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Intel Core i3 8109U Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£260
  • Avg. price in US: ~$300
  • PassMark benchmark result: 4179
  • N. of physical cores: 2
  • CPU boost clock speed: 3.6 GHz

Intel Core i3 8109U review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

3.8

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

3.8

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
3.8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

2.7

Performance

18.0%

4.8

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

4.3

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

7.1

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.2

Platform

1.0%

7.5

Integrated Graphics

Poor
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 2.8
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    3.1

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    3.3

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    3.4

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.6

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.0

    N. of physical cores

  • 1.3
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.3

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.0

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    1.6

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    1.6

    L3 cache

  • No image
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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £260

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i3-8109U is a dual-core, four-thread mobile processor from the 8th Generation Coffee Lake family, featuring a 3.00 GHz base frequency and a 3.60 GHz max turbo boost. It is built on a 14nm process with a 28W TDP and includes 4MB of Intel Smart Cache, supporting up to 32GB of DDR4-2400 or LPDDR3-2133 memory. A standout feature is the integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 with 128MB of dedicated eDRAM, which offers better-than-average graphical performance for an entry-level chip and enables 4K support at 60Hz. However, its primary drawbacks include a limited dual-core configuration that may struggle with modern multi-threaded applications and a higher power consumption (28W) compared to standard 15W ultra-low-voltage laptop processors.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i3 8109U

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

3.8
Intel Core i3 8109U has a technical score of 3.78 points, which is lower than that of 88.7% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.0
Intel Core i3 8109U has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

3.8

Overall score

40.0%

9.2

Price

5.4
Intel Core i3 8109U has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.4 points, which is lower than 88.4% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

mobile
Intel Core i3 8109U belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

FCBGA1528
Intel Core i3 8109U uses the FCBGA1528 CPU socket, which is older than that of 76.7% of processors and equal to that of 1.7% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

Intel 300 Series
Intel Core i3 8109U supports Intel 300 Series chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 54.7% of processors and equal to that of 1.7% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i3 8109U uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

2
Intel Core i3 8109U has 2 CPU cores, which is fewer than 79.3% of processors and equal to 20.6% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

4
Intel Core i3 8109U offers 4 CPU threads, which is fewer than 67.3% of processors and equal to 26.6% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

2
Intel Core i3 8109U offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

3.6 GHz
Intel Core i3 8109U reaches a boost clock of 3.6 GHz which is lower than that of 76.7% of processors and equal to that of 3.6% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

2 x 3 GHz
Intel Core i3 8109U has a base clock of 2x3 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

14 nm
Intel Core i3 8109U uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 33.7% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 14 nm
Intel Core i3 8109U is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 29.3% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

4 MB
Intel Core i3 8109U has an L3 cache of 4 MB which is smaller than that of 70.2% of processors and equal to that of 14.6% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

0.5 MB
Intel Core i3 8109U has an L2 cache of 0.5 MB which is smaller than that of 84.8% of processors and equal to that of 15.2% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

128 KB
Intel Core i3 8109U has an L1 cache of 128 KB which is smaller than that of 83.1% of processors and equal to that of 14.9% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4/LPDDR3
Intel Core i3 8109U supports DDR DDR4/LPDDR3, which is newer than that of 58.1% of processors and equal to that of 2.1% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

2,400 MHz
Intel Core i3 8109U supports memory speeds up to 2400 MHz, which is lower than that of 63.2% of processors and equal to 12.4% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

2,400 MHz
Intel Core i3 8109U supports JEDEC memory speeds up to 2400 MHz, which is lower than that of 74.1% of processors and equal to 1.8% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

32 GB
Intel Core i3 8109U supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 71.9% of processors and equal to 19.5% of processors.
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Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i3 8109U includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655
Intel Core i3 8109U uses the Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 66.1% of processors and equal to that in 0.2% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

48
Intel Core i3 8109U has 48 GPU execution units, which is more than 82.5% of processors and equal to 4.7% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

