Intel Core i5-8265U vs Intel Core i3-6006U

The Intel Core i5-8265U (Whiskey Lake U), introduced in the third quarter of 2018, is designed for mainstream laptops and offers performance for productivity and multitasking.

The Intel Core i3-6006U (Skylake U), Q3 2016, targets entry-level devices, sufficient for basic computing tasks.

Both CPUs are manufactured using the 14 nm process. The Intel Core i5-8265U surpasses the Intel Core i3-6006U (2 cores, 4 threads) with 4 cores and 8 threads. This is reflected in its performance: the i5 shows over 10 percent higher single-core performance and significantly superior multi-core performance.

The i5 also has a 6 MB L3 cache compared to the i3's 3 MB L3 cache. Neither CPU is ideal for gaming, but the Intel Core i5-8265U offers a better experience thanks to a stronger CPU and Intel UHD Graphics 620 than the i3 with Intel HD Graphics 520. Both are optimized for low power consumption in mobile devices (15W TDP).

The Intel Core i5-8265U achieves higher performance with similar energy consumption, indicating better energy efficiency. In the used market, the Intel Core i5-8265U offers better value for money for more demanding users. The Intel Core i3-6006U remains a very inexpensive option for basic tasks.

The Intel Core i5-8265U is recommended for users who want higher overall performance and multitasking. The Intel Core i3-6006U is sufficient for very basic, budget-oriented applications.