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Intel Core i3 8121U Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£360
  • Avg. price in US: ~$290
  • PassMark benchmark result: 4271
  • N. of physical cores: 2
  • CPU boost clock speed: 3.2 GHz

Intel Core i3 8121U review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.3

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%

4.3

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.3

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%

3.4

Performance

18.0%

5.7

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

4.4

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.0

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.2

Platform

1.0%

3.4

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

  • 2.4
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    2.7

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    3.2

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    2.2

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.6

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.0

    N. of physical cores

  • 1.5
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.7

    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
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £360

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 i3-8121U is an entry-level mobile processor from the Cannon Lake family, notable for being one of the first chips produced on a 10nm process. It features 2 cores and 4 threads with a base frequency of 2.2 GHz and a max turbo boost of 3.2 GHz, supported by 4 MB of L3 cache and a 15W TDP. Main pros include its power efficiency for thin-and-light laptops and the inclusion of advanced instruction sets like AVX-512, which can significantly accelerate specific calculation-heavy workloads. However, significant cons include the lack of functional integrated graphics—requiring a dedicated GPU—and lower clock speeds compared to its 14nm counterparts, which results in mediocre general-purpose performance.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i3 8121U

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

4.3
Intel Core i3 8121U has a technical score of 4.27 points, which is lower than that of 73% 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 8121U 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%

4.3

Overall score

40.0%

8.6

Price

5.6
Intel Core i3 8121U has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.6 points, which is lower than 82.6% 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 8121U 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

FCBGA1440
Intel Core i3 8121U uses the FCBGA1440 CPU socket, which is older than that of 81.4% of processors and equal to that of 4.8% 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

N/A
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 8121U 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 8121U 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 8121U 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 8121U 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

3.2 GHz
Intel Core i3 8121U reaches a boost clock of 3.2 GHz which is lower than that of 89.5% of processors and equal to that of 2% 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 2.2 GHz
Intel Core i3 8121U has a base clock of 2x2.2 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
Show more
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

10 nm
Intel Core i3 8121U uses a 10 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 52.3% of processors and equal to that of 19.1% 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 10 nm
Intel Core i3 8121U is built on the Intel 10 nm foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 52.3% of processors and equal to that of 1.7% 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 8121U 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 8121U 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 8121U 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/LPDDR4/LPDDR4X
Intel Core i3 8121U supports DDR DDR4/LPDDR4/LPDDR4X, which is newer than that of 63.2% of processors and equal to that of 0.2% 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 8121U 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 8121U 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 8121U supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 71.9% of processors and equal to 19.5% of processors.
Show more
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

no
Intel Core i3 8121U does not include integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
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

N/A
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

N/A
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

?
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

N/A
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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

15 W
Intel Core i3 8121U has a TDP of 15 W which is lower than that of 77.7% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% 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

15 W
Intel Core i3 8121U has a base power of 15 W which is lower than that of 77.2% of processors and equal to that of 16.2% 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 8121U 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

no
Intel Core i3 8121U does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i3 8121U vs the average processor

  • 60.4% smaller die size
    Intel Core i3 8121U has a lower die size than the average processor (70.5 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 8121U has a lower die size than the average processor (70.5 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².70.52 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • 66.7% lower base power
    Intel Core i3 8121U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 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 8121U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.15 W vs 45 W
  • 5 °C higher TJ Max
    Intel Core i3 8121U has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
    What it is: The highest safe operating junction temperature before the CPU starts throttling or protecting itself.
    When it matters: When you tune cooling or monitor thermals under load.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=100 °C

