CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-10310Y vs Intel Core i7-10510U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-10310Y is an ultra-low power mobile CPU designed for premium fanless tablets and compact 2-in-1 devices. Released in August 2019 alongside the 10210Y, it features four cores and eight threads on the 14nm Comet Lake-Y architecture. What sets this specific model apart is its slightly higher base clock of 1.1 GHz, providing a minor bump in sustained performance over its sibling, while still maintaining a strict 9W TDP. It can boost up to 4.1 GHz, ensuring snappy responsiveness during bursty tasks like application launches and web browsing. The processor includes 6MB of L3 cache and supports LPDDR3 memory to minimize power consumption. Designed for the most thermally constrained environments, it enables completely silent, passively cooled computing. While not suited for heavy workloads or gaming, it offers a smooth experience for everyday productivity, media consumption, and business tasks on the go, balancing efficiency with adequate multi-threaded headroom.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Slightly better sustained performance than 10210Y for office tasks.
Snappy performance for office applications and heavy multitasking.
Gaming
Not suitable for gaming beyond simple 2D applications.
Only suitable for very light or older games due to basic UHD integrated graphics.
Virtualization
Can handle light VMs but thermal limits restrict usage.
Capable of running light virtual machines but limited by 4 cores.
Efficiency
Exceptional power efficiency for all-day tablet battery life.
14nm process is less efficient than newer 10nm alternatives.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Low frequency limits CPU-based inference
- Lacks dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- Relies on CPU-based inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Basic UHD Graphics
- Passive cooling limits GPU boost
- LPDDR3 bandwidth is a bottleneck
- Relies on Intel UHD Graphics
- Can run esports titles on low settings
- Not recommended for AAA gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Fanless, completely silent operation
- Excellent battery life
- Slightly higher clocks than 10210Y
- Good burst performance
Cons
- Low base clock limits sustained work
- Uses older LPDDR3 memory
- Weak integrated graphics
- Expensive when new for the performance offered
Pros
- Strong single-core boost clocks
- Good for everyday productivity
- Supports Wi-Fi 6 CNVi
- Proven 14nm reliability
Cons
- Outdated 14nm process
- Basic integrated graphics
- End-of-life status
- Lower IPC than Ice Lake
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-10310Y
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10210YRival
Mobile (Fanless)
- Intel Core i7-1060NG7Rival
Mobile (Fanless)
- Intel Core m3-8100YRival
Mobile (Fanless)
- AMD Ryzen 3 4300URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-10110YRival
Mobile (Fanless)
Better graphics and 10nm efficiency.
Compare head-to-headBetter sustained performance if a fan is present.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Vastly superior performance and battery life.
Compare head-to-head - Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2Alt
Better ARM-based efficiency for tablets.
- Intel Core i5-1230YAlt
Modern Alder Lake architecture for fanless designs.
Intel Core i7-10510U
- AMD Ryzen 7 3750URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 4700URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-8665URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10210URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500URival
Mobile
Better graphics and newer 10nm architecture.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 4800UAlt
Significantly better multi-core performance.
11th Gen improvements in efficiency and IPC.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Vastly superior efficiency and performance.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Better overall performance and Xe graphics.
Our Verdict on Each
A marginally faster binned version of the 10210Y, offering slightly better sustained performance in fanless tablets.
Best for: Buying a used premium business tablet for travel.
Read the full reviewA dependable 14nm quad-core CPU that delivers strong single-core bursts for everyday tasks, though it lags behind newer architectures in efficiency and multi-threaded workloads.
Best for: For users considering a laptop powered by the Intel Core i7-10510U in the modern era, the primary appeal lies in the budget and refurbished markets. It is not recommended for new purchases, as newer processors offer significantly better efficiency and performance. However, if found at a steep discount, it remains a solid choice for students, office workers, and casual users who need a reliable machine for web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. Avoid this processor if your workflow involves heavy video editing, 3D rendering, or modern gaming, as its aging 14nm architecture and UHD integrated graphics lack the horsepower for demanding creative workloads or smooth frame rates.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-10310Y or Intel Core i7-10510U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-10510U comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-10310Y or Intel Core i7-10510U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-10510U leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Intel Core i5-10310Y and Intel Core i7-10510U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-10310Y has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-10310Y (9 W), Intel Core i7-10510U (25 W).
Do Intel Core i5-10310Y and Intel Core i7-10510U use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1440 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-10310Y posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-10310Y (5,600). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.