Performance
Core i3-8121U4% better
4,59712% of 36,991
Core i7-5557U
4,42312% of 36,991
The Core i3-8121U has 4% better performance than the Core i7-5557U for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.
Performance per dollar
Core i3-8121U
No data available
Core i7-5557U
10.389% of 121.53
The Core i7-5557U has 9% of the performance per dollar compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: Intel Core i5-13400F.
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Summary
#
About the Intel Core i3-8121U CPU
The Intel Core i3-8121U is an end-of-life 2-core (4-thread) processor built for the mobile CPU market. It launched in Q2 2018. It is part of Intel's Core i3 lineup, which is based on the Kaby Lake-U Refresh microarchitecture. The i3-8121U is compatible with Intel BGA 1440 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 10 nm manufacturing process.
Memory and Cache
The Core i3-8121U supports DDR4 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i3-8121U has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 64 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 256 KB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 4 MB.
Cores and Clock Speeds
The Core i3-8121U features 2 total cores which can process 4 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 2.2 GHz, and it can boost up to 3.2 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is locked, making it incapable of overclocking for pushing performance further.
Integrated Graphics
The Core i3-8121U does not include an integrated graphics solution. A dedicated graphics card will be required if you require a monitor with your computer.
Benchmark Performance
The Core i3-8121U has the 418th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 12.43% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.
About the Intel Core i7-5557U CPU
The Intel Core i7-5557U is an end-of-life 2-core (4-thread) processor built for the mobile CPU market. It launched in Q1 2015 with a suggested retail price of $426. It is part of Intel's Core i7 lineup, which is based on the Broadwell-U microarchitecture. The i7-5557U is compatible with Intel BGA 1168 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 14 nm manufacturing process. It features the Intel Iris 6100 integrated graphics solution.
Memory and Cache
The Core i7-5557U supports DDR3 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i7-5557U has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 64 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 256 KB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 4 MB.
Cores and Clock Speeds
The Core i7-5557U features 2 total cores which can process 4 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 3.1 GHz, and it can boost up to 3.4 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is locked, making it incapable of overclocking for pushing performance further.
Integrated Graphics
The Core i7-5557U includes an integrated graphics solution called Intel Iris 6100. This graphics processor is directly integrated into the CPU and is not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card. While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, it is not suitable for more demanding activities such as gaming or video editing, where a dedicated graphics card offers superior performance.
Benchmark Performance & Value
The Core i7-5557U has the 425th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 11.96% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 4,423 score and $426 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 10.38. This is the 191st best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.
General Info
General overview of the CPU, including details like its manufacturer, release date, launch price, and current production status.
| Info | Core i3-8121U | Core i7-5557U |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Series | Core i3 | Core i7 |
| Market Segment | Mobile | Mobile |
| Release Date | Q2 2018 | Q1 2015 |
| Launch Price (MSRP) | -- | $426 |
| Production Status | End-of-life | End-of-life |
| Shop | Check Price | Check Price |
Benchmark Performance
#
Performance
Core i3-8121U4% better
4,59712% of 36,991
Core i7-5557U
4,42312% of 36,991
The Core i3-8121U has 4% better performance than the Core i7-5557U for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.
The Core i3-8121U is ranked 418th with a score of 4,597, and the Core i7-5557U is ranked 425th with a score of 4,423.
Performance per dollar
Core i3-8121U
No data available
Core i7-5557U
10.389% of 121.53
The Core i7-5557U has 20% of the performance per dollar compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.
Core i7-5557U's 10.38 performance per dollar ranks it 0th among the other benchmarked CPUs in our database.
Relative Performance
The average score in the benchmark test can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative performance. Generally, powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.
Choose Baseline CPU:Core i3-8121U or
| CPU | Benchmark Performance | |
|---|---|---|
| Core i7-6600U | 4,606.5 | +0% |
| Core i5-6360U | 4,600 | +0% |
| Core i3-8121U | 4,597 | |
| Ryzen 3 3300U | 4,587 | -0% |
| Core i7-7600U | 4,575 | -0% |
| Core i3-7100H | 4,559 | -1% |
| Core i7-740QM | 4,450 | -3% |
| Core i7-5557U | 4,423 | -4% |
| Celeron J4025 | 4,284 | -7% |
| Core i3-8145U | 4,267.5 | -7% |
Relative Value For Money
The average performance per dollar in the benchmark test can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative value. A higher score implies a better value for your money.
