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 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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i5-8250U is positioned at rank #860 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 Core i5-8250U

#848

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

1415%

#849

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

1395%

#850

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

1280%

#851

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

1274%

#852

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

1263%

#854

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

1219%

#855

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

1169%

#856

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

1167%

#857

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

1136%

#860

Core i5-8250U

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#863

Pentium Dual Core T2390

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

99%

#867

Core i7-1160G7

MSRP: $426|Avg: N/A

99%

#873

Celeron M 540

MSRP: $86|Avg: $20

98%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-8250U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-8250U specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i5-8250U is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.4 GHz from a base frequency of 1.6 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 6 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 6,158, 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 1,127.

Specification	Core i5-8250U
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.6 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	6 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	6,158
Geekbench 6 SingleSingle-core performance — most relevant for gaming	1,127

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-8250U fits into the BGA1356 socket and supports PCIe 3.0 with 12 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 32 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 i5-8250U
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i5
SocketMotherboard socket required	BGA1356
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
PCIe LanesTotal available lanes for GPUs, NVMe drives, and expansion	12
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4-2400, LPDDR3-2133
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	UHD Graphics 620
Compatible ChipsetsMotherboard chipsets that support this CPU	Kaby Lake-R
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🔧

Advanced Features

The Core i5-8250U 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 5 2500U.

Specification	Core i5-8250U
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 5 2500U

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i5-8250U 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 i5-8250U
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

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #860 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1700 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-8250U
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$297
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#860
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1700
Release DateLaunch date	21 August 2017 (8 years ago)
Release Year	2017
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel