Intel Core i3-8121U vs Intel Core i7-5650U

VS
Performance
Core i3-8121U21% better
4,59712% of 36,991
Core i7-5650U
3,80010% of 36,991

The Core i3-8121U has 21% better performance than the Core i7-5650U for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

Performance per dollar
Core i3-8121U
No data available
Core i7-5650U
8.927% of 121.53

The Core i7-5650U has 7% 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

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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 i7-5650U CPU

The Intel Core i7-5650U 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 i7-5650U is compatible with Intel BGA 1168 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 14 nm manufacturing process. It features the Intel HD 6000 integrated graphics solution.

Memory and Cache

The Core i7-5650U supports DDR3 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i7-5650U 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 i7-5650U 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 i7-5650U includes an integrated graphics solution called Intel HD 6000. 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 i7-5650U has the 467th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 10.27% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 3,800 score and $426 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 8.92. This is the 203rd 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.

InfoCore i3-8121UCore i7-5650U
ManufacturerIntelIntel
SeriesCore i3Core i7
Market SegmentMobileMobile
Release DateQ2 2018Q1 2015
Launch Price (MSRP)--$426
Production StatusEnd-of-lifeEnd-of-life
ShopCheck PriceCheck Price

Benchmark Performance

#
Performance
Core i3-8121U21% better
4,59712% of 36,991
Core i7-5650U
3,80010% of 36,991

The Core i3-8121U has 21% better performance than the Core i7-5650U for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

The Core i3-8121U is ranked 418th with a score of 4,597, and the Core i7-5650U is ranked 467th with a score of 3,800.

Performance per dollar
Core i3-8121U
No data available
Core i7-5650U
8.927% of 121.53

The Core i7-5650U has 17% of the performance per dollar compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

Core i7-5650U's 8.92 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
CPUBenchmark Performance
Core i7-6600U4,606.5+0%
Core i5-6360U4,600+0%
Core i3-8121U4,597
Ryzen 3 3300U4,587-0%
Core i7-7600U4,575-0%
Core i7-720QM3,936-14%
Core i5-5257U3,898-15%
Core i7-5650U3,800-17%
Core i7-5600U3,792-18%
Core i5-5250U3,586.5-22%

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 i7-5650U
CPUPerformance Per Dollar
Core i3-5005U9.86+11%
Core i7-640M9.7+9%
Core i7-5600U9.65+8%
Core m3-6Y309.62+8%
Core m5-6Y579.54+7%
Core i7-5650U8.92
Core i7-840QM8.25-8%
Core i7-5550U8.15-9%
Core i7-4930MX7.96-11%
Core i7-2960XM7.39-17%

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
BenchmarkCore i3-8121UCore i7-5650U
3DMark 11 Performance Physics
4,597
(+20.97%)
3,800
Cinebench R15 Multi-Core
317.6
(+7.3%)
296
Cinebench R15 Single-Core
133
(+18.75%)
112
Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core
2,366
(+26.8%)
1,866
Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core
1,163
(+20.52%)
965
CPU Mark Multi-Thread
4,388
(+45.93%)
3,007
CPU Mark Single-Thread
1,942
(+2.37%)
1,897
Benchmarks Source: Notebookcheck

Technical Specs

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Manufacturing Details

Information about the CPU's manufacturing like its foundry, process size, and transistor count.

SpecCore i3-8121UCore i7-5650U
ManufacturerIntelIntel
FoundryIntelIntel
Process Size10 nm14 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.

SpecCore i3-8121UCore i7-5650U
SeriesCore i3Core i7
MicroarchitectureKaby Lake-U RefreshBroadwell-U
CodenameCannon LakeBroadwell-U
Memory SupportDDR4DDR3
Memory ChannelsDual-channelDual-channel
ECC MemoryNoNo

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.

SpecCore i3-8121UCore i7-5650U
Cores22
Threads44
Clock Speed2.2 GHz2.2 GHz
Turbo Clock3.2 GHz3.2 GHz
Base Clock100 MHz100 MHz
Multiplier22.0x22.0x
Multiplier UnlockedNoNo

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.

SpecCore i3-8121UCore i7-5650U
L1 Cache64 KB64 KB
L2 Cache256 KB256 KB
L3 Cache4 MB4 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.

SpecCore i3-8121UCore i7-5650U
SocketIntel BGA 1440Intel BGA 1168
PCI ExpressPCIe 3.0 x16PCIe 2.0 x12
Thermal Design Power (TDP)15 W15 W
Tcase Max72 °C105 °C
TJ Max105 °C105 °C

Graphics, Features, & Extensions

Additional CPU features like its bundled coolers, integrated graphics, and extensions/technologies.

SpecCore i3-8121UCore i7-5650U
Integrated Graphics--Intel HD 6000
Extensions / TechnologiesMMX, 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 2.0MMX, 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.