Core i3-8109U vs Ryzen Embedded R1606G

Core i3-8109U vs Ryzen Embedded R1606G Performance Spectrum

Core i3-8109U

2 / 4

4,184

+0.5%

Ryzen Embedded R1606G

2 / 4

4,162

0.0%

Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7965WX

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i3-8109U vs Ryzen Embedded R1606G FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-8109U vs Ryzen Embedded R1606G: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-8109U

2018

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Plus Graphics 655, while Ryzen Embedded R1606G needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌86.7% higher power demand at 28W vs 15W.

Ryzen Embedded R1606G

2019

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 28W, a 13W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i3-8109U across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,162 vs 4,184).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i3-8109U can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-8109U better than Ryzen Embedded R1606G?

Yes. Core i3-8109U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-8109U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.8% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-8109U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-8109U still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-8109U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Ryzen Embedded R1606G makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2018). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-8109U vs Ryzen Embedded R1606G Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-8109U

The Core i3-8109U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-U (2018−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1528. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,184 points. Launch price was $304.

Ryzen Embedded R1606G

The Ryzen Embedded R1606G is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 25 February 2020 (5 years ago). It is based on the Zen (2017−2020) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 512 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FP5. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 4,162 points. Launch price was $69.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-8109U and Ryzen Embedded R1606G share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i3-8109U versus 3.5 GHz on the Ryzen Embedded R1606G — a 2.8% clock advantage for the Core i3-8109U (base: 3 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i3-8109U uses the Coffee Lake-U (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Ryzen Embedded R1606G uses Zen (2017−2020) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-8109U scores 4,184 against the Ryzen Embedded R1606G's 4,162 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i3-8109U. Both processors carry 4 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i3-8109U	Ryzen Embedded R1606G
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+3%	3.5 GHz
Base Clock	3 GHz+15%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	4 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	512 kB (per core)+100%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake-U (2018−2019)	Zen (2017−2020)
PassMark	4,184	4,162
Geekbench 6 Single	1,100	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-8109U uses the FCBGA1528 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Ryzen Embedded R1606G uses FP5 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i3-8109U	Ryzen Embedded R1606G
Socket	FCBGA1528	FP5
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i3-8109U) / not specified (Ryzen Embedded R1606G). The Core i3-8109U includes integrated graphics (Iris Plus Graphics 655), while the Ryzen Embedded R1606G requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-8109U targets Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-8109U rivals Ryzen 3 3200U.