Core i3-8109U
Intel
PassMark
4,184
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.
Overview
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.
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.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar
FPS Benchmarks
Predicted performance for Core i3-8109U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.
Civilization VI
Counter-Strike 2
Cyberpunk 2077
Destiny 2
League of Legends
Monster Hunter Wilds
Naraka: Bladepoint
Overwatch 2
Path of Exile 2
Phasmophobia
Technical Analysis
Detailed breakdown of Core i3-8109U specifications and capabilities.
Processing Power
The Core i3-8109U is a 2-core / 4-thread processor based on the Coffee Lake-U (2018−2019) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.6 GHz from a base frequency of 3 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 4 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 4,184, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product. Geekbench 6 single-core (the most relevant metric for gaming FPS) records 1,100.
| Specification | Core i3-8109U |
|---|---|
| Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units | 2C / 4T |
| Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost | 3.6 GHz |
| Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency | 3 GHz |
| ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design | Coffee Lake-U (2018−2019) |
| Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient | 14 nm |
| L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores | 4 MB (total) |
| L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data | 256K (per core) |
| L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache | 64K (per core) |
| Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor | 123 mm2 |
| Bus SpeedData bus frequency | 4 GT/s |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax) | 100 °C |
| 64-bit Support | Yes |
| Windows 11 Compatible | Yes |
| PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score | 4,184 |
| Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming | 1,100 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i3-8109U fits into the FCBGA1528 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2400 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 32 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: Iris Plus Graphics 655 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.
| Specification | Core i3-8109U |
|---|---|
| TypeDesktop or Laptop processor | Laptop |
| SeriesProduct family | Intel Core i3 |
| SocketMotherboard socket required | FCBGA1528 |
| PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth | PCIe 3.0 |
| PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion | 16 |
| RAM TypeSupported memory standard | DDR4 |
| Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency | DDR4-2400 |
| Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory | 32 GB |
| RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel | 2 |
| ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption | No |
| Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor | Iris Plus Graphics 655 |
| Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
Advanced Features
The Core i3-8109U is primarily designed for Performance Laptop. Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT — enables running virtual machines efficiently (important for development and server workloads). Its primary market competitor is the Ryzen 3 3200U.
| Specification | Core i3-8109U |
|---|---|
| Primary Use CaseIntended workload category | Performance Laptop |
| OverclockingWhether CPU clock can be manually increased | 🔒 Locked |
| AVX-512Advanced vector instructions for AI/ML workloads | ❌ Not Supported |
| VirtualizationHardware-assisted virtualization technology | VT-x, VT-d, EPT |
| Direct CompetitorMarket equivalent from rival manufacturer | Ryzen 3 3200U |
Power & Cooling
The Core i3-8109U has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 28 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed. No stock cooler is included — you will need to purchase an aftermarket cooler separately. Recommended cooling: None.
| Specification | Core i3-8109U |
|---|---|
| TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload | 28 Watt |
| Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax) | 100 °C |
| Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box | No |
| Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution | None |
Value Analysis
Performance ranking position: #1986 out of all indexed processors.
| Specification | Core i3-8109U |
|---|---|
| Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch | $304 |
| Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking | #1986 |
| Release DateLaunch date | 5 April 2018 (7 years ago) |
| Release Year | 2018 |
| DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD) | Intel |
| ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC) | Intel |
Specifications Reference
Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.
4 categories
General Information
8 specs
General Information
8 specs
| Type | Laptop |
| Series | Intel Core i3 |
| Designer | Intel |
| Launch Price | $304 |
| Manufacturer | Intel |
| Release Date | 5 April 2018 (7 years ago) |
| Architecture Codename | Coffee Lake-U (2018−2019) |
| Performance Ranking Position | 1986 |
Technical Specifications
16 specs
Technical Specifications
16 specs
| Cores | 2 |
| Threads | 4 |
| Bus Type | OPI |
| Die Size | 123 mm2 |
| L1 Cache | 64K (per core) |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB (total) |
| Bus Speed | 4 GT/s |
| Multiplier | 30 |
| Max Frequency | 3.6 GHz |
| 64-Bit Support | + |
| Base Frequency | 3 GHz |
| Process Technology | 14 nm |
| Max Core Temperature | 100 °C |
| Windows 11 Compatible | + |
| Max Case Temperature (TCase) | 72 °C |
Compatibility
4 specs
Compatibility
4 specs
| Socket | FCBGA1528 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 |
| Power Consumption (TDP) | 28 Watt |
| Max Processors In Config | 1 (Uniprocessor) |
Memory
4 specs
Memory
4 specs
| RAM Types | DDR4 |
| Memory Channels | 2 |
| Memory Bandwidth | 38.397 GB/s |
| Max Memory Capacity | 32 GB |
Similar Performance
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Our Recommendation for Core i3-8109U
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Minimum (Avoid Bottleneck) (12)
Recommended (Balanced) (12)
High-End (Max Performance) (12)
Popular Comparisons
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