Intel Core i3-8145UE
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
At a Glance
IntelIntel Core i3-8145UE Specifications
Core i3-8145UE Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Core i3-8145UE 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.
i3-8145UE Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i3-8145UE 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 i3-8145UE by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Core i3-8145UE Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i3-8145UE 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 i3-8145UE's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
Whiskey Lake Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The Intel Core i3-8145UE is built on Intel's 10 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 i3-8145UE incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Whiskey Lake Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Core i3-8145UE 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.
i3-8145UE Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Core i3-8145UE 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 1528 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Core i3-8145UE uses the Intel BGA 1528 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 1528 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the i3-8145UE 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 i3-8145UE 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 i3-8145UE Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The Intel Core i3-8145UE 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 i3-8145UE 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 i3-8145UE Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Core i3-8145UE 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 i3-8145UE by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
Core i3-8145UE 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 i3-8145UE 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.
cinebench_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 i3-8145UE. The more demanding workload provides better differentiation between current-generation processors.
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 i3-8145UE. The increased complexity provides more accurate performance differentiation between modern CPUs.
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 i3-8145UE after thermal limits kick in. The longer duration exposes cooling limitations that shorter benchmarks miss.
cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Core i3-8145UE maintains boost clocks under continuous load. The extended runtime shows whether thermal throttling affects single-core performance.
About Intel Core i3-8145UE
The Intel Core i3-8145UE is a dual-core mobile processor built on the Whiskey Lake architecture, with a 15 W TDP, a 2.20 GHz base clock, and a 3.90 GHz boost clock. It integrates UHD Graphics 620, supports DDR4 memory in dual-channel mode, and connects via PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes. Benchmark data places it in the 34th percentile of all CPUs, with an average score of 1206. Its nearest rivals—all older desktop or server parts—sit within 0.3% of that figure, making this low-power chip a surprising performance equalizer.
Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior
The benchmark results reveal a pronounced split between single-thread and multi-thread performance. In Cinebench R20, the single-core score of 207 and multi-core score of 1471 produce a 7.1x ratio; Cinebench R23 shows the same 7.1x ratio with 494 and 3504. This consistency suggests that the processor's four threads are effectively harnessed in multi-threaded workloads, while single-thread performance is comparatively modest. The boost clock of 3.90 GHz is high for a 15 W part, implying that short bursts of single-thread activity can reach elevated frequencies, but the sustained single-core scores indicate that power or thermal limits may cap longer workloads. For real-world use, lightly threaded applications—such as web browsing, office productivity, or legacy software—will see moderate responsiveness, while multi-threaded tasks like video encoding or 3D rendering will tap into the full 4-thread capacity, albeit at a level consistent with a dual-core design.
The multi-core scores are not dramatically higher than what a quad-core desktop chip from several years ago might produce, but the 7.1x scaling from single to multi is higher than typical for a 2-core/4-thread part. This indicates that the hyper-threading implementation is efficient, and the processor can maintain boost clocks across all threads for at least short durations. The R15 multicore score of 353 further underscores the modest absolute performance, but the relative scaling pattern holds. In workloads that can use all four threads, the i3-8145UE behaves like a competent low-power processor; in single-threaded tasks, it falls behind modern desktop parts but remains serviceable for everyday use.
Power and Thermals
With a TDP of 15 W, the i3-8145UE belongs to the ultra-low-power segment, designed for thin-and-light laptops, mini-PCs, and fanless or passively cooled systems. The 10 nm process node (as listed) contributes to efficiency, though the actual thermal behavior depends on the system's cooling solution. The high boost clock of 3.90 GHz relative to the base 2.20 GHz suggests that the processor can spike to high frequencies for short periods, but sustained multi-core loads will likely settle near the base clock to stay within the 15 W envelope. This TDP class implies that a capable air cooler—such as a low-profile heatsink or a small heatpipe assembly—is sufficient; no exotic liquid cooling or large tower cooler is required. The integrated UHD Graphics 620 adds to the thermal load, but the overall package is designed for passive cooling in many implementations. The data does not include specific thermal measurements, but the 15 W rating places it alongside other efficient mobile chips that prioritize battery life and quiet operation over raw performance.
