How Powerful is the Intel Core i5-8250U?

The Intel Core i5-8250U is a quad-core processor designed for ultrabooks and lightweight laptops, offering a solid balance between performance and power efficiency. Launched in 2017, it features four cores and eight threads, making it capable of handling multitasking and everyday computing tasks effectively.

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, which marked a significant improvement in performance over previous generations. This processor is specifically designed for thin and light laptops, providing enhanced capabilities for both productivity and casual gaming.

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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 improved multitasking and performance in applications that utilize multiple cores.

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

In various benchmark tests, the i5-8250U shows considerable improvements over older dual-core processors. It excels particularly in multi-threaded applications due to its additional cores and threads.

Benchmark Results Chart:

Benchmark	Score
Cinebench R15 (Multi)	~486 cb
Geekbench 4 (Multi)	~12243
Passmark CPU Test	~7920

These scores indicate that while it may not compete with high-end desktop CPUs, it provides solid performance for everyday tasks, making it suitable for users who require reliable processing power.

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, offers 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 Gaming?

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

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. The processor performs adequately for casual gaming but may struggle with newer titles requiring more processing power.

Why is the Intel Core i5-8250U Suitable for Everyday Use?

The i5-8250U is well-suited for everyday computing needs due to its balance of performance and power efficiency. It excels in typical office tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and media consumption while maintaining good battery life in ultrabooks.

Advantages:

Power Efficiency: With a TDP of only 15 W, it helps extend battery life in portable devices.
Good Multitasking Capabilities: The four cores and eight threads allow users to run multiple applications smoothly.
Decent Integrated Graphics: Suitable for light gaming and multimedia tasks without requiring a dedicated GPU.

These factors make the i5-8250U an excellent choice for students, professionals, and anyone needing reliable performance on-the-go.

Industrial News

Recent trends indicate a growing demand for efficient processors like the Intel Core i5-8250U, particularly as remote work continues to rise. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on producing laptops that combine strong performance with energy efficiency, appealing to professionals who require reliable machines for everyday tasks. This trend highlights 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

Is the Intel Core i5-8250U powerful enough for gaming?
While it’s not designed specifically for gaming, it can handle light gaming at lower settings effectively.

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.

What benchmarks does it achieve?
In benchmarks like Cinebench R15 and Geekbench 4, it scores around ~486 cb and ~12243 respectively, indicating solid performance for everyday tasks.

What are its main specifications?
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.