Intel Core i3-8109U
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
Integrated GPUAt a Glance
IntelIntel Core i3-8109U Specifications
Core i3-8109U Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Core i3-8109U features 2 physical cores and 4 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.
i3-8109U Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i3-8109U benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Core i3-8109U by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Core i3-8109U Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i3-8109U processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Core i3-8109U's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
Kaby Lake Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The Intel Core i3-8109U is built on Intel's 14 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in i3-8109U incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Kaby Lake Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Core i3-8109U by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.
i3-8109U Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Core i3-8109U has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 28W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.
Intel BGA 1356 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Core i3-8109U uses the Intel BGA 1356 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.
Intel BGA 1356 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the i3-8109U define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Core i3-8109U determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.
Intel's Core i3-8109U Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The Intel Core i3-8109U includes integrated graphics, eliminating the need for a dedicated GPU in basic computing scenarios. Integrated graphics are ideal for office productivity, video playback, and light gaming. While not designed for demanding GPU benchmarks, the iGPU in the i3-8109U provides hardware video encoding and decoding capabilities. This makes the processor suitable for compact builds, HTPCs, and systems where power efficiency is prioritized over gaming performance.
Core i3-8109U Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Core i3-8109U is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Core i3-8109U by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
Core i3-8109U Benchmark Scores
cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource
Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how Intel Core i3-8109U performs in parallel rendering workloads like video production and 3D animation. The R15 version remains useful for comparing against older hardware benchmarks. Higher scores directly correlate with faster render times in Cinema 4D and similar 3D applications.
Top 5 Performers
Top 5 PerformersNearby Performers
Nearby Performerscinebench_cinebench_r20_multicoreSource
Cinebench R20 multi-core uses a scene requiring 4x more computational power than R15. This test better reflects modern CPU capabilities for professional rendering on Intel Core i3-8109U. The more demanding workload provides better differentiation between current-generation processors.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R20 single-core tests one thread against a more demanding scene than R15. This reveals the true single-thread rendering capability of Intel Core i3-8109U. The increased complexity provides more accurate performance differentiation between modern CPUs.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicoreSource
Cinebench R23 multi-core is the current standard for CPU rendering benchmarks with a 10-minute minimum runtime. This extended test reveals sustained performance of Intel Core i3-8109U after thermal limits kick in. The longer duration exposes cooling limitations that shorter benchmarks miss.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Core i3-8109U maintains boost clocks under continuous load. The extended runtime shows whether thermal throttling affects single-core performance.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
geekbench_multicoreSource
Geekbench multi-core tests Intel Core i3-8109U across real-world workloads including image processing, machine learning, and data compression. All available threads are utilized to measure parallel performance. Higher scores indicate better capability in multitasking and content creation.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
geekbench_singlecoreSource
Geekbench single-core measures how fast one thread of Intel Core i3-8109U can process tasks like web browsing and document editing. This score correlates with how snappy the system feels during normal use. Many applications still depend primarily on single-thread performance.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
About Intel Core i3-8109U
The Intel Core i3-8109U is a dual-core mobile processor from the Kaby Lake-R generation, built on Intel's 14 nm process. It operates at a base clock of 3.00 GHz and a boost clock of 3.60 GHz, featuring 2 cores and 4 threads. Benchmark data places this chip at the 38th percentile of all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 1391, positioning it as a modestly performing mobile part.
Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior
The split between single-core and multi-core performance in this chip reveals a distinct personality. In Cinebench R23, the i3-8109U scores 499 in single-core and 3541 in multi-core, a ratio of roughly 7:1 in favor of multi-core when accounting for the core count. This indicates that while the processor can handle lightly-threaded tasks with reasonable competence, its dual-core design fundamentally limits its ceiling for parallel workloads.
Geekbench results reinforce this interpretation: a single-core score of 1188 versus a multi-core score of 2454. The multi-core score is barely more than double the single-core figure, which is exactly what one would expect from a 2-core/4-thread part with no significant scaling efficiency gains. Real-world implications are clear: applications that rely on single-thread responsiveness—like basic office productivity, web browsing, or legacy software—will see the processor operate near its peak capability. Conversely, modern multi-threaded creation tools, video encoders, or complex data analysis will quickly saturate the available threads and cause performance to plateau.
