CPU
GPU
Core i5-8250U
FX-8370
Performance Spectrum - CPU
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i5-8250U is positioned at rank 860 and the FX-8370 is on rank 583, so the FX-8370 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i5-8250U
Performance Per Dollar FX-8370
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i5-8250U | FX-8370 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019) / 14 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Vishera (2012−2015) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i5-8250U | FX-8370 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($100) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i5-8250U and FX-8370
Core i5-8250U
The Core i5-8250U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 August 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400, LPDDR3-2133. Passmark benchmark score: 6,158 points. Launch price was $297.
FX-8370
The FX-8370 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 2 September 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Vishera (2012−2015) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 4 GHz, with boost up to 4.3 GHz. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,184 points. Launch price was $199.
Processing Power
The Core i5-8250U packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the FX-8370 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the FX-8370 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i5-8250U versus 4.3 GHz on the FX-8370 — a 23.4% clock advantage for the FX-8370 (base: 1.6 GHz vs 4 GHz). The Core i5-8250U uses the Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the FX-8370 uses Vishera (2012−2015) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-8250U scores 6,158 against the FX-8370's 6,184 — a 0.4% lead for the FX-8370. Geekbench 6 single-core — the metric most relevant to gaming — records 1,127 vs 520, a 73.7% lead for the Core i5-8250U that directly translates to higher frame rates.
| Feature | Core i5-8250U | FX-8370 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 8 / 8+100% |
| Boost Clock | 3.4 GHz | 4.3 GHz+26% |
| Base Clock | 1.6 GHz | 4 GHz+150% |
| L3 Cache | 6 MB (total) | — |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 8192 kB+3100% |
| Process | 14 nm-56% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019) | Vishera (2012−2015) |
| PassMark | 6,158 | 6,184 |
| Cinebench R23 Multi | — | 3,800 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,127+117% | 520 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | — | 2,050 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i5-8250U uses the BGA1356 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-8370 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i5-8250U versus DDR3-1866 on the FX-8370 — the Core i5-8250U supports 28.6% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. Both support up to 32 GB of RAM. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 12 (Core i5-8250U) vs 20 (FX-8370) — the FX-8370 offers 8 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Kaby Lake-R (Core i5-8250U) and 970,990FX,990X (FX-8370).
| Feature | Core i5-8250U | FX-8370 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | BGA1356 | AM3+ |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0+50% | PCIe 2.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR4-2400+33% | DDR3-1866 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 32 GB | 32 GB |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ❌ |
| PCIe Lanes | 12 | 20+67% |
Advanced Features
Only the FX-8370 has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-8250U) vs AMD-V (FX-8370). The Core i5-8250U includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 620), while the FX-8370 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-8250U targets Mainstream Laptop, FX-8370 targets Legacy Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i5-8250U rivals Ryzen 5 2500U; FX-8370 rivals Core i5-6400.
| Feature | Core i5-8250U | FX-8370 |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | UHD Graphics 620 | None |
| Unlocked | No | Yes |
| AVX-512 | No | No |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | AMD-V |
| Target Use | Mainstream Laptop | Legacy Gaming |
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