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Intel Core i5 8250U Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£260
  • Avg. price in US: ~$300
  • PassMark benchmark result: 5801
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 3.4 GHz

Intel Core i5 8250U review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.2

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%

4.2

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.2

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%

3.5

Performance

18.0%

4.7

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

4.0

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

7.6

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.3

Platform

1.0%

6.9

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

  • 4.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    2.7

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    9.0

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    2.8

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.8

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

  • 2.2
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    2.2

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    2.8

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    1.8

    L3 cache

  • No image
No image

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 i5-8250U is an 8th-generation Kaby Lake Refresh quad-core processor launched in late 2017, specifically designed for ultra-low-power notebooks and 2-in-1 laptops. It features 4 cores and 8 threads with a base clock speed of 1.60 GHz, reaching a maximum turbo frequency of 3.40 GHz, and includes 6 MB of Intel Smart Cache. Integrated with Intel UHD Graphics 620, the chip supports up to 32 GB of DDR4-2400 or LPDDR3-2133 memory while maintaining a low thermal design power (TDP) of 15W. Main advantages include a significant 40% multi-core performance jump over its dual-core predecessors and excellent energy efficiency for extended battery life in thin-and-light devices. However, its primary drawbacks are a relatively low base clock speed and a tendency to throttle performance under sustained heavy workloads due to its conservative 15W power limit and thermal constraints.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5 8250U

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

4.2
Intel Core i5 8250U has a technical score of 4.22 points, which is lower than that of 74.1% 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 i5 8250U 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%

4.2

Overall score

40.0%

9.2

Price

5.7
Intel Core i5 8250U has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.7 points, which is lower than 78% 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 i5 8250U 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

FCBGA1356
Intel Core i5 8250U uses the FCBGA1356 CPU socket, which is older than that of 88.1% of processors and equal to that of 3% 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 i5 8250U 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+

4
Intel Core i5 8250U has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 50.7% of processors and equal to 28.5% 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+

8
Intel Core i5 8250U offers 8 CPU threads, which is more than 35.3% of processors and equal to 19% 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 i5 8250U 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

3.4 GHz
Intel Core i5 8250U reaches a boost clock of 3.4 GHz which is lower than that of 83.7% of processors and equal to that of 2.9% 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

4 x 1.6 GHz
Intel Core i5 8250U has a base clock of 4x1.6 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 i5 8250U 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 i5 8250U 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

6 MB
Intel Core i5 8250U has an L3 cache of 6 MB which is smaller than that of 60.4% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% 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

1 MB
Intel Core i5 8250U has an L2 cache of 1 MB which is smaller than that of 67.1% of processors and equal to that of 17.6% 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

256 KB
Intel Core i5 8250U has an L1 cache of 256 KB which is smaller than that of 59.4% of processors and equal to that of 18.5% of processors.
Show more
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 i5 8250U 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 i5 8250U 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

DDR4-2400 MHz
Intel Core i5 8250U supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2400 MHz, which is lower than that of 63.4% of processors and equal to 10.6% 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 i5 8250U 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

yes
Intel Core i5 8250U includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Intel UHD Graphics 620
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 UHD Graphics 620
Intel Core i5 8250U uses the Intel UHD Graphics 620 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 55.8% of processors and equal to that in 1.2% 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

24
Intel Core i5 8250U has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.2% of processors and equal to 21.6% 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 i5 8250U 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), VP8 (HW decode/encode), JPEG (HW decode)
Intel Core i5 8250U supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), VP8 (HW decode/encode), JPEG (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 79.7% of processors and equal to 0.7% of processors.
Show more
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 i5 8250U 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 i5 8250U 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

25 W
Intel Core i5 8250U has a boost power of 25 W which is lower than that of 83.1% of processors and equal to that of 9.2% of processors.
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 i5 8250U 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 i5 8250U supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
Show more

Intel Core i5 8250U vs the average processor

  • 3.6x faster classroom rendering
    Intel Core i5 8250U has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (2,852 vs 791.745). The average processor needs 791.745 for the Blender Classroom test.
    What it is: A Blender render result based on the Classroom scene, used to show how quickly the processor can complete a demanding rendering workload.
    When it matters: When rendering speed matters for 3D work, content creation, or other workloads that behave like long multi-core renders.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >1500

    Intel Core i5 8250U has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (2,852 vs 791.745). The average processor needs 791.745 for the Blender Classroom test.2,852.02 vs 791.745
  • 2.32x faster Blender rendering
    Intel Core i5 8250U has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (771.4 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    What it is: A Blender render result based on the BMW27 scene, used to show how quickly the processor can finish a heavy 3D rendering task.
    When it matters: When rendering speed matters for 3D work, content creation, or other workloads that behave like long multi-core renders.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >290