Platform and Compatibility
The i3-8145UE uses the Intel BGA 1528 socket, a soldered design that precludes processor upgrades. This is a fixed platform: the CPU is permanently attached to the motherboard, so the only upgrade path is a full system replacement. Memory support is limited to DDR4 in dual-channel configuration, providing a bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The memory controller does not support ECC, which is typical for consumer and mobile platforms. The PCIe Gen 3 controller offers 16 lanes (CPU-only), enabling connectivity for discrete GPUs, NVMe storage, or other high-bandwidth peripherals. The integrated UHD Graphics 620 handles display output without a discrete GPU, making this a complete system-on-chip solution for ultraportables. The release date of September 30, 2018, places it in the Whiskey Lake generation, and the production status remains active. The platform is therefore a self-contained, non-upgradeable solution aimed at cost-sensitive mobile devices where longevity and expandability are secondary to size and power efficiency.
How It Compares
Intel Core i3-6100
Against the Core i3-6100, a desktop dual-core from the Skylake era, the i3-8145UE posts an average benchmark score of 1206, which is 0.1% higher than the rival's 1205. This near-parity is remarkable given the i3-8145UE's 15 W TDP versus the i3-6100's higher desktop power envelope. The mobile chip matches the older desktop part in overall performance, though the i3-6100 likely has a higher sustained clock under load.
Intel Core i5-4460
The Core i5-4460, a quad-core desktop processor from 2014, averages 1207, which is 0.1% higher than the i3-8145UE's 1206. The i5-4460 has four physical cores, but the i3-8145UE's hyper-threading and higher boost clock help close the gap. The delta is within measurement noise, indicating that the two chips are effectively equivalent in average benchmark terms, despite the i5-4460 having more cores.
Intel Xeon D-1520
The Xeon D-1520, a server-oriented SoC with an average score of 1209, is 0.2% ahead of the i3-8145UE. This is the largest delta among the rivals, but still negligible. The Xeon part likely offers more cores and higher memory bandwidth, yet the i3-8145UE's efficient architecture and boost behavior keep it competitive in this benchmark suite.
Intel Core i5-2500
The Core i5-2500, a Sandy Bridge desktop chip from 2011, averages 1202, which is 0.3% lower than the i3-8145UE's 1206. The i5-2500 has four cores, but its older architecture and lack of hyper-threading on some models place it slightly behind the mobile part. The i3-8145UE's 0.3% lead is the largest among the rivals, but still within a fraction of a percent.
Benchmark Performance
The average benchmark score of 1206 places the i3-8145UE in the 34th percentile of all CPUs, meaning it outperforms roughly one-third of the processors in the database. Its nearest rivals cluster tightly: the i3-6100 at 1205 (+0.1%), the i5-4460 at 1207 (-0.1%), the Xeon D-1520 at 1209 (-0.2%), and the i5-2500 at 1202 (+0.3%). These deltas are all within 0.3%, indicating that the i3-8145UE delivers performance equivalent to desktop processors from 2011 to 2015, despite being a low-power mobile part. In specific Cinebench tests, the R20 multi-core score of 1471 and single-core score of 207 show a 7.1x scaling, while R23 yields 3504 and 494, respectively. The R15 multi-core score of 353 is consistent with the dual-core design. The single-core scores are modest, but the multi-core scores benefit from hyper-threading and boost behavior. The 38.4 GB/s memory bandwidth and dual-channel DDR4 support help sustain multi-threaded throughput, while the 15 W TDP keeps the thermal footprint low. Overall, the benchmark data shows that the i3-8145UE is a capable performer for its power class, matching the output of much older, higher-power desktop CPUs—a testament to architectural efficiency and modern manufacturing.
The AMD Equivalent of Core i3-8145UE
Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 3 2300X offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.
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