Core i3-8121U vs Core i5-6350HQ

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 i3-8121U vs Core i5-6350HQ 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 i3-8121U vs Core i5-6350HQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-8121U

2018

Why buy it

✅+46.7% higher Geekbench single-core performance for gaming and desktop responsiveness.
✅Draws 15W instead of 45W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i5-6350HQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i5-6350HQ

2016

Why buy it

✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Pro Graphics 580, while Core i3-8121U needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower Geekbench single-core performance for gaming (803 vs 1,178).
❌Lower PassMark (4,255 vs 4,271).
❌200% higher power demand at 45W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-8121U better than Core i5-6350HQ?

Yes. Core i3-8121U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.4% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-8121U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.6% 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 i3-8121U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-8121U still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-8121U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-8121U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2016) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-8121U vs Core i5-6350HQ Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-8121U

The Core i3-8121U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 May 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 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,271 points. Launch price was $69.

Core i5-6350HQ

The Core i5-6350HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 January 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake-H (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 4,255 points. Launch price was $306.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-8121U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i5-6350HQ offers 4 cores / 4 threads — the Core i5-6350HQ has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i3-8121U versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-6350HQ — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.2 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i3-8121U uses the Coffee Lake-U (2018−2019) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i5-6350HQ uses Skylake-H (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-8121U scores 4,271 against the Core i5-6350HQ's 4,255 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i3-8121U. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,178 vs 803, a 37.9% lead for the Core i3-8121U that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-8121U vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6350HQ.

Feature	Core i3-8121U	Core i5-6350HQ
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	2.3 GHz+5%
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	6 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	10 nm-29%	14 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake-U (2018−2019)	Skylake-H (2015−2016)
PassMark	4,271	4,255
Geekbench 6 Single	1,178+47%	803
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,250	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the BGA1440 socket with PCIe 3.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-8121U versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6350HQ — the Core i3-8121U supports 12.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-6350HQ supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB — 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: SoC (Core i3-8121U) and Skylake-H (Core i5-6350HQ).

Feature	Core i3-8121U	Core i5-6350HQ
Socket	BGA1440	BGA1440
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+13%	DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	64 GB+100%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Only the Core i3-8121U supports AVX-512 instructions — important for machine learning and scientific applications. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. The Core i5-6350HQ includes integrated graphics (Iris Pro Graphics 580), while the Core i3-8121U requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-8121U targets Productivity, Core i5-6350HQ targets High Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-8121U rivals Core i3-8130U; Core i5-6350HQ rivals FX-9830P.

Feature	Core i3-8121U	Core i5-6350HQ
Integrated GPU	No	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Iris Pro Graphics 580
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	Yes	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Productivity	High Performance Laptop