    Intel Core i5 8250U has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (771.4 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.771.41 vs 331.88
  • 66.7% lower base power
    Intel Core i5 8250U 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 i5 8250U 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
  • 60.9% lower boost power
    Intel Core i5 8250U has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (25 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    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

    Intel Core i5 8250U has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (25 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.25 W vs 64 W
  • 30.9% smaller die size
    Intel Core i5 8250U 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 i5 8250U 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
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    Intel Core i5 8250U 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 i5 8250U 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 i5 8250U 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 i5 8250U supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4).DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4
  • 3.6x faster classroom rendering
    Intel Core i5 8250U has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (2,852 vs 791.745). The average processor needs 791.745 for the Blender Classroom test.
  • 2.32x faster Blender rendering
    Intel Core i5 8250U has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (771.4 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
  • 30.9% smaller die size
    Intel Core i5 8250U has a lower die size than the average processor (123 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • Newer DDR support
    Intel Core i5 8250U supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4).
  • 66.7% lower base power
    Intel Core i5 8250U 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.
  • 60.9% lower boost power
    Intel Core i5 8250U has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (25 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    Intel Core i5 8250U 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 i5 8250U uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,356 vs FP2).
  • 3 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i5 8250U has an older release date than the average processor (2,017 vs 2,020).
    August 2017
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i5 8250U does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 20.9% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i5 8250U has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 24.5% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i5 8250U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,875 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 27.9% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i5 8250U has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (349 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 45.8% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i5 8250U has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,509 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i5 8250U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 44.9% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i5 8250U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (5,801 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 27% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i5 8250U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (3,500 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 50% lower bus transfer rate
    Intel Core i5 8250U 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 i5 8250U 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.
  • 12 lower clock multiplier
    Intel Core i5 8250U has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (16 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 8250U has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 60% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i5 8250U has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i5 8250U 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.
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i5 8250U has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • 33.3% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i5 8250U has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 25% smaller L3 cache
    Intel Core i5 8250U has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (6 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 4 fewer PCIe lanes
    Intel Core i5 8250U has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (12 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
  • 18.1% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i5 8250U 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 i5 8250U 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 i5 8250U 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 i5 8250U supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x4, x2/x2, x2/x1/x1, x1/x1/x1/x1 vs x16, x8/x8).
  • 20.9% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i5 8250U has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.4 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 i5 8250U has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 24.5% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i5 8250U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,875 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 i5 8250U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (1,875 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.1,875 vs 2,483
  • 27.9% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i5 8250U has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (349 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about lighter workloads, interface responsiveness, or software that still depends heavily on one fast core.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >600

    Intel Core i5 8250U has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (349 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.349 vs 484
  • 45.8% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i5 8250U has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,509 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 i5 8250U has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,509 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.1,509 vs 2,783
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i5 8250U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 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 i5 8250U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 8250U has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    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

    Intel Core i5 8250U has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i5 8250U 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.
    What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1 MB/core

    Intel Core i5 8250U 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.0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 44.9% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i5 8250U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (5,801 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 i5 8250U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (5,801 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.5,801 vs 10,532.5
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i5 8250U and other processors

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i5 8250U?

  • Significant multitasking improvement over 7th Gen dual-core chips due to 4 cores and 8 threads
  • Excellent power efficiency (15W TDP) that balances performance with longer battery life in laptops
  • Strong value for money, often outperforming older i7 'HQ' series chips in burst tasks
  • Smooth performance for everyday office work, 4K video playback, and light creative tasks like Photoshop
  • Capable of decent single-core speeds thanks to a 3.4GHz turbo boost

What customers dislike about Intel Core i5 8250U?