300 MHz
Intel Core i3 8109U has an integrated GPU clock of 300 MHz which is lower than that of 57% of processors and equal to that of 38.7% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode)
Intel Core i3 8109U supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode) media codecs, which is broader support than 65.8% of processors and equal to 2% of processors.
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

28 W
Intel Core i3 8109U has a TDP of 28 W which is lower than that of 67.2% of processors and equal to that of 7.2% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

28 W
Intel Core i3 8109U has a base power of 28 W which is lower than that of 67.2% of processors and equal to that of 6.8% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

?
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

28 seconds
Intel Core i3 8109U has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

yes
Intel Core i3 8109U supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
cTDP: 20 W
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Intel Core i3 8109U vs the average processor

  • 30.9% smaller die size
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower die size than the average processor (123 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
    What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
    When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <150 mm²

    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower die size than the average processor (123 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².123 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • 37.8% lower base power
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (28 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (28 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.28 W vs 45 W
  • Newer DDR support
    Intel Core i3 8109U supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4).
    What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
    When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: DDR5

    Intel Core i3 8109U supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4).DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4
  • 37.8% lower TDP
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower TDP than the average processor (28 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
    When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower TDP than the average processor (28 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.28 W vs 45 W
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i3 8109U has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2 MB/core

    Intel Core i3 8109U has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • 2x more GPU execution units
    Intel Core i3 8109U has more GPU execution units than the average processor (48 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
    What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
    When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24

    Intel Core i3 8109U has more GPU execution units than the average processor (48 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.48 vs 24
  • 30.9% smaller die size
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower die size than the average processor (123 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i3 8109U has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • Newer DDR support
    Intel Core i3 8109U supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4).
  • 2x more GPU execution units
    Intel Core i3 8109U has more GPU execution units than the average processor (48 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
  • 37.8% lower base power
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (28 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 37.8% lower TDP
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower TDP than the average processor (28 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.

Total
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i3 8109U supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i3 8109U does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i3 8109U uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,528 vs FP2).
  • 2 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i3 8109U has an older release date than the average processor (2,018 vs 2,020).
    April 2018
  • 72.3% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (772 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 4 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i3 8109U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 16.3% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 75.2% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,189 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 60.3% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,179 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 16.7% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,069 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 19.2% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,189 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i3 8109U has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
  • 50% lower bus transfer rate
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (4 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
  • 50% lower bus speed
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower bus speed than the average processor (4 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
  • 80% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 66.7% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (128 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i3 8109U has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • 50% smaller L3 cache
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (4 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 18.1% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (37.5 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 50% less memory capacity
    Intel Core i3 8109U has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • 18.2% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    Intel Core i3 8109U supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x4, x2/x2, x2/x1/x1 vs x16, x8/x8).
  • 50% less memory per DIMM
    Intel Core i3 8109U has fewer memory per DIMM than the average processor (16 GB vs 32 GB). The average processor supports 32 GB of memory per DIMM.
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i3 8109U supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
  • 72.3% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (772 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 score that reflects how well the processor handles long, heavy rendering workloads across many cores.
    When it matters: When you care about sustained multi-core performance in rendering, compiling, heavy creation work, or productivity workloads that use many threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4700

    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (772 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.772 vs 2,783
  • 4 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i3 8109U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i3 8109U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.2 vs 6
  • 16.3% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 75.2% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,189 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,189 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.1,189 vs 4,793
  • 60.3% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,179 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
    When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >19000

    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,179 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.4,179 vs 10,532.5
  • 80% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.0.5 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • 16.7% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,069 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,069 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.2,069 vs 2,483
  • 19.2% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,189 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Intel Core i3 8109U has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,189 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.1,189 vs 1,471
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i3 8109U and other processors

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i3 8109U?

  • Integrated Iris Plus 655 graphics provide decent performance for light gaming and 1080p video tasks.
  • Efficient dual-core performance that handles daily office and browsing tasks smoothly.
  • Higher turbo clock speeds (up to 3.6 GHz) offer a noticeable boost over previous i3 generations.
  • Supports modern video codecs like H.265/HEVC and VP9 for better media playback.
  • Often found in compact Mini-PCs (NUCs) with quiet operation during low-load tasks.