The Cinebench R15 multi-core score of 356 and R20 multi-core score of 1487 further confirm this pattern. The R20 score is roughly four times the R15 score, which correlates with the different workload intensities of those tests rather than any architectural advantage. The data suggests that this is a processor designed for bursty, single-threaded tasks, not sustained multi-core grunt work. Users who primarily run one heavy application at a time will extract most of the available performance, while those who attempt concurrent heavy workloads will see diminishing returns.
Power and Thermals
The i3-8109U carries a TDP of 28 watts, which places it in a moderately power-hungry class for a mobile processor. This is notably higher than ultra-low-power parts that typically sit in the 15-watt range, indicating that the chip is intended for thin-and-light laptops that still prioritize some degree of sustained performance over absolute battery life. The 28-watt TDP class implies that a capable cooling solution is required—likely a small active fan or a well-designed heat pipe arrangement—rather than a completely passive setup.
Thermal behavior is an indirect consequence of the 14 nm manufacturing process and the 123 mm² die size. The die is relatively compact, which means heat density can be a concern under sustained load. The processor's boost clock of 3.60 GHz is achievable for short bursts, but prolonged multi-threaded workloads may cause the chip to settle back toward its 3.00 GHz base clock to manage temperatures within the 28-watt envelope. This is not a processor that will sustain maximum clocks indefinitely; it is designed for fluctuating loads typical of everyday mobile use.
The integrated graphics are listed as Iris Pro Plus, which is a higher-tier iGPU compared to the basic HD Graphics found in some rivals. This suggests that the power budget is partially allocated to graphics capabilities, making the chip suitable for light gaming or GPU-accelerated encoding without a discrete graphics card. However, the 28-watt TDP means that the CPU and iGPU share a finite thermal and power pool, so heavy graphics load will inevitably reduce CPU headroom and vice versa.
Platform and Compatibility
The i3-8109U uses the Intel BGA 1356 socket, which is a ball-grid array package soldered directly to the motherboard. This means the processor is not user-upgradeable; it is permanently attached to the laptop or mini-PC board. The architecture is Kaby Lake, specifically Kaby Lake-R, which is a refresh of the earlier Kaby Lake family. This is a 7th-generation Core i3 product, despite the "U" suffix indicating a mobile ultra-low-power variant.
Memory support is limited to DDR4, with no ECC capability. The lack of ECC memory support makes this chip unsuitable for error-sensitive workstation or server tasks, but it is perfectly adequate for consumer workloads. The fact pack does not specify memory bus width or maximum bandwidth, but the dual-channel capability implied by the platform is typical for this class. PCIe support is not specified in the data, which means the number of lanes and version cannot be accurately stated—only that the platform includes standard mobile PCIe connectivity for storage and peripherals.
The upgrade path is essentially zero. Since the chip is BGA-soldered, any future performance improvement would require replacing the entire motherboard or system. The production status is "Active," meaning Intel still lists this as a current product, but the release date of April 4, 2018, indicates it is a mature design. For users considering a laptop with this processor, the platform is a closed system—what you buy is what you get for the life of the machine.
Who Should Consider It
Workload-based recommendations from the benchmark data point to specific user profiles. For gaming, the i3-8109U is a marginal option. The dual-core design with 4 threads will handle older or less demanding titles, and the Iris Pro Plus integrated graphics can run e-sports games at moderate settings. However, modern AAA games that require six or more threads will likely struggle, as the multi-core scores (e.g., Cinebench R23 multi-core of 3541) are far below what contemporary gaming CPUs achieve. The 38th percentile ranking across all CPUs underscores that this is not a high-performance gaming part.
For content creation, the picture is more nuanced. Single-core tasks like photo editing in legacy applications or light audio processing will be acceptable, given the 499 single-core score in Cinebench R23. But video editing, 3D rendering, or software compilation—which scale across cores—will be bottlenecked by the 2-core/4-thread configuration. The Cinebench R20 multi-core score of 1487 is indicative of a chip that can handle short render bursts but will lag in sustained multi-threaded projects. Office productivity is the strongest use case: spreadsheets, word processing, web browsing, and email are all single-thread or lightly-threaded workloads where the 3.60 GHz boost clock provides responsive performance.
