Core i3-8140U 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 i3-8140U 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 i3-8140U 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 i3-8140U

2019

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 45W, a 30W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i5-6350HQ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (4,227 vs 4,255).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (4 MB vs 6 MB).

Core i5-6350HQ

2016

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +3.3% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

Trade-offs

❌200% higher power demand at 45W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i5-6350HQ better than Core i3-8140U?

Yes. Core i5-6350HQ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.7% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i5-6350HQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 3.3% 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 i5-6350HQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.7% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (6 MB vs 4 MB).

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

Core i5-6350HQ still makes the most sense overall. Core i5-6350HQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-8140U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2016). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i3-8140U vs Core i5-6350HQ Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-8140U

The Core i3-8140U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2019 (6 years ago). It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1528. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400, LPDDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 4,227 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 i3-8140U 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 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-8140U versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i5-6350HQ — a 19.7% clock advantage for the Core i3-8140U (base: 2.1 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i5-6350HQ is built on the Skylake-H (2015−2016) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-8140U scores 4,227 against the Core i5-6350HQ's 4,255 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i5-6350HQ. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,225 vs 803, a 41.6% lead for the Core i3-8140U that directly translates to higher frame rates. L3 cache: 4 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i3-8140U vs 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-6350HQ.

Feature	Core i3-8140U	Core i5-6350HQ
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	4 / 4+100%
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+22%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	2.3 GHz+10%
L3 Cache	4 MB Intel® Smart Cache	6 MB (total)+50%
L2 Cache	—	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	—	Skylake-H (2015−2016)
PassMark	4,227	4,255
Geekbench 6 Single	1,225+53%	803

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-8140U uses the FCBGA1528 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-6350HQ uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-8140U versus DDR4-2133 on the Core i5-6350HQ — the Core i3-8140U supports 12.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 64 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i3-8140U	Core i5-6350HQ
Socket	FCBGA1528	BGA1440
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+13%	DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	64 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Both support VT-x, VT-d, EPT virtualization. Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 620 (Core i3-8140U) and Iris Pro Graphics 580 (Core i5-6350HQ) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-8140U targets Mainstream Laptop, Core i5-6350HQ targets High Performance Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i3-8140U rivals Ryzen 3 3300U; Core i5-6350HQ rivals FX-9830P.

Feature	Core i3-8140U	Core i5-6350HQ
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	UHD Graphics 620	Iris Pro Graphics 580
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d, EPT	VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use	Mainstream Laptop	High Performance Laptop