Intel Core m3-6Y30
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
Integrated GPUAt a Glance
IntelIntel Core m3-6Y30 Specifications
Core m3-6Y30 Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Core m3-6Y30 features 2 physical cores and 4 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.
m3-6Y30 Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Core m3-6Y30 benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Core m3-6Y30 by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Core m3-6Y30 Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the m3-6Y30 processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Core m3-6Y30's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
Skylake Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The Intel Core m3-6Y30 is built on Intel's 14 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in m3-6Y30 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Skylake Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Core m3-6Y30 by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.
m3-6Y30 Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Core m3-6Y30 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 5W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.
Intel BGA 1515 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Core m3-6Y30 uses the Intel BGA 1515 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.
Intel BGA 1515 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the m3-6Y30 define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Core m3-6Y30 determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.
Intel's Core m3-6Y30 Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The Intel Core m3-6Y30 includes integrated graphics, eliminating the need for a dedicated GPU in basic computing scenarios. Integrated graphics are ideal for office productivity, video playback, and light gaming. While not designed for demanding GPU benchmarks, the iGPU in the m3-6Y30 provides hardware video encoding and decoding capabilities. This makes the processor suitable for compact builds, HTPCs, and systems where power efficiency is prioritized over gaming performance.
Core m3-6Y30 Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Core m3-6Y30 is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Core m3-6Y30 by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
Core m3-6Y30 Benchmark Scores
cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource
Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how Intel Core m3-6Y30 performs in parallel rendering workloads like video production and 3D animation. Higher scores mean faster render times in professional applications.
Top 5 Performers
Top 5 PerformersNearby Performers
Nearby Performerscinebench_cinebench_r20_multicoreSource
Cinebench R20 multi-core uses a scene requiring 4x more computational power than R15. This test better reflects modern CPU capabilities for professional rendering on Intel Core m3-6Y30.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R20 single-core tests one thread against a more demanding scene than R15. This reveals the true single-thread rendering capability of Intel Core m3-6Y30.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicoreSource
Cinebench R23 multi-core is the current standard for CPU rendering benchmarks with a 10-minute minimum runtime. This extended test reveals sustained performance of Intel Core m3-6Y30 after thermal limits kick in.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Core m3-6Y30 maintains boost clocks under continuous load.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
About Intel Core m3-6Y30
The Intel Core m3-6Y30 is a 2-core, 4-thread Skylake-Y mobile processor designed for extreme power efficiency. Its benchmark data reveals a part that trades raw performance for a remarkably low 5W TDP, placing it at the 15th percentile of all CPUs. The average benchmark score of 637 places it in a statistical dead heat with a group of older desktop and mobile processors, indicating that its performance class is defined by efficiency rather than outright speed.
Benchmark Performance
The m3-6Y30’s benchmark results consistently show a processor built for light, bursty workloads. In Cinebench R23, it scores 1852 points in multi-core and 261 points in single-core. The multi-core score is approximately 7.1x the single-core score, which is a typical ratio for a dual-core part with Hyper-Threading. In the older Cinebench R20 test, the multi-core score of 777 contrasts sharply with the single-core score of 109, reinforcing the same performance profile.
The most telling data point is the comparison to its nearest rivals. The m3-6Y30 has an average score of 637, which is virtually identical to the AMD Phenom II X4 920 (637, delta -0.1%), the Intel Pentium G3450 (638, delta -0.1%), and the Intel Core i7-3517U (636, delta 0.2%). This places the m3-6Y30 within a 0.3% performance band of these processors. The data shows that despite being a modern 14nm part, its performance ceiling is similar to a quad-core Phenom II from 2009 or a dual-core Pentium from 2014. The m3-6Y30 does edge out the AMD Athlon II X4 630 by 0.3%, but this is a negligible margin. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the score of 186 points further confirms its position at the low end of the performance spectrum.
Power and Thermals
The defining characteristic of the m3-6Y30 is its 5W TDP. This is an extraordinarily low power envelope, classifying it as a fanless or ultra-low-power design. The implication for cooling is that a simple passive heatsink or a very small, low-speed fan is sufficient. This TDP allows for extremely thin and light laptop chassis, but it also sets a hard limit on sustained performance. The processor’s base clock of 900 MHz and boost clock of 2.20 GHz reflect this thermal budget; the boost clock can only be maintained for short bursts before power and thermal limits force a reduction. The data suggests that any sustained all-core workload will cause the processor to settle near its base clock, making the 5W TDP the primary bottleneck for performance.
