Intel Core i3-8130U
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
Integrated GPUAt a Glance
IntelIntel Core i3-8130U Specifications
Core i3-8130U Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Core i3-8130U 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.
i3-8130U Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i3-8130U 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 i3-8130U by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Core i3-8130U Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i3-8130U 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 i3-8130U'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 i3-8130U 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 i3-8130U incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Kaby Lake Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Core i3-8130U 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.
i3-8130U Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Core i3-8130U has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15W, 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 i3-8130U 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 i3-8130U 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 i3-8130U 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 i3-8130U Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The Intel Core i3-8130U 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 i3-8130U 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 i3-8130U Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Core i3-8130U 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 i3-8130U by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
Core i3-8130U 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 i3-8130U 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 i3-8130U. 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 i3-8130U. 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 i3-8130U 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 i3-8130U 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 i3-8130U 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 i3-8130U 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 i3-8130U
The Intel Core i3-8130U is a dual-core mobile processor from the Kaby Lake-R generation, built on Intel's 14 nm process. Its benchmark profile places it near the bottom quartile of all CPUs, with a percentile rank of 33, indicating that roughly two-thirds of processors in the database deliver higher average performance. The average benchmark score across all tests is 1151, a figure that aligns closely with several older desktop and mobile parts, suggesting that this low-power chip punches at a level comparable to mid-range hardware from roughly a decade ago.
Benchmark Performance
The multi-core results paint a consistent picture of a processor designed for efficiency rather than sustained heavy lifting. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i3-8130U scores 302 points, while its Cinebench R20 multi-core result is 1259. The newer Cinebench R23 multi-core test yields a score of 2998. These numbers, when viewed together, show a linear scaling across versions of the same workload, which is typical for a dual-core, four-thread part that cannot leverage additional physical cores to improve scaling.
Single-core performance tells a slightly different story. The Cinebench R20 single-core score is 177, and the R23 single-core result is 423. In Geekbench, the single-core score is 1014, while the multi-core score is 1887. The ratio between multi-core and single-core in Geekbench is roughly 1.86, which is close to the theoretical maximum of 2.0 for a dual-core processor with hyper-threading. This indicates that the two physical cores are being utilized nearly to their full potential in multi-threaded tests, with minimal overhead or thermal throttling during the benchmark run.
The average benchmark score of 1151 places the i3-8130U in a tight cluster with its nearest rivals. The data shows a spread of less than one percent between this chip and the Intel Core i7-3632QM, the Intel Core i5-3570T, the AMD Opteron 4334, and the Intel Core i7-2600S. Specifically, the i3-8130U is 0.1% ahead of the i7-3632QM and 0.4% ahead of the i7-2600S, while trailing the i5-3570T by 0.2% and the Opteron 4334 by 0.3%. These deltas are within run-to-run variance, meaning the i3-8130U is effectively performance-equivalent to all four rivals in aggregate benchmarks, despite being a much newer, lower-power part.
Power and Thermals
The thermal design power (TDP) is rated at 15 watts, which classifies this processor in the ultra-low-power mobile segment. This TDP figure is the key enabler for thin-and-light laptop designs, as it allows for passive cooling in some chassis or a very small, quiet fan in others. The 15 W envelope is a stark contrast to the older desktop parts it matches in performance, such as the i7-2600S, which carries a significantly higher TDP class despite similar benchmark scores.
The implication for cooling is straightforward: a capable air cooler designed for ultrabooks or compact laptops is sufficient. The 14 nm process node and 123 mm² die size contribute to the thermal efficiency, allowing the chip to sustain its 2.40 GHz base clock and boost to 3.40 GHz without requiring an elaborate cooling solution. The integrated UHD 620 graphics also share this thermal budget, meaning sustained CPU and GPU load simultaneously could push the processor toward its thermal limits, but the benchmark data suggests that pure CPU workloads are handled without severe throttling.
Who Should Consider It
For office productivity and general desktop tasks, the i3-8130U is adequate. The single-core Geekbench score of 1014 indicates that everyday applications like web browsing, document editing, and spreadsheet manipulation will feel responsive, as these workloads are largely single-threaded. The multi-core score of 1887 in Geekbench suggests that light multitasking, such as having several browser tabs open alongside an office suite, is manageable.
Content creation is not this processor's strength. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 2998 places it well below what is needed for smooth video rendering or complex 3D modeling. However, for casual photo editing or light audio production, the dual-core setup with hyper-threading can handle occasional bursts of activity, albeit with longer render times than a quad-core or higher part. The 4 MB shared L3 cache helps keep frequently accessed data close to the cores, mitigating some of the latency penalties of a dual-core design.
Gaming is a mixed proposition. The CPU side is sufficient for older or less demanding titles, especially at lower resolutions where the integrated UHD 620 becomes the limiting factor. The 15 W TDP means the processor is not designed for sustained high-frequency operation, so CPU-bound games that require consistent boost clocks may experience frame dips. The data suggests this chip is best suited for users who prioritize battery life and portability over raw compute capability.
