Intel Core i5-8365U
Intel Core i5-8365U: Balancing Performance and Battery Life in Ultrabooks
April 2025
Introduction
Despite the emergence of new generations of processors, the Intel Core i5-8365U remains a popular solution for budget ultrabooks and work laptops. Released in 2018 under the codename Whiskey Lake, this chip continues to be used in entry-level and mid-range devices due to its energy efficiency and sufficient performance for everyday tasks. This article will explore whom this processor may be suitable for in 2025, as well as evaluate its strengths and weaknesses.
Architecture and Manufacturing Process
14 nm: A Proven Technology
The Core i5-8365U is built on a 14 nm manufacturing process that Intel has utilized across several generations of processors. Although this technology may seem outdated by 2025 standards, it has provided the chip with stability and low production costs.
- 4 cores and 8 threads thanks to Hyper-Threading.
- Base frequency of 1.6 GHz, with a maximum turbo frequency of 4.1 GHz (for a single core).
- 6 MB of L3 cache — sufficient for office applications and light multitasking.
- Integrated graphics Intel UHD Graphics 620 (24 EU, frequency up to 1.1 GHz). Supports 4K video but is weak for modern gaming.
The Whiskey Lake architecture brought improvements in energy consumption and support for new standards: Wi-Fi 6 (at the time of release), USB 3.1 Gen 2, as well as hardware acceleration for data encryption.
Power Consumption and TDP
15 W: An Ideal Fit for Thin Laptops
With a TDP of 15 W, this processor can be used in ultrabooks without active cooling or with compact fans. This is a key parameter for devices where weight (1–1.5 kg) and thickness (less than 15 mm) are essential.
- In idle mode, power consumption is reduced to 2–3 W thanks to Speed Shift technology.
- Under peak loads (e.g., video rendering), the chip can briefly exceed its TDP, but the cooling system quickly reduces frequencies to avoid overheating.
Example: The Dell XPS 13 (2024 model with i5-8365U) features a compact heatsink and a fan that is nearly silent when working with documents.
Performance in Real-World Tasks
Office and Multimedia
- Geekbench 6: 1401 (single-core), 4142 (multi-core). For comparison, the Apple M1 scores around 2300/8500 but is also more expensive.
- Microsoft Office, a browser with 10+ tabs, Zoom — the processor handles these tasks without delays.
- 4K video playback in VLC or YouTube — plays smoothly thanks to decoding capabilities of the iGPU.
Gaming
Intel UHD Graphics 620 is suitable only for light gaming:
- CS:GO on low settings — 30–40 FPS at 720p resolution.
- Minecraft — up to 60 FPS, but with occasional drops.
- Modern games like Cyberpunk 2077 or Hogwarts Legacy — will either not run or will work at 10–15 FPS.
Turbo Mode: Brief Boost
Maximum frequency of 4.1 GHz is activated for 15–30 seconds (depending on the cooling system). Useful for:
- Quickly opening "heavy" applications (Photoshop, Visual Studio).
- Rendering short videos in Premiere Pro.
Important! In prolonged tasks (e.g., exporting a 30-minute video), the frequency drops to 2.5–3 GHz to stay within TDP limits.
Usage Scenarios
The Core i5-8365U is suitable for:
- Students working with texts, presentations, and online courses.
- Office workers who do not require professional graphics.
- Users valuing battery life — such laptops often last 8–10 hours.
- As a secondary device for travel or work in cafes.
Not suitable for:
- Gamers — a discrete graphics card is needed.
- Video editors — weak multi-core performance.
- Engineers working with CAD software.
Battery Life
How the Processor Saves Power
- SpeedStep technology dynamically adjusts frequency based on load.
- Ultra Low Power mode disables unused cores when handling background tasks.
- Driver optimization for Windows 11/12 and Linux reduces power consumption by 10–15% compared to earlier OS versions.
Example of Battery Life:
- Browsing web pages (50% brightness) — up to 9 hours.
- Video playback in VLC — 7–8 hours.
- Working in AutoCAD (basic tasks) — 4–5 hours.
Tip: For maximum runtime, choose laptops with a battery of at least 50 Wh (e.g., HP EliteBook 840 G6).
Comparison with Competitors
AMD Ryzen 5 5500U
- Pros: 6 cores/12 threads, Vega 7 graphics (30% faster than UHD 620), support for PCIe 3.0.
- Cons: Higher TDP (25 W), less battery life (1–2 hours shorter).
- Laptop prices: $650–900 (similar Intel models range from $600–850).
Apple M1
- Pros: Superior performance and battery life (up to 18 hours), runs cool.
- Cons: Limited compatibility with Windows programs, high price (laptops starting from $999).
Intel Core i5-1135G7 (Tiger Lake)
- Pros: More modern architecture (10 nm), Iris Xe graphics (twice as fast as UHD 620).
- Cons: Laptops are 15–20% more expensive with similar battery life.
Conclusion: In 2025, the i5-8365U should be considered only in the budget segment (up to $700), where price is prioritized over maximum performance.
Pros and Cons
Strengths:
1. Low power consumption and long battery life.
2. Adequate performance for everyday tasks.
3. Wide compatibility with OS and applications.
4. Affordable laptop prices (starting at $550).
Weaknesses:
1. Outdated 14 nm manufacturing process.
2. Weak integrated graphics.
3. Limited headroom for multi-core tasks.
Recommendations for Laptop Selection
1. Type of Device: Ultrabooks (Asus ZenBook, Lenovo IdeaPad Slim) or business laptops (Dell Latitude).
2. RAM: At least 8 GB, preferably 16 GB for working with a browser and applications simultaneously.
3. Storage: SSD of at least 512 GB (NVMe preferred).
4. Display: Full HD (1920×1080) with an IPS panel. A 4K display is excessive for this processor.
5. Cooling: Check reviews for fan noise under load.
Examples of 2025 Models:
- Acer Swift 3 (SF314-59): $599, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD, 14-inch screen.
- Lenovo ThinkPad E15: $679, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, backlit keyboard.
Final Conclusion
The Intel Core i5-8365U is designed for those seeking an affordable laptop for work and study. Its key advantages are battery life, quiet operation, and sufficient power for office tasks. However, by 2025, it is no longer suitable for demanding scenarios like video editing or gaming.
Who it's suitable for:
- Students and freelancers on a limited budget.
- Users needing a lightweight laptop for travel.
- Those unwilling to pay extra for new models but seeking a reliable device.
If your budget allows, consider laptops with the Ryzen 5 5500U or Intel Core i5-1135G7 — they offer a better price-performance ratio. However, for basic tasks, the i5-8365U remains a practical choice.