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Intel Core i5 8259U Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£260
  • Avg. price in US: ~$320
  • PassMark benchmark result: 7814
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 3.8 GHz

Intel Core i5 8259U 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%

3.6

Performance

18.0%

4.8

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

4.3

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

7.1

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.4

Platform

1.0%

7.8

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

  • 3.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    3.4

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    3.5

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    4.0

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    1.8

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

  • 1.8
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.3

    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
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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 i5-8259U is a quad-core, eight-thread mobile processor based on the Coffee Lake architecture, featuring a 2.3 GHz base frequency and a 3.8 GHz turbo boost. It includes a 6 MB Smart Cache, supports up to 32 GB of DDR4-2400 or LPDDR3-2133 memory, and operates at a 28 W TDP. Key advantages include its integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 with 128 MB of eDRAM, which significantly enhances graphical performance and can act as an L4 cache for sustained workloads. However, its higher TDP compared to standard 15 W ultrabook chips can lead to increased power consumption and potential thermal throttling in compact cooling solutions.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5 8259U

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 i5 8259U has a technical score of 4.29 points, which is lower than that of 71.6% 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 8259U 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%

9.2

Price

5.8
Intel Core i5 8259U has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.8 points, which is lower than 73.6% 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 i5 8259U 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 i5 8259U 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 i5 8259U 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 i5 8259U 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 8259U 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 8259U 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 8259U 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

3.8 GHz
Intel Core i5 8259U reaches a boost clock of 3.8 GHz which is lower than that of 68.5% of processors and equal to that of 4.1% 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 2.3 GHz
Intel Core i5 8259U has a base clock of 4x2.3 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 8259U 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 8259U 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 8259U 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 8259U 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 8259U 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.
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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 i5 8259U 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

2,133 MHz
Intel Core i5 8259U supports memory speeds up to 2133 MHz, which is lower than that of 75.6% of processors and equal to 8.8% 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 8259U 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 8259U 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 8259U 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 i5 8259U 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 i5 8259U 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 i5 8259U 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), VP8 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1
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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 i5 8259U 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 i5 8259U 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 i5 8259U 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 8259U supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
cTDP: 3-9300 W
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Intel Core i5 8259U vs the average processor

  • 97.3% faster classroom rendering
    Intel Core i5 8259U has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,562.3 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 8259U has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,562.3 vs 791.745). The average processor needs 791.745 for the Blender Classroom test.1,562.29 vs 791.745
  • 29.2% smaller die size
    Intel Core i5 8259U has a lower die size than the average processor (126 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 8259U has a lower die size than the average processor (126 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².126 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • 37.8% lower base power
    Intel Core i5 8259U 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 i5 8259U 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 i5 8259U 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 8259U supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4).DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4
  • 37.8% lower TDP
    Intel Core i5 8259U 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 i5 8259U 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
  • 2x more GPU execution units
    Intel Core i5 8259U 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 i5 8259U has more GPU execution units than the average processor (48 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.48 vs 24
  • 97.3% faster classroom rendering
    Intel Core i5 8259U has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,562.3 vs 791.745). The average processor needs 791.745 for the Blender Classroom test.
  • 29.2% smaller die size
    Intel Core i5 8259U has a lower die size than the average processor (126 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • Newer DDR support
    Intel Core i5 8259U supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4).
  • 2x more GPU execution units
    Intel Core i5 8259U 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 i5 8259U 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 i5 8259U has a lower TDP than the average processor (28 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.

Total
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i5 8259U supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, 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 i5 8259U does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i5 8259U uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,528 vs FP2).
  • 2 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i5 8259U has an older release date than the average processor (2,018 vs 2,020).
    April 2018
  • 74.1% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i5 8259U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,241 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 11.6% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i5 8259U has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.8 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 21.9% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i5 8259U has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (378 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i5 8259U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 12.3% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i5 8259U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,178 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 15.4% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i5 8259U has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,244 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 50% lower bus transfer rate
    Intel Core i5 8259U 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 8259U 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.
  • 25.8% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i5 8259U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (7,814 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 8259U 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 8259U 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 8259U 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 8259U 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 8259U 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 8259U has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (6 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 27.3% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i5 8259U has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,133 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 18.1% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i5 8259U 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 8259U has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    Intel Core i5 8259U supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x4, x2/x2, x2/x1/x1 vs x16, x8/x8).
  • 74.1% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i5 8259U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,241 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 i5 8259U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,241 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.1,241 vs 4,793
  • 11.6% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i5 8259U has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.8 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 8259U has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.8 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.8 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i5 8259U 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 8259U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • 21.9% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i5 8259U has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (378 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 8259U has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (378 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.378 vs 484
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i5 8259U 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 8259U 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 8259U 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 8259U 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
  • 60% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i5 8259U 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.
    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 i5 8259U 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.1 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • 12.3% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i5 8259U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,178 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 8259U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,178 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.2,178 vs 2,483
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Graphic comparison of Intel Core i5 8259U and other processors

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i5 8259U?

