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 i3-8140U 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.

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i3-8140U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i3-8140U specifications and capabilities.

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Processing Power

The Core i3-8140U is a 2-core / 4-thread processor, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.9 GHz from a base frequency of 2.1 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 4 MB Intel® Smart Cache of L3 cache. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 4,227, 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 1,225.

Specification	Core i3-8140U
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	2C / 4T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.9 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.1 GHz
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	4 MB Intel® Smart Cache
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 GT/s OPI
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	4,227
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	1,225

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Memory & Platform

The Core i3-8140U fits into the FCBGA1528 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 total PCIe lanes for expansion cards and storage. It supports DDR4-2400, LPDDR3-2133 memory at speeds up to DDR4-2400 (faster RAM improves bandwidth-sensitive workloads), with a maximum capacity of 64 GB across 2 channels (dual-channel doubles bandwidth). Integrated graphics: UHD Graphics 620 — allows display output without a dedicated GPU, useful for troubleshooting and light tasks.

Specification	Core i3-8140U
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
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	DDR4-2400, LPDDR3-2133
Max RAM SpeedMaximum officially supported memory frequency	DDR4-2400
Max RAM CapacityMaximum installable memory	64 GB
RAM ChannelsDual-channel doubles bandwidth vs single-channel	2
ECC SupportError-Correcting Code memory — prevents data corruption	No
Integrated GPUBuilt-in graphics processor	UHD Graphics 620
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

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Advanced Features

The Core i3-8140U is primarily designed for Mainstream 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 3300U.

Specification	Core i3-8140U
Primary Use CaseIntended workload category	Mainstream 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 3300U

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Power & Cooling

The Core i3-8140U has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15 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 i3-8140U
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	15 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
Included CoolerStock cooler bundled in the box	No
Recommended CoolerSuggested aftermarket cooling solution	None

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Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #1983 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i3-8140U
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$69
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1983
Release DateLaunch date	1 October 2019 (6 years ago)
Release Year	2019
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

5 specs

Type	Laptop
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$69
Release Date	1 October 2019 (6 years ago)
Performance Ranking Position	1983

Technical Specifications

10 specs

Cores	2
Threads	4
L3 Cache	4 MB Intel® Smart Cache
Bus Speed	4 GT/s OPI
Max Frequency	3.9 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.1 GHz
Process Technology	14 nm
Max Core Temperature	100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	+