Benchmark Performance
The average benchmark score of 1391 places the i3-8109U in a tight cluster of competitors. Against the AMD Ryzen 3 2300U, the i3-8109U is 0.2% slower, a difference that is effectively negligible in real-world use. The Ryzen 3 2300U is a quad-core part, yet the benchmark scores are nearly identical, which suggests that the i3-8109U's higher clock speeds compensate for its fewer cores in the composite average. However, the Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 3541 versus what a quad-core part typically achieves indicates that the i3-8109U would lose in heavily parallel tests.
The Intel Xeon E3-1240L v3 is the closest rival, with the i3-8109U being 0.1% faster. The Xeon is an older server-oriented part with more cores, but the i3-8109U's higher single-core performance offsets this in the average score. This comparison is particularly interesting because it shows that the i3-8109U can match a server chip from an earlier generation in mixed workloads, despite having far fewer cores. The AMD Opteron 6274 and Opteron 6238 are both older server processors with many cores, yet the i3-8109U leads them by 0.3% and 0.6%, respectively. These deltas are within the margin of benchmark noise, but they indicate that the i3-8109U's modern architecture and higher clocks overcome the core-count disadvantage.
The percentile ranking of 38 means that 62% of all CPUs in the database perform better. This is a sobering statistic—the i3-8109U is not a performance leader by any metric. However, it occupies a niche where its combination of modest multi-core capability and strong single-core boost makes it viable for light-duty mobile tasks. The Geekbench multi-core score of 2454 and single-core of 1188 reinforce the average score narrative: this is a chip that punches above its weight in single-thread tests but falls behind in multi-thread scaling.
FAQ
Q: How many cores and threads does the i3-8109U have?
A: The i3-8109U has 2 cores and 4 threads, based on the FACT PACK specifications.
Q: What is the boost clock speed of this processor?
A: The boost clock is 3.60 GHz, while the base clock is 3.00 GHz.
Q: Does the i3-8109U support ECC memory?
A: No, ECC memory is not supported. The processor supports DDR4 memory only.
Q: What is the TDP of the i3-8109U?
A: The TDP is 28 watts, which indicates a moderately power-hungry mobile processor.
Q: What integrated graphics does this chip include?
A: The integrated graphics are Iris Pro Plus, which is a higher-tier iGPU suitable for light gaming and GPU-accelerated tasks.
Q: Is the i3-8109U socket-upgradeable?
A: No, it uses the Intel BGA 1356 socket, which is soldered to the motherboard and not user-replaceable.
How It Compares
Intel Xeon E3-1240L v3: The i3-8109U is 0.1% faster in average benchmark score, making these two effectively tied. The Xeon is an older server chip with more cores, but the i3-8109U's newer architecture and higher clocks close the gap. In multi-threaded tasks, the Xeon likely pulls ahead, but in single-threaded workloads, the i3-8109U's 3.60 GHz boost gives it an edge.
AMD Ryzen 3 2300U: The i3-8109U is 0.2% slower than this AMD quad-core part. The Ryzen has more physical cores, but the i3-8109U compensates with higher clock speeds. In real-world use, the difference is imperceptible, but the Ryzen would be better suited for multi-threaded applications while the i3-8109U excels in single-thread responsiveness.
AMD Opteron 6274: The i3-8109U leads this older server processor by 0.3%. The Opteron has a vastly higher core count, but it is based on an outdated architecture with much lower per-core performance. The i3-8109U's modern design and superior single-core speed allow it to outperform the Opteron in the composite average, though the Opteron would win in heavily parallel server workloads.
AMD Opteron 6238: The i3-8109U is 0.6% faster than this Opteron model. Similar to the 6274, the Opteron 6238 relies on core count rather than per-core efficiency. The i3-8109U's 14 nm process and 3.60 GHz boost clock deliver better results in the average benchmark, making it a more versatile processor for consumer tasks despite its smaller core count.
The AMD Equivalent of Core i3-8109U
Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 3 2200GE offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.
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