How It Compares
vs. AMD Phenom II X4 920: The m3-6Y30 matches the Phenom II X4 920 with a delta of -0.1%. This is remarkable given the architectural differences: the Phenom II is a 45nm quad-core desktop chip with a much higher power draw, while the m3-6Y30 is a 14nm dual-core mobile chip. The benchmark data shows that modern efficiency can compensate for fewer cores and a lower clock speed, resulting in equal average performance.
vs. Intel Pentium G3450: The Pentium G3450 scores 638, putting it 0.1% ahead of the m3-6Y30. This is a statistical tie. The Pentium is a desktop part with a higher TDP and clock speed, but the m3-6Y30’s newer architecture and Hyper-Threading allow it to nearly match the Pentium’s dual-core, dual-thread performance. The data indicates that the m3-6Y30 offers comparable single-threaded responsiveness but falls slightly behind in multi-threaded tasks.
vs. Intel Core i7-3517U: The i7-3517U, a 2012-era 17W ultrabook processor, scores 636, placing it 0.2% behind the m3-6Y30. This is a notable result. The i7-3517U has the same core/thread count but a much higher TDP and clock speed. The m3-6Y30’s newer Skylake architecture delivers better instructions-per-clock, allowing it to slightly outperform the older i7 despite a 12W TDP disadvantage. The data shows that architectural efficiency can overcome a significant power envelope gap.
vs. AMD Athlon II X4 630: The Athlon II X4 630 scores 635, which is 0.3% behind the m3-6Y30. This is the largest delta among its nearest rivals, yet still a marginal difference. The Athlon II is a quad-core desktop chip from 2009. The m3-6Y30’s dual-core design with Hyper-Threading is enough to match and slightly exceed the older AMD part, demonstrating that core count alone does not dictate performance.
Platform and Compatibility
The m3-6Y30 uses the Intel BGA 1515 socket, which means it is soldered directly to the motherboard and is not upgradeable. It is based on the Skylake architecture, specifically the Skylake-Y codename, built on Intel’s 14nm process node. The processor supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a maximum memory bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported. For expansion, it provides PCIe Gen 3 with 10 lanes from the CPU. The integrated graphics are the Intel HD 515, which is sufficient for basic display output and video playback. The production status is end-of-life, and the launch MSRP was $281. The upgrade path is non-existent in the traditional sense; users are limited to the motherboard the processor is soldered to.
FAQ
Q: What is the performance class of the Intel Core m3-6Y30?
A: The m3-6Y30 has an average benchmark score of 637, placing it at the 15th percentile of all CPUs. It performs on par with the AMD Phenom II X4 920 and Intel Pentium G3450, with deltas of -0.1% each.
Q: How does the m3-6Y30 compare to the Intel Core i7-3517U?
A: The m3-6Y30 scores 637, which is 0.2% higher than the i7-3517U’s score of 636. This indicates the newer Skylake architecture provides a slight performance edge over the older Ivy Bridge part despite a much lower TDP.
Q: What type of cooling does the m3-6Y30 require?
A: With a TDP of 5W, the m3-6Y30 can be cooled by a passive heatsink or a very small low-speed fan. This TDP class is designed for fanless or ultra-thin laptop designs.
Q: Can the m3-6Y30 be upgraded?
A: No. The processor uses the Intel BGA 1515 socket, which is a ball-grid array soldered to the motherboard. It is not a socketed processor and cannot be removed or replaced.
Q: What is the maximum single-core performance of the m3-6Y30?
A: In Cinebench R23 single-core, the m3-6Y30 scores 261 points. In Cinebench R20 single-core, it scores 109 points. These scores are consistent with its low base clock of 900 MHz and boost clock of 2.20 GHz.
Q: What memory does the m3-6Y30 support?
A: It supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration, with a maximum memory bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported.
Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior
The m3-6Y30 exhibits a significant split between its single-thread and multi-thread performance. In Cinebench R23, the single-core score is 261, while the multi-core score is 1852. The multi-core score is roughly 7.1x higher, which is the expected scaling for a 2-core processor with 4 threads. This indicates that the processor’s dual-core design is fully utilized in multi-threaded workloads, but the absolute scores are low. The single-core score of 261 is the more telling metric for everyday use. It is high enough for responsive basic tasks like web browsing and word processing, but it is far below the scores of modern desktop processors. The multi-core score of 1852 is similarly low, meaning that any heavy multi-threaded task, such as video encoding or 3D rendering, will take a very long time. The data suggests that the m3-6Y30 is balanced in the sense that both single and multi-thread performance are limited by the same 5W TDP, but the real-world implication is that the processor is only suited for light, short-duration tasks.
Who Should Consider It
The m3-6Y30 is a processor for specific, low-demand scenarios. For gaming, the data does not support it. Its average score of 637 and 15th percentile ranking indicate that it will struggle with any modern 3D game, especially those requiring multi-core performance. The integrated Intel HD 515 graphics further limit gaming capability. For content creation, the m3-6Y30 is not recommended. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 1852 is far too low for video editing, 3D rendering, or large photo processing. These workloads require sustained high clock speeds and multiple cores, which the 5W TDP prevents. For office and productivity use, the m3-6Y30 is a viable option. Tasks like email, spreadsheets, document editing, and web browsing are primarily single-threaded and bursty. The single-core score of 261 in Cinebench R23 is sufficient for these tasks, and the low power draw allows for long battery life in a lightweight chassis. The m3-6Y30 is best suited for a secondary or travel laptop where battery life and portability are prioritized over performance. It is not a primary workstation processor.
The AMD Equivalent of Core m3-6Y30
Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 5 1400 offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.
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