Intel Core i5-7300U vs Intel Core i5-8265U

The Intel Core i5-7300U (Kaby Lake-U) and the Intel Core i5-8265U (Whiskey Lake-U) are mobile processors designed for slim laptops in the everyday and office application segment.

Both are manufactured using the 14nm process and are aimed at users seeking balanced performance for basic to advanced tasks. The Intel Core i5-7300U has 2 cores and 4 threads with 3 MB of Level 3 Cache. Its integrated graphics solution is the Intel HD Graphics 620 with a maximum memory bandwidth of 34 GB/s.

The Intel Core i5-8265U offers a significant performance leap with 4 cores and 8 threads, as well as 6 MB of Level 3 Cache. It integrates the Intel UHD Graphics 620 and achieves a maximum memory bandwidth of 38 GB/s. In terms of performance, the Intel Core i5-8265U noticeably surpasses the Intel Core i5-7300U, both in single-core tasks and especially in applications that benefit from multiple cores.

This results from the higher core and thread count. For gaming, both processors with their integrated graphics units are only suitable for simple titles; the Intel Core i5-8265U offers a marginal advantage here. Both CPUs are designed for energy efficiency and have a typical Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 15 watts, which supports long battery life.

The Intel Core i5-8265U offers better value for money, as it delivers significantly more computing power. The Intel Core i5-7300U is sufficient for basic tasks such as browsing and word processing. For multitasking and more demanding everyday use, the Intel Core i5-8265U is clearly the better and more future-proof choice.