Intel Core i3-8145U
Intel Core i3-8145U: Review and Practical Recommendations for Users in 2025
March 2025
Introduction
The Intel Core i3-8145U is a dual-core processor released in 2018 as part of the Whiskey Lake line. Despite its age, it is still found in budget laptops and ultrabooks, especially in the sub-$500 segment. In 2025, such devices remain relevant for users who value portability, battery life, and the ability to perform basic tasks. Let's explore what this CPU is capable of today, who it's suitable for, and how to choose a laptop with it.
1. Architecture and Process Technology
Whiskey Lake: Evolution of 14nm Technology
The processor is built on a 14nm process technology that Intel has used for several generations. The Whiskey Lake architecture is an optimization of previous solutions (Kaby Lake Refresh), aimed at improving energy efficiency and supporting new communication standards (e.g., Wi-Fi 6).
- Cores and Threads: 2 cores, 4 threads (Hyper-Threading).
- Frequencies: Base clock is 2.1 GHz, maximum turbo frequency is 3.9 GHz.
- Cache: L3 cache is 4MB (shared across all cores).
- Integrated Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 (24 EU, clock up to 1.0 GHz).
Architecture Features:
- Support for DDR4-2400 / LPDDR3-2133.
- 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
- Hardware acceleration for video encoding/decoding (HEVC, VP9).
iGPU UHD 620 is suitable for output to 4K monitors, but is limited for gaming or 3D work.
2. Power Consumption and TDP
TDP of 15W is a standard figure for ultrabooks, which means that:
- The processor is designed to work in compact cases with passive or weak active cooling.
- In idle mode, power consumption drops to 1-2W thanks to Intel Speed Shift and Adaptive Thermal Monitoring technologies.
- Under peak load (e.g., video rendering), power consumption can temporarily reach 25W, but the system quickly reduces frequencies to return to TDP.
Practical Tip: In laptops with passive cooling (e.g., Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3), turbo mode works briefly (10-15 seconds), after which clock speeds drop to 2.5-3.0 GHz.
3. Real-World Performance
Office Tasks
- Microsoft Office, a browser with 10+ tabs, Zoom: The CPU handles these tasks without lag, but running several heavy applications simultaneously (e.g., Excel + Photoshop) may result in stuttering.
- Example: Rendering a PDF document in Adobe Acrobat takes 3-5 seconds, compared to 1-2 seconds for modern Core i5 processors.
Multimedia
- Photo Editors (Lightroom, Photoshop): Editing RAW files is possible but with delays. For instance, applying a filter in Photoshop takes 2-3 seconds.
- Video: Converting a 1080p video in HandBrake is about 60-70% slower than with the Ryzen 5 5500U.
Gaming
- CS:GO: 720p, low settings — 40-50 FPS.
- Fortnite: 720p, minimum settings — 25-30 FPS.
- Indie Games (Stardew Valley, Hollow Knight): Stable at 60 FPS.
Turbo Boost Mode: In games, the CPU frequency reaches 3.7-3.9 GHz but drops to 2.8-3.0 GHz due to overheating after 5-7 minutes.
4. Use Cases
Who is the Core i3-8145U Suitable For?
- Students: Working with texts, presentations, online courses.
- Office Workers: Email, Excel, CRM systems.
- Casual Users: Social media, video streaming (YouTube, Netflix).
Who is it Not Suitable For?
- Gamers (except for casual games).
- Designers and video editors.
- Programmers working with virtualization or compiling large projects.
5. Battery Life
- Runtime: In laptops with a 40-50 Wh battery (e.g., HP 14s-dk0023ur) — 6-8 hours under mixed load (browsing, office tasks).
- Power Saving Technologies:
- Intel Dynamic Tuning: Automatically adjusts power based on load.
- Connected Standby: Sleep mode with background app functionality (emails, messaging).
Tip: For maximum battery life, disable Turbo Boost in power settings — this can add 1-2 hours of usage.
6. Comparison with Competitors
AMD Ryzen 3 3200U (2019)
- Pros: 4 threads, better Vega 3 graphics.
- Cons: Higher power consumption (TDP of 15W, but closer to 18W in practice).
- Conclusion: The Ryzen 3 excels in multithreaded tasks but falls behind in battery life.
Apple M1 (2020)
- Game-Changer: The M1 is 2-3 times faster in single and multithreaded tests at similar TDP.
- However: Laptops with M1 start at $700, while devices with the i3-8145U start at $300.
Intel Core i3-1115G4 (2020)
- 10nm process, 2 cores/4 threads, up to 4.1 GHz.
- Around 15-20% faster in single-threaded tasks but more expensive.
7. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Low price of laptops ($300-450).
- Sufficient performance for basic tasks.
- Good battery life.
Cons:
- 2 cores limit multitasking.
- Weak iGPU for gaming and graphics tasks.
- Outdated 14nm process technology (compared to 7nm AMD and 5nm Apple).
8. Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop
Types of Devices:
- Ultrabooks: ASUS VivoBook 15, Lenovo IdeaPad 3 — weight up to 1.5 kg, screen size 13-15".
- Budget Laptops: HP 14s, Acer Aspire 5 — screen sizes 14-15.6", often with HDD+SSD configurations.
What to Pay Attention To:
- RAM: At least 8 GB (better 12 GB for Windows 11).
- Storage: Only SSD (256 GB and above).
- Screen: Full HD (1920×1080) — many budget models still use HD (1366×768).
- Ports: USB-C with charging support — useful for versatility.
Examples of 2025 Models:
- Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3: $349, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, 15.6" Full HD screen.
- ASUS ExpertBook B1: $399, 12 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, expandable slots.
9. Final Conclusion
The Core i3-8145U in 2025 is a choice for those needing an affordable laptop for studies, document work, and browsing. Its key advantages are:
- Low cost of devices.
- Energy efficiency and battery life.
- Support for modern operating systems (Windows 11, Linux).
Who Should Buy It:
- Students, retirees, office workers.
- Users who do not need high performance.
Alternatives: If the budget allows for $500+, it's better to choose a laptop with a Ryzen 5 5500U or Core i5-1135G7 — they will serve longer and perform better in multitasking.
Conclusion: The Intel Core i3-8145U is an example of a "workhorse" in the budget segment. It does not impress with speed but fulfills its required functions and allows for savings. In 2025, such solutions remain niche but in demand.