  • Strong multi-threaded performance for its class, outperforming some 15W i7 models like the i7-8550U due to its higher 28W TDP
  • Equipped with Iris Plus 655 integrated graphics, which features 128MB eDRAM for significantly better graphical performance than standard UHD graphics
  • Excellent for office productivity, light video editing, and multitasking with 4 cores and 8 threads
  • Efficient hardware acceleration for 4K video playback (H.265/HEVC and VP9 support)
  • Can leverage eDRAM as an L4 cache when the integrated GPU is not in heavy use, boosting overall system snappiness

What customers dislike about Intel Core i5 8259U?

  • Higher power consumption (28W TDP) compared to the standard 15W 'U' series can lead to shorter battery life in thin-and-light laptops
  • Prone to thermal throttling during sustained heavy workloads if the device's cooling system is inadequate
  • Dated 14nm architecture limits its efficiency and performance when compared to newer 10nm or 7nm processors
  • Integrated graphics are still insufficient for modern AAA gaming, typically only handling light or older titles at low settings
  • Limited future-proofing as an 8th-generation chip in an increasingly demanding software environment

Expert reviews

C
cpubenchmark.net
22/05/2021
Intel Core i5-8259U @ 2.30GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i5-8259U is a 2018 Coffee Lake mobile processor featuring 4 cores, 8 threads, and a 28W TDP, which allows for higher sustained performance than standard 15W chips. Equipped with Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 and 128MB of eDRAM, the CPU delivers capable integrated graphics comparable to dedicated entry-level cards for content creation and media tasks. Key advantages...Read more

A
au.pcmag.com
27/06/2022
Geekom IT8 Mini PC - Review 2022 (Australia)

The Geekom IT8 is a compact, ready-to-go mini PC featuring a 4.6-by-4.4-inch chassis, pre-configured with 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and Windows 11 Pro. It offers robust build quality and includes a VESA mount, though the glossy top is prone to fingerprints. Powered by an Intel Core i5-8259U, it provides capable performance for daily tasks and supports up to four displays, making it...Read more

U
uk.pcmag.com
26/06/2022
Geekom IT8 Mini PC - Review 2022

The Geekom IT8 Mini PC, reviewed by PCMag UK, is an affordable, "turnkey" system that comes pre-installed with RAM, an SSD, and Windows 11 Pro, unlike many barebones competitors. Its compact, VESA-mountable design makes it ideal for space-constrained environments such as home offices or digital signage applications. PCMag UKPros include near-silent operation and a robust selection...Read more

P
pcmag.com
26/06/2022
Geekom IT8 Mini PC Review

The Geekom IT8 Mini PC is a compact, pre-assembled, and affordable "turnkey" system designed for general productivity and media consumption, featuring Windows 11 Pro, RAM, and storage out of the box. It is powered by an older 8th-Gen Intel Core i5-8259U processor that is capable for daily tasks, although it trails newer, faster, and more power-efficient competitors. Pros include a...Read more

C
cpu.userbenchmark.com
30/03/2026
Intel Core i5-8259U FH8068403419522 - CPU UserBenchmarks

The Intel Core i5-8259U is a 28W "Coffee Lake" quad-core processor (2.3–3.8 GHz) designed for high-performance mini-PCs and laptops, featuring Iris Plus Graphics 655 with 128MB of dedicated eDRAM. Its primary advantage is superior sustained performance and graphics capabilities compared to standard 15W U-series alternatives. However, this increased performance comes with faster...Read more

B
browser.geekbench.com
30/03/2026
Intel Core i5-8259U Benchmarks - Geekbench Browser

The Intel Core i5-8259U is a Coffee Lake-based quad-core processor (8 threads) with a 2.3 GHz base and 3.8 GHz boost clock, designed for 28W TDP compact systems like the Intel NUC. Key advantages include integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 with 128 MB eDRAM for improved graphics and sustained workload performance compared to 15W alternatives. However, the chip's 14nm...Read more

T
tomsguide.com
28/04/2022
Geekom Mini IT8 review: Big value in this mini PC(gizchina.com) | 11 May 2021 | New CoreBook X performance test - i5-8259U same as MacBook Pro

The Geekom Mini IT8 is identified as a high-value, budget-friendly competitor to Intel’s NUC, offering a "ready-to-go" experience with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed. While powered by an aging 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, it remains capable for daily office tasks and supports up to four 4K displays with its diverse port selection. Key strengths include excellent upgradeability and...Read more

T
techpowerup.com
16/06/2022
GEEKOM Mini IT8 Mini PC Review - Test Systems

The TechPowerUp review identifies the Geekom Mini IT8 as a cost-effective alternative to Intel’s NUC, featuring an Intel Core i5-8259U, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB NVMe SSD that offers capable performance for office tasks and media. Strengths include its compact, VESA-mountable design, extensive I/O options (USB-C, 3.2 Gen 2), easy upgradability, and quiet operation under standard...Read more

Video reviews

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