Intel Core i3-8121U

Intel Core i3-8121U

About processor

The Intel Core i3-8121U is a mobile processor from the Cannon Lake series, built on a 10nm technology. With a total of 2 cores and 4 threads, this processor comes with a 4MB L3 cache and a thermal design power (TDP) of 15W, making it an efficient choice for mobile devices. In terms of performance, the i3-8121U delivers solid results. The Geekbench 6 Single Core score of 1065 and Multi Core score of 2250 showcase its ability to handle everyday tasks and multitasking with ease. The processor's efficient power consumption also makes it suitable for thin and light laptops, offering a good balance between performance and battery life. Overall, the Intel Core i3-8121U is a reliable choice for budget-friendly laptops and ultrabooks. While it may not be the most powerful option on the market, its performance, energy efficiency, and affordability make it a compelling choice for casual users and students. If you're in the market for a laptop that balances performance and battery life well, the i3-8121U is definitely worth considering.

Basic

Label Name
Intel
Platform
Mobile
Launch Date
May 2018
Model Name
?
The Intel processor number is just one of several factors - along with processor brand, system configurations, and system-level benchmarks - to be considered when choosing the right processor for your computing needs.
Core i3-8121U
Code Name
Cannon Lake
Generation
Core i3 (Kaby Lake-U Refresh)

CPU Specifications

Total Cores
?
Cores is a hardware term that describes the number of independent central processing units in a single computing component (die or chip).
2
Total Threads
?
Where applicable, Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology is only available on Performance-cores.
4
Basic Frequency
2.2 GHz
Max Turbo Frequency
?
Max Turbo Frequency is the maximum single-core frequency at which the processor is capable of operating using Intel® Turbo Boost Technology and, if present, Intel® Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 and Intel® Thermal Velocity Boost. Frequency is typically measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billion cycles per second.
up to 3.2 GHz
L1 Cache
64 KB (per core)
L2 Cache
256 KB (per core)
L3 Cache
4 MB (shared)
Bus Frequency
100 MHz
Multiplier
22.0x
CPU Socket
?
The socket is the component that provides the mechanical and electrical connections between the processor and motherboard.
Intel BGA 1440
Multiplier Unlocked
No
Technology
?
Lithography refers to the semiconductor technology used to manufacture an integrated circuit, and is reported in nanometer (nm), indicative of the size of features built on the semiconductor.
10 nm
TDP
15 W
Max. Operating Temperature
?
Junction Temperature is the maximum temperature allowed at the processor die.
105°C
PCI Express Version
?
PCI Express Revision is the supported version of the PCI Express standard. Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (or PCIe) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for attaching hardware devices to a computer. The different PCI Express versions support different data rates.
Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only)

Memory Specifications

Memory Type
?
Intel® processors come in four different types: Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel, and Flex Mode. Maximum supported memory speed may be lower when populating multiple DIMMs per channel on products that support multiple memory channels.
DDR4
Memory Channels
?
The number of memory channels refers to the bandwidth operation for real world application.
Dual-channel
ECC Memory
No

GPU Specifications

Integrated Graphics Model
?
An integrated GPU refers to the graphics core that is integrated into the CPU processor. Leveraging the processor's powerful computational capabilities and intelligent power efficiency management, it delivers outstanding graphics performance and a smooth application experience at a lower power consumption.
N/A

Benchmarks

Geekbench 6
Single Core Score
1065
Geekbench 6
Multi Core Score
2250
Geekbench 5
Single Core Score
807
Geekbench 5
Multi Core Score
1845
Passmark CPU
Single Core Score
1945
Passmark CPU
Multi Core Score
4388

Compared to Other CPU

Geekbench 6 Single Core
1138 +6.9%
1097 +3%
1009 -5.3%
957 -10.1%
Geekbench 6 Multi Core
2721 +20.9%
2471 +9.8%
2043 -9.2%
1860 -17.3%
Geekbench 5 Single Core
840 +4.1%
822 +1.9%
787 -2.5%
772 -4.3%
Geekbench 5 Multi Core
2108 +14.3%
1970 +6.8%
1705 -7.6%
1597 -13.4%
Passmark CPU Single Core
1998 +2.7%
1969 +1.2%
1914 -1.6%
1888 -2.9%
Passmark CPU Multi Core
4860 +10.8%
4566 +4.1%
4126 -6%
3909 -10.9%