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 i5-8259U 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 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 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: 7,843 points. Launch price was $320.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i5-8259U is positioned at rank #209 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 i5-8259U

#57

Ryzen AI 9 365

MSRP: $400|Avg: $400

96%

#197

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

374%

#198

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

369%

#199

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

338%

#200

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

337%

#201

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

334%

#203

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

322%

#204

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

309%

#205

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

309%

#206

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

300%

#209

Core i5-8259U

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i5-8259U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i5-8259U specifications and capabilities.

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Processing Power

The Core i5-8259U is a 4-core / 8-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 3.8 GHz from a base frequency of 2.3 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 7,843, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i5-8259U
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.3 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	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	126 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	7,843

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Memory & Platform

The Core i5-8259U fits into the FCBGA1528 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR4 memory.

Specification	Core i5-8259U
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i5
SocketMotherboard socket required	FCBGA1528
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

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Power & Cooling

The Core i5-8259U 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.

Specification	Core i5-8259U
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	28 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

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Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #209 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1471 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i5-8259U
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$320
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#209
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1471
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