
  • 4 fewer PCIe lanes
    Intel Core M 5y31 has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (12 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core M 5y31 supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3L/LPDDR3 vs DDR4).
  • 75% less memory capacity
    Intel Core M 5y31 has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (16 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    Intel Core M 5y31 supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x4 vs x16, x8/x8).
  • 5 °C lower TJ Max
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower TJ Max than the average processor (95 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
  • 50.4% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,231 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,231 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,231 vs 2,483
  • 44.2% lower boost clock
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (2.4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (2.4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.2.4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 55.6% lower single-core score
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (653 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (653 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.653 vs 1,471
  • 4 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core M 5y31 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core M 5y31 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.2 vs 6
  • 82% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (1,891 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
    When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >19000

    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (1,891 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.1,891 vs 10,532.5
  • 80% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Intel Core M 5y31 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core M 5y31 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
    When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core M 5y31 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).MMX, SSE, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core M 5y31 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core M 5y31 has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.14 nm vs 12 nm
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core M 5y31 and other processors

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core M 5y31?

  • Extremely low power consumption (4.5W TDP) which enables long battery life in thin devices
  • Supports fanless, passive cooling, allowing for silent and ultra-thin laptop and tablet designs
  • Reliable performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, office applications, and multimedia playback
  • Capable of high 'Turbo' clock speed bursts (up to 2.4 GHz) for snappy application launching
  • Integrated Intel HD Graphics 5300 supports modern APIs like DirectX 11.2 and OpenCL 2.0

What customers dislike about Intel Core M 5y31?

  • Significant performance degradation under continuous heavy load due to aggressive thermal throttling
  • Unsuitable for modern gaming, with most titles only playable on the lowest settings
  • Poor choice for demanding professional tasks such as video editing, media encoding, or large software compilation
  • Base clock speed is very low (0.9 GHz), which can lead to a sluggish feel during sustained background processes
  • Susceptible to heating up quickly despite its low wattage, which triggers the frequency drop

Expert reviews

U
uk.pcmag.com
09/04/2015
Apple MacBook (2015) - PCMag UK

The 2015 12-inch Apple MacBook is an ultra-portable, 1.98-pound device featuring a high-resolution Retina Display and a fanless, compact design available in three colors. Key pros include its extreme portability, impressive battery life exceeding 14 hours, and a vibrant screen that challenges the MacBook Pro. However, the notebook sacrifices performance, utilizing an Intel Core M...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
30/03/2026
Intel Core M-5Y31 @ 0.90GHz - CPU Benchmarks Would you like to see a performance comparison between this model and newer Intel Core m3 or m5 versions?

The Intel Core M-5Y31 is a 14nm Broadwell-based, dual-core processor designed for fanless, ultra-thin devices, featuring a low 4.5W TDP that enables silent operation. While it offers decent burst performance via a 2.40 GHz turbo boost, the primary constraint is aggressive thermal throttling under sustained loads, severely limiting its capability for heavy tasks. Ultimately, this...Read more

H
hothardware.com
15/06/2015
Apple MacBook 12-Inch (Early 2015) Review - Laptops

The HotHardware review of the early 2015 12-inch MacBook positions the device as a "groundbreaking" yet divisive "concept product" designed for an ultra-portable future. Pros highlighted include the exceptionally thin, 2.03 lb design, a "stunning" Retina display, silent fanless operation, and high-speed PCIe flash storage. Conversely, cons include severe connectivity limitations...Read more

M
macworld.com
01/05/2015
1.1 GHz Apple MacBook (early 2015) review - Macworld

The Macworld review of the early 2015 1.1 GHz MacBook highlights a,, device defined by extreme portability, featuring a stunning 12-inch Retina display and an innovative, responsive Force Touch trackpad. The machine’s primary advantages include its exceptionally light, fanless design at just 2.03 pounds, though the new "butterfly" keyboard requires user adjustment. Conversely, the...Read more

A
alphr.com
28/04/2015
Apple MacBook (12-inch, 2015) review: The best sub-1kg laptop

