Intel Core i5-8350U
Intel Core i5-8350U in 2025: Is it Worth Getting a Laptop with This Processor?
Despite the fact that the Intel Core i5-8350U was released back in 2017, laptops built on this processor are still found on the market — as refurbished models or entry-level devices. In 2025, this processor can no longer compete with modern chips, but it remains a viable option for specific tasks. Let's explore who this CPU is suitable for and what to pay attention to when purchasing.
Architecture and Technical Specifications
Kaby Lake Refresh: Evolution Without Revolution
The Core i5-8350U is part of Intel's 8th generation processors (codename — Kaby Lake Refresh). This was the first series of U-chips with 4 cores and 8 threads in the ultrabook line, responding to the growing demand from users for multitasking capabilities. The manufacturing process is 14 nm, which seems outdated by 2025 standards (modern CPUs use 5–7 nm), but it once provided a balance between performance and energy efficiency.
Key Specifications:
- Cores/Threads: 4/8 — the main advantage over previous generations (for example, the i5-7200U had only 2 cores).
- Frequencies: Base frequency — 1.7 GHz, maximum turbo frequency — 3.6 GHz. However, under load, stable frequency rarely exceeds 2.5–3.0 GHz due to TDP limitations.
- Cache: 6 MB L3 — sufficient for office tasks, but inadequate for complex computations.
- Integrated Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620. Speed — 300–1100 MHz, supports 4K@60 Hz but is not suitable for gaming.
Architectural Features:
- Support for DDR4-2400 and LPDDR3-2136.
- Power-saving technologies: Speed Shift (rapid switching between P-states), Turbo Boost 2.0.
- Lack of support for PCIe 4.0 and Thunderbolt 3 "out of the box" (depends on the laptop manufacturer).
Power Consumption and Thermal Package
TDP 15 W: A Compromise Between Power and Battery Life
The processor is designed for ultrabooks and thin laptops where low heat dissipation and long battery life are critical. However, in stress scenarios (e.g., video rendering), actual consumption can reach 25 W, leading to throttling (frequency reduction) due to weak cooling systems in budget devices.
Tip: When choosing a laptop with the i5-8350U, pay attention to thermal design. Models with copper heat pipes and dual fans (e.g., Lenovo ThinkPad T480) demonstrate more stable performance than ultrathin options like the HP Envy 13.
Performance in Real Tasks
Office Work and Multitasking
For everyday tasks, the processor is still relevant:
- Working with documents (Word, Excel), browsing (+20 tabs), video calls — load does not exceed 30–40%.
- Running "heavy" applications: Photoshop CC 2025 handles photo editing at resolutions up to 24 MP, but filters may apply slower than on modern CPUs.
Multimedia:
- Video conversion in HandBrake (1080p to H.265): ~45–60 minutes for a 4 GB file. In comparison, Ryzen 5 5500U handles it in 25–30 minutes.
- 4K video playback: smooth without stutters thanks to hardware decoding.
Gaming:
- Integrated graphics UHD 620 — a weak point. Games at low settings:
- CS:GO — 40–50 FPS (720p);
- GTA V — 25–30 FPS (720p);
- Fortnite — 20–25 FPS (720p).
For gaming, an external graphics card (eGPU) would be required, but this negates the portability advantages.
Turbo Boost: Pros and Cons
The maximum frequency of 3.6 GHz is reached only on one core and briefly (up to 30 seconds). In multi-threaded tasks (e.g., file archiving), the frequency drops to 2.3–2.5 GHz.
Usage Scenarios: Who is the i5-8350U Suitable for in 2025?
1. Students and Office Workers — for document work, online courses, Zoom meetings.
2. Users Who Value Portability — laptops with this CPU typically weigh 1.2–1.5 kg.
3. Budget Buyers — refurbished models can be found for $250–$400.
Not Suitable For:
- Gamers and video editors.
- Those working with AI, 3D modeling, or 4K editing.
Battery Life: How Long Will the Battery Last?
With a battery capacity of 50 Wh (common for ultrabooks from 2018–2020), the usage time is:
- 8–10 hours: web surfing, office tasks (brightness 50%).
- 4–5 hours: video playback at 1080p.
- 1.5–2 hours: stress tests (e.g., Cinebench).
Power-saving Technologies:
- Intel Speed Shift — dynamic frequency management.
- Adaptix Thermal Framework — cooling optimization.
Tip: By 2025, the batteries in such laptops may be worn out. Check the charge cycles or plan for a battery replacement ($50–$80).
Comparison with Competitors
1. AMD Ryzen 5 2500U (2018):
- Pros: More powerful Vega 8 graphics.
- Cons: Worse optimization for Windows.
2. Apple M1 (2020):
- Pros: 3–4 times higher performance, 18 hours of battery life.
- Cons: Price (starting at $800 for a refurbished MacBook Air).
3. Intel Core i3-1215U (2022):
- Pros: 10 nm, higher IPC, support for DDR5.
- Cons: Laptops with it start from $600.
Pros and Cons of the Core i5-8350U
Strengths:
- Sufficient performance for basic tasks.
- Low power consumption.
- Affordable price on the secondary market.
Weaknesses:
- Outdated 14 nm manufacturing process.
- Weak graphics.
- Lack of support for modern standards (PCIe 4.0, Wi-Fi 6).
Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop
1. Type of Device: Ultrabooks from 2018–2020 (Dell XPS 13, Lenovo Yoga 730). Avoid gaming models — in them, the i5-8350U will become a "bottleneck."
2. RAM Size: Minimum 8 GB, preferably 16 GB (DDR4-2400).
3. Storage: SSD is a must (NVMe preferred over SATA).
4. Display: Full HD (1920×1080) — a resolution that the UHD 620 can handle smoothly.
Example Models from 2025 (refurbished):
- HP EliteBook 840 G5: $300–$350, 14", 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD.
- Lenovo ThinkPad T480: $280–$320, classic keyboard, repairability.
Final Verdict
The Intel Core i5-8350U in 2025 is a choice for those who:
- Are looking for an inexpensive laptop for study or office work.
- Do not plan to run "heavy" applications.
- Value portability and battery life.
Key Benefits: Low cost, proven reliability, sufficient performance for basic tasks. However, if your budget allows for an additional $200–$300, it's better to consider laptops with Intel's 12th generation processors or AMD Ryzen 5000 — they will last longer and not disappoint in the future.