  • Prone to thermal throttling, often dropping clock speeds significantly during sustained heavy workloads
  • Low base frequency (1.6GHz) can lead to slow performance in apps that don't effectively use turbo boost
  • Integrated UHD 620 graphics are insufficient for modern AAA gaming or heavy 3D rendering
  • Performance in highly multithreaded professional tasks is lackluster compared to modern high-wattage CPUs
  • Limited long-term future-proofing for intensive next-gen applications

Expert reviews

U
ultrabookreview.com
05/04/2021
Intel Core i5-8250U benchmarks and performance vs. i5-7200U, i7-7500U and i7-8550U

The Intel Core i5-8250U introduces a significant, power-efficient quad-core, eight-thread design to thin-and-light laptops, offering up to 40% higher performance in multi-threaded tasks compared to previous dual-core generations. While excelling in multitasking and providing high single-core speed, a key drawback is its inability to maintain maximum Turbo speeds under prolonged,...Read more

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techspot.com
29/05/2018
LG Gram 13 Review > System Performance

The 2018 LG Gram 13 sets a high bar for portability, weighing only 965 grams while featuring an impressive 72 Wh battery that delivers exceptional, class-leading runtimes. Performance is driven by a quad-core Intel Core i5-8250U, providing a substantial 22% boost over previous dual-core models, supported by an exceptionally quiet cooling system that keeps surface temperatures...Read more

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notebookcheck.net
03/09/2018
HP 14 (i5-8250U, Intel Optane Memory, HD Display) Laptop Review

The NotebookCheck review of the HP 14-ma0312ng (i5-8250U, Optane Memory) highlights a capable 14-inch notebook hampered by display quality and initial thermal throttling, which was resolved by reverting to BIOS revision F.05. Pros include the performance of the Core i5-8250U with 8 GB of dual-channel RAM, alongside decent internal connectivity. However, the 14-inch TN panel is...Read more

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laptopmag.com
29/09/2017
Tested: 8th Gen Core As Much as 76 Percent Faster Than 7th Gen

The 8th Generation Intel "Kaby Lake Refresh" CPUs deliver a substantial performance leap for ultrabooks, with the Core i5-8250U demonstrating a 76% increase in Geekbench 4 scores over its predecessor. By doubling the core count to four in U-series processors, the chips provide vastly improved multitasking and heavy-load performance for tasks like 4K video transcoding. While offering...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
27/09/2017
Intel Core i5-8250U vs Core i5-7200U - two generations collide

The LaptopMedia comparison highlights a significant generational leap from the dual-core Core i5-7200U to the quad-core Core i5-8250U, which doubles the core count and cache while maintaining a 15W TDP. While the i5-8250U operates with a lower base clock (1.60GHz) to manage thermal limits, it delivers superior performance with higher boost clocks (3.40GHz) compared to the i5-7200U’s...Read more

C
cpu.userbenchmark.com
Continuous
Intel Core i5-8250U - CPU UserBenchmarks

The Intel Core i5-8250U, an 8th-generation ultra-low voltage (ULV) processor, represents a significant jump from dual-core to a quad-core architecture with 8 threads. It delivers up to 40% higher multi-threaded performance than its predecessor, the i5-7200U, by operating between 1.6 GHz and 3.4 GHz while maintaining a 15W TDP. The CPU excels inburst performance, enabling faster...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
Updated Daily
Intel Core i5-8250U @ 1.60GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i5-8250U, an 8th-generation Kaby Lake Refresh mobile processor, features 4 physical cores and 8 threads, providing up to a 40% performance increase in multi-threaded tasks compared to the previous i5-7200U. While the base clock is 1.60 GHz, it boosts up to 3.40 GHz, delivering strong performance for office work, web browsing, and mid-level multitasking. Key advantages...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
30/09/2017
Intel Core i5-8250U vs Core i7-8550U - Core i5 vs i7, a never-ending dispute

The 8th Gen Kaby Lake Refresh architecture brought a significant upgrade to 15W ULV chips by introducing quad-core, eight-thread configurations for both the Intel Core i5-8250U and i7-8550U. While the i7-8550U offers higher base/turbo clocks and a larger 8MB cache, both processors share identical integrated UHD Graphics 620, with the i7 providing a 20-30% performance lead in...Read more

C
computerbase.de
29/11/2018
Intel Core i5-8265U & i3-8145U Review (Including Benchmarks vs. i5-8250U)

The ComputerBase review of Intel's Whiskey Lake (U-series) processors highlights a 14nm++ refinement offering higher Turbo Boost speeds (up to 4.6 GHz) and a 5% to 15% performance increase over Kaby Lake Refresh. Key pros include improved platform connectivity, such as integrated Gigabit Wi-Fi, while a significant con is the stagnant, aging Intel UHD 620 iGPU, which trails...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
hardwareluxx.de
27/09/2017
Intel Core i5-8250U and i7-8550U Review: Sometimes a Small, Sometimes a Giant Leap