The 12-inch Apple MacBook (2015) is characterized by its sub-1kg, highly portable design, offering a comfortable user experience with impressive speakers and a quality display. While designed for mobility, it sacrifices performance for this slim form factor, with processing and graphics power lagging behind more robust models like the MacBook Pro. Ultimately, it is a specialized...Read more

C
cnet.com
22/04/2015
Intel Core M systems compared: Benchmarking the 12-inch MacBook and its Windows competition

CNET testing of Intel’s Core M processor shows it successfully enables ultra-thin, fanless, and silent hybrid laptops, exemplified by the slim Asus Transformer Book T300 Chi. While offering superior performance to older chips, the architecture underperforms compared to contemporary, thicker laptops using Core i3, i5, or i7 processors. Key drawbacks include shorter-than-expected...Read more

U
uk.pcmag.com
01/06/2016
Apple MacBook (2015) - PCMag UK Do you need benchmark data or a comparison between the Core M-5Y31 and a more modern equivalent?

The 2015 Apple MacBook is lauded as a design marvel, offering extreme portability with a 2-pound chassis, a 12-inch Retina display, and a fanless Intel Core M processor that ensures silent operation. Key advantages include its compact form factor, high-quality screen, and over 14 hours of battery life. However, the device sacrifices functionality for design, featuring only a single...Read more

C
computerwoche.de
23/05/2015
The Minimalist Notebook: Apple MacBook 12 Review

The 2015 12-inch Apple MacBook is lauded as an ultra-portable, 920-gram device featuring a brilliant Retina display, silent fanless operation, and a precise Force Touch trackpad. Its premium aluminum design and exceptional battery life make it an ideal, stylish companion for travelers prioritizing weight and aesthetics. However, the machine faces significant criticism for its...Read more

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A
apfelhirn.de
11/08/2015
MacBook 12" (Early 2015) Review: Vanished into Thin Air", "MacBook 12" (Early 2015) Review: Thinned Down

The Apfelhirn review of the early 2015 12-inch MacBook highlights its design-first philosophy, praising the ultra-portable 920g aluminum chassis, fanless design, and the high-resolution 12-inch Retina display. Key features include an innovative Force Touch trackpad and surprisingly good speakers, though the device is limited to a single USB-C port for all connectivity. Performance...Read more

(Translated)Show original
M
macg.co
05/05/2015
Test du MacBook 12" début 2015 Core M 1,1 GHz

The 12-inch MacBook (Early 2015) with a 1.1 GHz Core M processor represents a bold leap toward extreme portability, featuring a fanless design that ensures silent operation at just 13.1 mm thick and 900 grams. The machine’s primary pros include a brilliant Retina display (2304×1440) and a versatile Force Touch trackpad, though these are balanced by significant cons: a polarizing,...Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
cpu-monkey.com
02/01/2026
Intel Core m5-6Y57 vs Intel Core M-5Y31 - Benchmarks and Specifications

The Intel Core m5-6Y57 (Skylake) offers higher performance over the Core M-5Y31 (Broadwell), featuring superior turbo speeds (2.8 GHz vs 2.4 GHz) and roughly 20% faster multi-thread performance, with added advantages in PCIe 3.0 support and memory bandwidth. While the m5-6Y57 has higher peak performance, it is highly susceptible to thermal throttling under continuous load,...Read more

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V
valid.x86.fr
N/A
CPU-Z Benchmark for Intel Core M-5Y31 (Single-Thread)

The CPU-Z validation for the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D highlights an 8-core, 16-thread processor on the AM5 platform featuring 32GB of DDR5 memory and 96MB of L3 cache, operating with a 4.2 GHz base and 5.0 GHz boost clock. Key advantages include exceptional gaming efficiency, outperforming competitors in specific titles with significantly lower power consumption (approx. 43W during...Read more

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T
tomshw.it
26/05/2015
Performance - Tom's Hardware

The Lenovo ThinkPad X250 is a 12.5-inch business ultraportable featuring a durable MIL-SPEC design and the "Power Bridge" battery system, which enables over 15 hours of runtime with the extended 6-cell battery. It offers strong performance with 5th-gen Intel processors, a comfortable keyboard, and a robust selection of ports, including VGA and Ethernet. While pros include excellent...Read more

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