What customers dislike about Intel Core i3 8109U?

  • Limited to 2 physical cores, which can bottleneck performance in modern multi-threaded games and heavy workloads.
  • Higher 28W TDP compared to standard 15W U-series chips can lead to heat and fan noise under sustained load.
  • Integrated graphics still struggle with modern AAA titles, often requiring 720p or 'Low' settings.
  • Performance is highly dependent on cooling solutions, often throttling in poorly ventilated cases.
  • Battery life in laptops can be lower compared to newer, more power-efficient 10nm or 7nm architectures.

Expert reviews

O
openbenchmarking.org
N/A
Intel Core I3-8109U Benchmarks, Linux Performance - OpenBenchmarking.org Copy

The Intel Core i3-8109U is a Coffee Lake-U mobile dual-core processor operating at 3.0–3.6 GHz with a 28W TDP, offering sustained performance and featuring strong Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 with 128MB eDRAM. Performance benchmarks show a 15–24% improvement over the i3-7100U, with the Iris Plus 655 providing entry-level dedicated GPU capability, making it suitable for media center...Read more

B
browser.geekbench.com
N/A
Intel Core i3-8109U Benchmarks - Geekbench Browser

The Intel Core i3-8109U is a dual-core Coffee Lake processor designed for mobile devices and mini-PCs, operating at a high 3.0 GHz base clock with 28W TDP [1, 2]. Key advantages include strong single-core performance and the integrated Iris Plus Graphics 655, which features 128 MB of dedicated eDRAM for improved media and light gaming capability. However, the aging dual-core...Read more

C
cpu.userbenchmark.com
N/A
UserBenchmark: Intel Core i3-8109U FH8068403419422

The Intel Core i3-8109U is an 8th-generation "Coffee Lake" dual-core mobile processor, featuring a 3.0 GHz base clock that boosts to 3.6 GHz, positioned for entry-to-mid-range, thin-and-light laptop use. A key strength is the integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 with 128MB eDRAM, which delivers significantly better performance for light gaming and media tasks than standard UHD...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
Daily Update
Intel Core i3-8109U @ 3.00GHz - CPU Benchmarks - PassMark

The Intel Core i3-8109U is a 2018 Coffee Lake dual-core mobile processor featuring a high 3.0 GHz base frequency, 3.6 GHz turbo boost, and integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 with 128MB eDRAM. Benchmarks show a PassMark CPU Mark of 4,180 and a Single Thread Rating of 2,069, representing a 20-24% performance increase over the older i5-7200U, making it suitable for daily office...Read more

V
valid.x86.fr
mars 2026
CPU-Z Single-Thread Benchmark for Intel Core i3-8109U

The provided CPU-Z validation for the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X reveals a single-thread score of 511 and a multi-thread score of 5433, highlighting the processor's mid-range performance based on the Zen 2 architecture. Key strengths include high multi-core efficiency, boasting a 10.63 ratio for strong productivity performance, alongside broad AM4 platform compatibility for cost-effective...Read more

(Translated)Show original
R
ratake.com
01/07/2026
Intel Core i3-8109U - Processor - Review

The Intel Core i3-8109U is a dual-core Coffee Lake-U mobile processor designed for small form-factor devices, featuring a high 3.0 GHz base clock and integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 with 128 MB eDRAM. It offers strong single-thread performance for everyday office tasks and light productivity, with the Iris Plus GPU capable of driving 4K 60Hz displays and older gaming titles....Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
laptopmedia.com
2026 (Aggiornato)
Intel Core i3-8109U - specs, benchmark tests and comparisons

The Intel Core i3-8109U is a Coffee Lake-based dual-core mobile processor with Hyper-Threading, operating at 3.0 GHz to 3.6 GHz, designed for ultra-portables. Its higher 28W TDP allows for better performance retention compared to standard 15W U-series chips, outperforming some older i7 models. The processor features Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 with 128MB eDRAM, offering superior...Read more

(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

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