    Intel Core i3 8121U has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.105 °C vs 100 °C
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    Intel Core i3 8121U has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 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 8121U has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.15 W vs 45 W
  • Newer DDR support
    Intel Core i3 8121U supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/LPDDR4/LPDDR4X 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 8121U supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/LPDDR4/LPDDR4X vs DDR4).DDR4/LPDDR4/LPDDR4X vs DDR4
  • More advanced foundry
    Intel Core i3 8121U uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 10 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
    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 Core i3 8121U uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 10 nm vs Intel 14 nm).Intel 10 nm vs Intel 14 nm
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i3 8121U 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 8121U 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
  • 1 wider front-end design
    Intel Core i3 8121U has a higher front-end width than the average processor (5 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
    What it is: How many instructions the CPU front end can decode or dispatch per cycle at the architectural level.
    When it matters: When you are comparing deeper architectural throughput rather than user-visible speed in normal buying decisions.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: 4

    Intel Core i3 8121U has a higher front-end width than the average processor (5 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.5 vs 4
  • 1 wider front-end design
    Intel Core i3 8121U has a higher front-end width than the average processor (5 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
  • 60.4% smaller die size
    Intel Core i3 8121U has a lower die size than the average processor (70.5 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • More advanced foundry
    Intel Core i3 8121U uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 10 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i3 8121U 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.
  • 16.7% smaller process node
    Intel Core i3 8121U has a lower process node than the average processor (10 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • Newer DDR support
    Intel Core i3 8121U supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/LPDDR4/LPDDR4X vs DDR4).
  • 66.7% lower base power
    Intel Core i3 8121U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 5 °C higher TJ Max
    Intel Core i3 8121U has a higher TJ Max than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor has a TJ Max of 100 °C.
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    Intel Core i3 8121U has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.

Total
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i3 8121U uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,440 vs FP2).
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i3 8121U does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 2 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i3 8121U has an older release date than the average processor (2,018 vs 2,020).
    May 2018
  • 25.6% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i3 8121U has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.2 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 4 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i3 8121U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 23.6% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i3 8121U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,896 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 59.4% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i3 8121U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,271 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 20.8% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i3 8121U has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,165 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 50.6% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i3 8121U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (2,367 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i3 8121U 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 8121U 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 8121U 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.
  • 6 lower clock multiplier
    Intel Core i3 8121U has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (22 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • 80% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i3 8121U 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.
  • 66.7% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i3 8121U 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 8121U 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 8121U 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 8121U 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 8121U 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 8121U 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 8121U supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x4, x2/x2, x2/x1/x1, x1/x1/x1/x1 vs x16, x8/x8).
  • No integrated graphics
    Intel Core i3 8121U does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does.
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i3 8121U does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 5 °C higher CPU temperature
    Intel Core i3 8121U has a higher CPU temperature than the average processor (105 °C vs 100 °C). The average processor runs at a CPU temperature of 100 °C.
  • 25.6% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i3 8121U has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.2 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 8121U has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.2 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.2 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 4 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i3 8121U 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 8121U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (2 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.2 vs 6
  • 23.6% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i3 8121U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,896 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 8121U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,896 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,896 vs 2,483
  • 59.4% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i3 8121U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,271 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 8121U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (4,271 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.4,271 vs 10,532.5
  • 80% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i3 8121U 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 8121U 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
  • 20.8% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i3 8121U has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,165 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 8121U has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,165 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.1,165 vs 1,471
  • 50.6% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i3 8121U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (2,367 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 8121U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (2,367 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.2,367 vs 4,793
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    Intel Core i3 8121U has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 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+

    Intel Core i3 8121U has fewer CPU threads than the average processor (4 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.4 vs 8
Total
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Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i3 8121U and other processors

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i3 8121U?

  • Energy efficiency: Low power consumption with a 15W TDP, making it suitable for compact laptops and NUCs
  • Instruction set support: Includes AVX-512 support, providing significant performance boosts in specialized calculation-heavy applications
  • Multitasking: Features Hyper-Threading (2 cores, 4 threads), which offers better performance than standard dual-core chips like older Celerons
  • Value: Often cited as a good budget-friendly option for basic daily tasks and light gaming

What customers dislike about Intel Core i3 8121U?

