Intel Core i5-8210Y

Intel Core i5-8210Y: A Compact Processor for Mobility. Analysis in 2025
Overview of the capabilities and relevance of the processor years after its release
Architecture and Process Technology: 14 nm in the Era of 3 nm
The Intel Core i5-8210Y processor, released in 2018 and based on the Amber Lake Y microarchitecture, remains a niche solution for ultra-portable devices even in 2025. Its key features include:
- 2 cores, 4 threads thanks to Hyper-Threading;
- Base clock frequency of 1.6 GHz, turbo mode up to 3.6 GHz for a single core;
- Integrated graphics UHD 617 with a frequency of up to 1050 MHz;
- 14-nanometer process technology (for comparison, modern processors from Apple and AMD use 3-5 nm).
Despite the outdated process technology, 14 nm allowed Intel to maintain a low TDP (7 W) and eliminate the need for active cooling. However, in multitasking and energy efficiency, the i5-8210Y lags behind chips built on newer architectures — for instance, in Cinebench R23 tests, it is 30-40% slower than the quad-core AMD Ryzen 3 7320U (2023).
Power Consumption and TDP: A Balance Between Performance and Battery Life
The 7 W TDP is the processor's main advantage. This allows for:
- Integration of the chip into fanless devices (e.g., Microsoft Surface Go 3);
- Reducing heat to 60-70°C even under load;
- Using compact batteries (30-40 Wh) without compromising runtime.
However, the low TDP has a downside: under prolonged loads (e.g., video rendering), the processor's frequency drops to 2-2.4 GHz due to power constraints. This makes it unsuitable for professional tasks.
Performance: What Can the i5-8210Y Do in 2025?
Office Tasks
- Running Microsoft 365, browsing with 10-15 tabs, and messaging apps — no lags.
- A minimum of 8 GB RAM and SSD recommended (e.g., Samsung 980 256 GB).
Multimedia
- Watching 4K videos (YouTube, Netflix) — UHD 617 handles decoding via hardware codecs.
- Basic photo editing in Lightroom — acceptable, but exporting will take 2-3 times longer than on an Apple M1.
Gaming
- Only light projects: Minecraft (30-40 FPS on low settings), CS:GO (25-30 FPS, 720p), browser games.
- Incompatible with modern AAA titles (e.g., Cyberpunk 2077).
Turbo Mode
A brief "boost" to 3.6 GHz helps in scenarios such as:
- Opening "heavy" websites;
- Launching applications;
- PDF conversion.
However, after 10-15 seconds, the frequency drops to 2.4-2.8 GHz.
Use Cases: Who Is This Processor Suitable For?
- Students — for lectures, text work, and Zoom meetings.
- Office Workers — email, Excel, presentations.
- Travelers — compact laptops like the Lenovo Yoga C630 (weighing from 1.2 kg).
Not Recommended For:
- Gamers — better to choose devices with Ryzen 5 7640U or Intel Core i5-1240U.
- Designers and programmers — lack of performance.
Battery Life: Up to 12 Hours Under Ideal Conditions
With a battery capacity of 40 Wh (e.g., HP Pavilion x360), the i5-8210Y provides:
- 8-10 hours of work under moderate use (50% brightness, Wi-Fi);
- Up to 12 hours in power-saving mode.
Energy-Saving Technologies:
- Intel Speed Shift — adaptive frequency switching;
- Panel Self Refresh — reduced load on the GPU during static images;
- Dynamic Tuning — AI optimization of load in real-time.
Comparison with Competitors: Who Is Ahead?
AMD Ryzen 3 7320U (2023)
- 4 cores / 8 threads;
- TDP 15 W, 6 nm;
- 45% faster in multi-threaded tasks;
- Downside: battery life is 15-20% lower.
Apple M1 (2020)
- 8 cores (4+4), 5 nm;
- 2-3 times higher performance;
- Price: laptops with M1 start from $900 (new), while devices with i5-8210Y start from $600.
Intel Core i5-1130G7 (2021)
- 4 cores / 8 threads, 10 nm;
- TDP 15 W;
- Best choice for those needing a balance between performance and battery life.
Pros and Cons of the i5-8210Y
Strengths:
- Low power consumption;
- Silent operation (passive cooling);
- Sufficient for basic tasks in 2025.
Weaknesses:
- Outdated 14 nm process;
- Weak multi-threaded performance;
- Limited upgrade potential (often soldered to the board).
Laptop Selection Recommendations
- Type of device: ultrabook or convertible (e.g., ASUS ZenBook 13 or Dell Inspiron 7391).
- What to check:
- Presence of SSD (not HDD!);
- Screen resolution of at least Full HD;
- USB-C ports with charging support;
- Weight up to 1.5 kg.
Average price in 2025: $600-800 for new models.
Final Conclusion: Who Is This Processor For?
The Intel Core i5-8210Y in 2025 is a choice for those who:
1. Value compactness and lightness;
2. Are not willing to pay more for "excess" performance;
3. Work primarily in office applications and browsers.
Key benefits:
- Affordable price;
- Rare charging (1-2 times a week under moderate use);
- Reliability of a proven platform.
If you need a laptop for the "future" or for demanding tasks, consider processors from Apple Silicon or AMD Ryzen 7000 series.
Basic
CPU Specifications
Memory Specifications
GPU Specifications
Miscellaneous
Benchmarks
Compared to Other CPU
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