How Does the Intel Core i5-8250U Perform?

The Intel Core i5-8250U is a quad-core processor designed for ultrabooks and laptops, offering a blend of performance and energy efficiency. Launched in 2017, it features improved multi-core capabilities over its predecessors, making it suitable for a variety of tasks from everyday computing to light gaming.

Table of Contents

What is the Overview of the Intel Core i5-8250U?

The Intel Core i5-8250U is part of Intel’s 8th generation Kaby Lake Refresh family, released in August 2017. It was designed to enhance performance in thin and light laptops, featuring four cores and eight threads, which marked a significant upgrade from previous dual-core models.

2024 Best 5 Mini PCs Under $500

Best Mini PCs Under $500	Description	Amazon URL
Beelink S12 Pro Mini PC	Intel 12th Gen Alder Lake-N100, 16GB RAM, 500GB SSD, supports 4K dual display.	View on Amazon
ACEMAGICIAN Mini Gaming PC	AMD Ryzen 7 5800U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, supports 4K triple display.	View on Amazon
GMKtec Mini PC M5 Plus	AMD Ryzen 7 5825U, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, features WiFi 6E and dual LAN.	View on Amazon
Maxtang ALN50 Mini PC	Intel Core i3-N305, up to 32GB RAM, compact design with multiple connectivity options.	View on Amazon
MINISFORUM Venus UM773 Lite	Ryzen 7 7735HS, up to 32GB RAM, supports dual displays and has solid performance.	View on Amazon

Key Features:

Feature	Specification
Cores	4
Threads	8
Base Clock Speed	1.6 GHz
Turbo Boost Speed	3.4 GHz
TDP	15 W
Cache	6 MB

This architecture allows for better multitasking and improved performance in applications that can utilize multiple cores.

How Does the Intel Core i5-8250U Compare to Previous Generations?

Compared to its predecessors like the i5-7200U and i7-7500U, the i5-8250U offers substantial improvements in both single-core and multi-core performance due to its additional cores and threads.

Performance Comparison Chart:

Processor	Cores	Threads	Cinebench R15 (Multi)	Geekbench 4 (Multi)
i5-7200U	2	4	~326 cb	~6790
i7-7500U	2	4	~338 cb	~8070
i5-8250U	4	8	~486 cb	~12243

These enhancements make the i5-8250U a competitive option for users needing more power for multitasking and demanding applications.

What are the Key Specifications of the Intel Core i5-8250U?

The i5-8250U is built on a 14nm process technology, supporting dual-channel DDR4 memory up to 2400 MHz. Its integrated graphics, Intel UHD Graphics 620, provides decent performance for everyday tasks and light gaming.

Detailed Specifications:

Specification	Details
Lithography	14 nm
Max Memory Support	DDR4/LPDDR3
Integrated Graphics	Intel UHD Graphics 620
Max Temperature	100 °C

These specifications ensure that it remains an efficient choice for ultrabooks focused on battery life without sacrificing performance.

How Well Does the Intel Core i5-8250U Perform in Benchmarks?

In benchmark tests, the i5-8250U consistently outperforms older dual-core processors. It excels particularly in multi-threaded applications due to its higher core count.

Benchmark Results Chart:

Benchmark	Score
Cinebench R15 (Multi)	~486 cb
Geekbench 4 (Single)	~4194
Passmark CPU Test	~7920

These results indicate that while it may not match high-end desktop CPUs, it offers solid performance for its class, making it suitable for most users’ needs.

What is the Gaming Performance of the Intel Core i5-8250U?

While primarily designed for productivity tasks, the i5-8250U can handle light gaming. With integrated graphics, it can run less demanding games at lower settings effectively.

Gaming Performance Chart:

Game	Settings	FPS Range
Grand Theft Auto V	Low-Medium	~30 – 60 FPS
Fortnite	Low	~40 FPS
Overwatch	Low	~50 FPS

For more graphically intensive games or higher settings, users may experience limitations due to thermal throttling and integrated graphics constraints.

Industrial News

The demand for efficient processors like the Intel Core i5-8250U continues as remote work becomes more prevalent. Manufacturers are focusing on producing laptops that combine strong performance with energy efficiency, appealing to professionals who require reliable machines for everyday tasks. The trend indicates a sustained interest in ultrabooks featuring this processor due to its balance of power and battery life.

Expert Views

“While not a gaming powerhouse, the Intel Core i5-8250U strikes an excellent balance between performance and efficiency,” says a technology analyst. “Its four-core design allows it to handle multitasking effectively, making it a great choice for students and professionals alike who need reliable performance on-the-go.”

FAQ Section

What are the main features of the Intel Core i5-8250U?
The i5-8250U features four cores, eight threads, a base clock speed of 1.6 GHz with Turbo Boost up to 3.4 GHz, and supports DDR4 memory.

How does it compare to older processors?
Compared to older models like the i5-7200U, it offers significantly better multi-core performance due to its additional cores and threads.

Can I use it for gaming?
Yes, while it’s not designed specifically for gaming, it can handle light gaming at lower settings effectively.

What benchmarks does it achieve?
In benchmarks like Cinebench R15 and Geekbench 4, it scores around ~486 cb and ~4194 respectively, indicating solid performance for everyday tasks.