Intel Core i5-8250U vs Intel Core i3-8121U

Intel Core i5-8250U or Intel Core i5-8250U – which processor offers superior performance? In this comparison, we examine disparities and assess which of these two CPUs outperforms the other. We delve into technical specifications and benchmark outcomes.
The Intel Core i5-8250U features 4 processor cores and has the capability to manage 8 threads concurrently.
It was released in Q3/2017 and belongs to the 8 generation of the Intel Core i5 series.
To use the Intel Core i5-8250U, you'll need a motherboard with a BGA 1356 socket.
The Intel Core i3-8121U features 2 processor cores and has the capability to manage 4 threads concurrently.
It was released in Q2/2018 and belongs to the 8 generation of the Intel Core i3 series.
To use the Intel Core i3-8121U, you'll need a motherboard with a BGA 1356 socket.

The Intel Core i5-8250U has 4 CPU cores and can calculate 8 threads in parallel.
The clock frequency of the Intel Core i5-8250U is 1.6 GHz
and turbo frequency for one core is 3.4 GHz.
The Intel Core i3-8121U has 2 CPU cores and can calculate 4 threads in parallel.
The clock frequency of the Intel Core i3-8121U is 2.2 GHz
and turbo frequency for one core is 3.2 GHz.

The Intel Core i5-8250U has integrated graphics, called iGPU for short.
Specifically, the Intel Core i5-8250U uses the Intel UHD Graphics 620, which has 192 texture shaders
and 24 execution units.
The iGPU uses the system's main memory as graphics memory and sits on the processor's die.
The Intel Core i3-8121U does not have integrated graphics.

A photo or video codec that is accelerated in hardware can greatly accelerate the working speed of a processor and extend the battery life of notebooks or smartphones when playing videos.

The processor supports a maximum memory capacity of 32.0 GB distributed across 2 memory channels. It offers a peak memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. Both the type and quantity of memory can have a substantial impact on the overall system performance.

The processor has a thermal design power (TDP) of 15 W watts.
TDP indicates the cooling solution needed to effectively manage the processor's heat. It generally provides an approximate indication of the actual power consumption of the CPU itself.

The Intel Core i5-8250U is manufactured using a 14 nm process.
A smaller manufacturing process indicates a more contemporary and energy-efficient CPU.
In total, this processor boasts a generous 6.0 MB cache.
A substantial cache can significantly enhance the processor's performance, particularly in scenarios like gaming.
The Intel Core i3-8121U is manufactured using a 10 nm process.
In total, this processor boasts a generous 4.0 MB cache.