Core i3-8145U vs Core i5-7287U

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 i3-8145U vs Core i5-7287U 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 i3-8145U vs Core i5-7287U: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i3-8145U

2018

Why buy it

✅Draws 15W instead of 28W, a 13W reduction.
✅33.3% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 12) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i5-7287U

2017

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (3,743 vs 3,781).
❌86.7% higher power demand at 28W vs 15W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-8145U better than Core i5-7287U?

Yes. Core i3-8145U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 1% 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 i3-8145U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% 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 i3-8145U is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

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

Core i3-8145U still makes the most sense overall. Core i3-8145U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i3-8145U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2017) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-8145U vs Core i5-7287U Technical Specifications

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

Core i3-8145U

The Core i3-8145U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 October 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Whiskey Lake-U (2018−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1528. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,781 points. Launch price was $281.

Core i5-7287U

The Core i5-7287U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake (2016−2019) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 3.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 GHz. L3 cache: 4 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 3,743 points. Launch price was $304.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i3-8145U and Core i5-7287U share an identical 2-core/4-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i3-8145U versus 3.7 GHz on the Core i5-7287U — a 5.3% clock advantage for the Core i3-8145U (base: 2.1 GHz vs 3.3 GHz). The Core i3-8145U uses the Whiskey Lake-U (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i5-7287U uses Kaby Lake (2016−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i3-8145U scores 3,781 against the Core i5-7287U's 3,743 — a 1% lead for the Core i3-8145U. L3 cache: 4 MB (total) on the Core i3-8145U vs 4 MB on the Core i5-7287U.

Feature	Core i3-8145U	Core i5-7287U
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 4
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+5%	3.7 GHz
Base Clock	2.1 GHz	3.3 GHz+57%
L3 Cache	4 MB (total)	4 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	512 kB+100%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Whiskey Lake-U (2018−2019)	Kaby Lake (2016−2019)
PassMark	3,781+1%	3,743

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-8145U uses the FCBGA1528 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-7287U uses BGA1356 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i3-8145U versus 2133 on the Core i5-7287U — the Core i3-8145U supports 12.5% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-8145U 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. PCIe lanes: 16 (Core i3-8145U) vs 12 (Core i5-7287U) — the Core i3-8145U offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives.

Feature	Core i3-8145U	Core i5-7287U
Socket	FCBGA1528	BGA1356
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR4-2400+13%	2133
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB+100%	32 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16+33%	12

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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i3-8145U) vs true (Core i5-7287U). Both include integrated graphics — UHD Graphics 620 (Core i3-8145U) and Intel Iris Plus Graphics 650 (Core i5-7287U) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-8145U targets Mobile, Core i5-7287U targets Mobile.