The Hardwareluxx review of the Kaby Lake Refresh Intel Core i5-8250U and i7-8550U highlights a significant leap in mobile performance by doubling the core count to four within a 15W TDP, resulting in up to 40% higher multi-threaded performance. While offering substantial improvements, a key limitation is the reduced base clock speeds to maintain thermal efficiency in thin laptops....Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
computerbase.de
27/09/2017
Core i7-8550U & i5-8250U Review: Four CPU Cores at 15W TDP Really Bring the Heat

The ComputerBase review of Intel's 8th Gen "Kaby Lake Refresh" (i7-8550U/i5-8250U) highlights a significant performance leap, doubling core counts to four within the same 15-watt TDP to dramatically improve multi-threaded tasks. While providing superior efficiency and improved multimedia handling, the chips often suffer from thermal throttling under sustained heavy loads, limiting...Read more

(Translated)Show original
N
notebooks-und-mobiles.de
26/04/2019
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 (i5-8250U) Review

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 (i5-8250U) is a premium 13.5-inch ultraportable featuring a high-quality aluminum chassis and a 3:2 PixelSense touchscreen display. It boasts strong performance from the 8th Gen quad-core processor and impressive battery life lasting 8 to 10.5 hours, paired with faster SSD speeds. Key drawbacks include the notable lack of USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 ports,...Read more

(Translated)Show original
N
notebookcheck.com
10/01/2019
HP Pavilion 15 (i5-8250U, MX130) Laptop Review

The HP Pavilion 15 (cs0003ng) is characterized by Notebookcheck as a balanced multimedia laptop featuring an Intel Core i5-8250U and NVIDIA GeForce MX130, providing capable performance for office tasks and light gaming. A key advantage is its stable sustained CPU performance compared to AMD variants, though the device lacks a maintenance cover, making internal upgrades difficult....Read more

(Translated)Show original
N
notebooks-und-mobiles.de
21/08/2017
Kaby Lake Refresh - Intel Core i5-8250U Review

The Intel Core i5-8250U introduces a significant performance leap by moving to a quad-core, eight-thread design in the 15-watt TDP class, delivering 40% to 50% higher multi-threaded speeds compared to its dual-core predecessor. Tested on an Acer Aspire 5, the processor maintains impressive load stability with only moderate 10% throttling, providing high performance for demanding...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
laptopmedia.com
04/01/2018
Intel Core i5-8250U vs. Intel Core i7-7500U: 8th Gen i5 vs. 7th Gen i7

The LaptopMedia review highlights the 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U as a superior, quad-core processor that outperforms the 7th Gen dual-core i7-7500U by 50-60% in benchmarks. The i5-8250U offers significant advantages in multi-threaded tasks, higher efficiency, and a larger cache, making it the better choice for performance. While the i7-7500U maintains a higher base clock speed, its...Read more

(Translated)Show original
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laptopmedia.com
N/D
Intel Core i5-8250U | LaptopMedia Italy - LaptopMedia

The Intel Core i5-8250U, part of the Kaby Lake Refresh (8th Gen) architecture, represents a significant leap for ULV processors by introducing 4 cores and 8 threads. This shift provides up to a 50-60% performance increase over the previous dual-core generation in multi-threaded applications. While featuring a low 15W TDP, it offers impressive performance efficiency for...Read more

(Translated)Show original
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test-aankoop.be
24/05/2026
DELL INSPIRON 15 5000 (8th Gen) Test and Review

The Dell Inspiron 15 5000 (5570) provides strong 8th Gen Intel Core performance and versatile storage options, making it a capable machine for productivity [LaptopMedia, Test-Aankoop]. It features a decent port selection and a clean design, but these performance gains are overshadowed by a poor TN display with low brightness and narrow viewing angles [LaptopMedia]. Key drawbacks...Read more

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tweakers.net
16/03/2018
Acer Aspire 5 Review - Fast hardware for your money

The Tweakers review of the Acer Aspire 5 (A515-51G-55SC) highlights strong performance for its price, driven by an Intel Core i5-8250U processor and NVIDIA MX130 GPU, offering excellent value for a 15.6-inch laptop. Key advantages include this capable hardware combination alongside impressive battery life for multimedia use. Compromises for this budget price point include limited...Read more

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T
tweakers.net
15/05/2018
Lenovo IdeaPad 520 Review - Fast, affordable laptop with a small battery

The Tweakers.net review identifies the Lenovo IdeaPad 520 as a fast, budget-friendly 15.6-inch laptop featuring an 8th-gen Intel Core i5-8250U, 8GB RAM, and a solid anodized aluminium palm rest. It offers good performance and an IPS screen, but a major drawback is the small-capacity battery, which limits usage to around five hours, and limited sRGB color coverage on the display....Read more

(Translated)Show original

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