How It Compares
Intel Core i7-3632QM: The i3-8130U edges out this quad-core Ivy Bridge mobile part by 0.1% in average benchmark score. This is remarkable because the i7-3632QM has double the physical cores, but its older architecture and higher power draw negate that advantage. The i3-8130U achieves parity with a fraction of the power envelope.
Intel Core i5-3570T: The i5-3570T, a desktop part, leads by 0.2%. This is a negligible margin, but it highlights that the i3-8130U's efficiency-focused design does not sacrifice aggregate throughput when compared to a lower-clocked Sandy Bridge-era desktop chip.
AMD Opteron 4334: The Opteron 4334, a server-oriented processor, is 0.3% faster on average. This comparison is unusual because the Opteron targets a completely different market segment, yet the i3-8130U's modern architecture and higher clock speeds allow it to compete with a server chip that has more cores.
Intel Core i7-2600S: The i7-2600S leads by 0.4%, the largest delta among the rivals. This older desktop processor benefits from a higher base clock and more cache, but the i3-8130U's 14 nm process and newer microarchitecture close the gap to within half a percent.
FAQ
Q: Is the Intel Core i3-8130U suitable for modern operating systems?
A: Benchmark results from Cinebench R23 and Geekbench, which are current tests, show usable scores of 2998 multi-core and 423 single-core, indicating it can run modern OSes with acceptable responsiveness for basic tasks.
Q: How does the i3-8130U compare to a desktop processor from the same era?
A: Its average benchmark score of 1151 is within 0.4% of the Intel Core i7-2600S, a desktop part, meaning the mobile chip delivers comparable aggregate performance despite its lower power class.
Q: Does this processor have integrated graphics?
A: Yes, it includes Intel UHD 620 graphics, which is part of the 15 W TDP package and handles display output and light graphical workloads.
Q: What is the memory support for this CPU?
A: The i3-8130U supports DDR4 memory, though specific bus width and bandwidth figures are not listed in the data.
Q: Is this processor unlocked for overclocking?
A: No, the multiplier is locked, and the boost clock of 3.40 GHz is the maximum achievable frequency without external clock manipulation.
Q: How old is this processor?
A: It was released on February 12, 2018, and remains in active production status according to the database.
Platform and Compatibility
The i3-8130U uses the Intel BGA 1356 socket, which is a ball-grid array design soldered directly to the motherboard. This means the processor is not upgradeable or replaceable without specialized equipment, effectively tying the user to the original laptop or mini-PC configuration. The architecture is Kaby Lake-R, a refresh of the Kaby Lake family, and it belongs to the Core i3 generation listed as Kaby Lake-U Refresh.
Memory support is limited to DDR4, and the processor does not support ECC memory. The cache hierarchy includes 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 256 KB of L2 cache per core, and a shared 4 MB L3 cache. The process node is 14 nm, with a die size of 123 mm², fabricated by Intel. The integrated GPU is UHD 620, which shares the 15 W thermal budget with the CPU cores.
Upgrade path considerations are minimal due to the BGA socket. Users cannot swap to a higher-tier processor without replacing the entire motherboard. The platform is designed for cost-effective ultraportables, where the trade-off between performance and power consumption is prioritized over future expandability. The production status is active, meaning the chip is still being manufactured for new designs, though its performance class suggests it targets entry-level to mid-range mobile devices.
Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior
The data reveals a predictable split between single-threaded and multi-threaded performance, characteristic of a dual-core design. The Cinebench R23 single-core score of 423 is 14.1% of the multi-core score of 2998, which aligns with the expected 2:1 core ratio plus hyper-threading overhead. This means that applications relying on a single thread will utilize only about half the chip's potential, while multi-threaded workloads can engage all four logical processors.
Geekbench shows a similar pattern: a single-core score of 1014 versus a multi-core score of 1887, a ratio of 1.86. The slight gap from the ideal 2.0 indicates that hyper-threading adds some efficiency, but also that there is minor overhead in coordinating the two physical cores. For real-world use, this means the processor excels at tasks that are lightly threaded, such as web rendering, email, and office productivity, where the high boost clock of 3.40 GHz can be fully utilized on one core.
In contrast, heavily threaded workloads, such as video encoding or 3D rendering, will see the processor fall behind modern quad-core and higher parts. The multi-core scores, while competitive with the listed rivals, are fundamentally limited by the two physical cores. The 4 MB shared L3 cache helps mitigate this by allowing both cores to access a common pool of data, reducing the need for slower memory accesses. The takeaway is that this chip rewards workloads that can leverage its high single-core boost, while multi-threaded tasks will expose the core count limitation.
The AMD Equivalent of Core i3-8130U
Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 3 2200G offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.
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