  • No integrated graphics: Requires a dedicated GPU as the onboard graphics are disabled, increasing overall system cost and power draw
  • Limited performance: Being an entry-level dual-core part, it struggles with modern, CPU-intensive applications and high-end gaming
  • Thermal concerns: Can reach high temperatures (up to 110°C) under extreme stress tests in certain small form factor configurations
  • Locked multiplier: No support for overclocking, which limits any potential for performance gains beyond factory specs
  • Outdated architecture: As an early 10nm (Cannon Lake) part, it often shows lower clock speeds and higher latency compared to refined 14nm++ alternatives

Expert reviews

O
old.chipsandcheese.com
15/11/2022
Cannon Lake: Intel's Forgotten Generation Chips and Cheese

impressive transistor density, with the die occupying just 43% of the area of a comparable Kaby Lake chip, and the introduction of Gen 10 integrated graphics, Gaussian and Neural Accelerator (GNA), and an Image Processing Unit (IPU). On the cons side, the processor was an objective failure in terms of efficiency and performance at launch due to poor 10nm yields, forcing the chip to...Read more

N
notebookcheck.net
20/05/2019
Intel NUC8i3CYSM Review (Core i3-8121U)

The Intel NUC8i3CYSM, evaluated by NotebookCheck, is a distinct mini-PC featuring the 10nm Core i3-8121U processor and a dedicated AMD Radeon RX 540 GPU with 2 GB VRAM. It is sold as a complete, compact package including 8 GB of soldered LPDDR4 RAM and a 1 TB HDD, offering strong connectivity with dual HDMI 2.0b ports. While the Radeon GPU provides capable entry-level 3D performance...Read more

V
valid.x86.fr
29/03/2026
Intel Core i3-8121U CPU-Z Benchmark: Performance and Gaming Tests

The CPU-Z benchmark for the Intel Core i3-8121U highlights the performance of the first 10nm Cannon Lake chip, a dual-core/four-thread processor with a 2.20 GHz base and 3.20 GHz boost frequency. Featuring a 15W TDP and 4MB L3 cache, this chip is designed for early 10nm production and necessitates a discrete GPU due to lacking integrated graphics. Pros include the pioneering 10nm...Read more

(Translated)Show original
N
notebookcheck.nl
18/06/2019
Lenovo IdeaPad 330-15ICN (i3-8121U) Review

Based on analysis from Notebookcheck, recent premium Lenovo laptops such as the ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 and P14s are lauded for exceptional build quality, military-grade durability, and industry-leading keyboard experiences. While newer Intel Lunar Lake models offer improved efficiency and silent operation, high-performance variants often grapple with thermal throttling due to...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
laptopmedia.com
09/05/2018
Intel Core i3-8121U Cannon Lake launches in the IdeaPad 330-15ICN

LaptopMedia's analysis indicates a market split where Apple’s M4 dominates the premium segment with over 75% share, while Intel leads in total volume through budget-friendly chips. Key performance highlights include the high-efficiency Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 providing massive gains in integrated graphics and battery life. However, reports highlight drawbacks such as high power...Read more

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T
tweakers.net
29/05/2019
Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 - First laptop with Intel 10nm processor (Reference to i3-8121U testing)

The Tweakers.net review highlights the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390) as a milestone device, featuring Intel’s 10nm "Ice Lake" processors and the 16:10 aspect ratio display for improved productivity. The transition brings a significant boost in Iris Plus integrated graphics performance, while the premium chassis maintains high-end build quality. Key pros include excellent performance, a...Read more

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T
tweakers.net
27/12/2018
The Processor of the Future - What will our CPU look like next year?

This Tweakers review highlights 2018 as a turning point where the transition to 7nm technology, while enabling superior energy efficiency and transistor density, signals the end of traditional transistor scaling. It notes the shift away from monolithic designs to "chiplets," which offers higher manufacturing yields for AMD but introduces greater design complexity. While AMD gained...Read more

(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

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