Choose Baseline CPU:Core i3-8121U orCore i7-5557U
| CPU | Performance Per Dollar | |
|---|---|---|
| Core i5-5350U | 11.04 | +6% |
| Core i5-5300U | 10.92 | +5% |
| Core i7-720QM | 10.81 | +4% |
| Core i5-L16G7 | 10.73 | +3% |
| Core i3-5010U | 10.68 | +3% |
| Core i7-5557U | 10.38 | |
| Core i7-5500U | 10.2 | -2% |
| Core i7-640M | 9.7 | -7% |
| Core i7-5600U | 9.65 | -7% |
| Core i7-5650U | 8.92 | -14% |
Benchmark Scores
This table showcases the average performance scores achieved by both CPUs across industry-standard benchmark tests. These scores provide a valuable insight into overall performance. Powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.
- Popular
| Benchmark | Core i3-8121U | Core i7-5557U |
|---|---|---|
| 3DMark 11 Performance Physics | 4,597 (+3.93%) | 4,423 |
| 3DMark Time Spy CPU | -- | 1,577 |
| Cinebench R15 Multi-Core | 317.6 | 353 (+11.15%) |
| Cinebench R15 Single-Core | 133 | 140 (+5.26%) |
| Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core | 2,366 (+14.47%) | 2,067 |
| Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core | 1,163 (+11.83%) | 1,040 |
| CPU Mark Multi-Thread | 4,388 (+41.69%) | 3,097 |
| CPU Mark Single-Thread | 1,942 (+1.52%) | 1,913 |
Benchmarks Source: Notebookcheck
Technical Specs
#
Manufacturing Details
Information about the CPU's manufacturing like its foundry, process size, and transistor count.
| Spec | Core i3-8121U | Core i7-5557U |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Intel | Intel |
| Foundry | Intel | Intel |
| Process Size | 10 nm | 14 nm |
| Transistors | -- | 1,900 million |
Architecture
CPU architecture specs like its memory channels, memory support, and microarchitecture. Newer CPU architectures can minimize bottlenecks and improve execution efficiency using more advanced techniques.
| Spec | Core i3-8121U | Core i7-5557U |
|---|---|---|
| Series | Core i3 | Core i7 |
| Microarchitecture | Kaby Lake-U Refresh | Broadwell-U |
| Codename | Cannon Lake | Broadwell-U |
| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR3 |
| Memory Channels | Dual-channel | Dual-channel |
| ECC Memory | No | No |
Cores & Clock Speeds
Processing power information like its cores and clock speed. These specs impact how fast they can handle instructions and tasks. These have a strong impact on the CPU's performance.
| Spec | Core i3-8121U | Core i7-5557U |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 2 | 2 |
| Threads | 4 | 4 |
| Clock Speed | 2.2 GHz | 3.1 GHz |
| Turbo Clock | 3.2 GHz | 3.4 GHz |
| Base Clock | 100 MHz | 100 MHz |
| Multiplier | 22.0x | 31.0x |
| Multiplier Unlocked | No | No |
Cache
CPU cache specs like its L1 & L2 cache. These provide the CPU with a small, but super-fast memory access. A larger cache can improve a CPU's performance.
| Spec | Core i3-8121U | Core i7-5557U |
|---|---|---|
| L1 Cache | 64 KB | 64 KB |
| L2 Cache | 256 KB | 256 KB |
| L3 Cache | 4 MB | 4 MB |
Compatibility & Power Consumption
Compatibility and power consumption information like its socket type, thermal design power, power limits. These can help verify the CPU's compatibility with other PC components.
| Spec | Core i3-8121U | Core i7-5557U |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | Intel BGA 1440 | Intel BGA 1168 |
| PCI Express | PCIe 3.0 x16 | PCIe 2.0 x12 |
| Thermal Design Power (TDP) | 15 W | 28 W |
| Tcase Max | 72 °C | 105 °C |
| TJ Max | 105 °C | 105 °C |
Graphics, Features, & Extensions
Additional CPU features like its bundled coolers, integrated graphics, and extensions/technologies.
| Spec | Core i3-8121U | Core i7-5557U |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Graphics | -- | Intel Iris 6100 |
| Extensions / Technologies | MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, VT-x, VT-d, HTT, AES-NI, TSX, TXT, CLMUL, RDRAND, FMA3, F16C, BMI1, BMI2, MPX, Boost 2.0 | MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, EIST, 64-bit, XD bit, VT-d, VT-x, Smart Cache, ADX, RDSEED, PREFETCHW, HTT, Boost 2.0 |
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* Performance rating, performance per dollar, and rankings are based on the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark and MSRP.