Buckle up because today, we’re diving into the thrilling world of processors. Specifically, we’re pitting the old guard against the new kids on the block. Imagine a wrestling match where instead of muscles, we have transistors flexing their silicon might. The contenders? The Intel® Core™ i3-8145U, Intel® Core™ i5-8365U, and the shiny new Intel® Core™ Ultra 3 Processor 105UL.

The following information is collected from https://ark.intel.com/ – a portal for Intel® product specifications that provides a comprehensive reference guide for Intel® products. You can explore details about processors, graphics, chipsets, wireless solutions, FPGAs, server products, memory, and storage. Whether you’re researching compatibility or decoding code names, this resource simplifies your tech journey

Round 1: Meet the Contenders

Intel® Core™ i3-8145U Processor

• Generation: 8th Generation Intel® Core™ i3
• Launch Date: Q3’18
• Status: Discontinued
• Cores and Threads: 2 cores, 4 threads
• Base Frequency: 2.10 GHz
• Max Turbo Frequency: 3.90 GHz
• Cache: 4 MB
• Price: $281 (Approx. 37,935 KES)
• TDP: 15 W

Intel® Core™ i5-8365U Processor

• Generation: 8th Generation Intel® Core™ i5
• Launch Date: Q2’19
• Status: Discontinued
• Cores and Threads: 4 cores, 8 threads
• Base Frequency: 1.60 GHz
• Max Turbo Frequency: 4.10 GHz
• Cache: 6 MB
• Price: $297 (Approx. 40,095 KES)
• TDP: 15 W

Intel® Core™ Ultra 3 Processor 105UL

• Generation: Intel® Core™ Ultra processors (Series 1)
• Launch Date: Q2’24
• Status: Launched
• Cores and Threads: 8 cores (2 performance, 4 efficiency), 10 threads
• Base Frequency: P-core 1.5 GHz, E-core 1 GHz
• Max Turbo Frequency: P-core 4.2 GHz, E-core 3.5 GHz
• Cache: 10 MB
• Price: $295 (Approx. 39,825 KES)
• TDP: 15 W

Round 2: Performance Showdown

Let’s break it down like a dance-off. Imagine our processors are contestants on a tech talent show. Here’s how they perform:

Intel® Core™ i3-8145U: The Reliable Old-Timer

• Strengths: It’s got decent turbo speed and solid performance for basic tasks like browsing, light gaming, and office work.
• Weaknesses: Only two cores mean it struggles with heavy multitasking and more demanding applications.
• Discontinued Date: Officially retired, making it the grandpa of the group.

Intel® Core™ i5-8365U: The Balanced Performer

• Strengths: With four cores and eight threads, it’s more capable of handling multitasking and slightly more intensive applications.
• Weaknesses: Despite a better performance than the i3, it’s still from a bygone era.
• Discontinued Date: Also retired, joining the ranks of tech ancestors.

Intel® Core™ Ultra 3 Processor 105UL: The New Hotshot

• Strengths: Boasting eight cores, including efficiency and performance cores, it’s designed for modern workloads like AI and heavy multitasking.
• Weaknesses: Virtually none in comparison to its older counterparts.
• Discontinued Date: Freshly launched, it’s the new kid everyone’s talking about.

Round 3: Price vs. Performance

When it comes to tech, you don’t always get what you pay for – sometimes, you get way more. Let’s crunch some numbers:

• Intel® Core™ i3-8145U: $281 (Approx. 37,935 KES)
• Intel® Core™ i5-8365U: $297 (Approx. 40,095 KES)
• Intel® Core™ Ultra 3 Processor 105UL: $295 (Approx. 39,825 KES)

Now, you might think, “Hey, the i5 looks like a sweet spot!” But hold on. While the i5 offers decent performance, the Ultra 3 Processor 105UL is a powerhouse at almost the same price.

Round 4: The Danger of Discontinued Processors

Running a discontinued processor is like driving a car with expired insurance – risky and unwise. Here’s why:

• Security Vulnerabilities: Old processors no longer receive security updates, making them susceptible to cyber-attacks. Remember the Spectre and Meltdown incidents? They targeted vulnerabilities in older processors.
• Performance Bottlenecks: As software evolves, older processors struggle to keep up, leading to sluggish performance.
• Limited Support: You’ll find it harder to get technical support or replacement parts for discontinued processors.

Final Verdict: Newer is Better

In the grand battle of processors, the Intel® Core™ Ultra 3 Processor 105UL takes the crown. Here’s why:

• Performance: With eight cores and advanced AI capabilities, it’s miles ahead of the older i3 and i5.
• Price: At approximately 39,825 KES, it’s competitively priced.
• Future-Proofing: It’s designed to handle modern workloads and comes with ongoing support and updates.

So, next time you’re shopping for a processor, remember: newer might not always mean more expensive, but it does mean better performance, enhanced security, and peace of mind. Avoid the refurbished trap and go for a processor that’s built for today and ready for tomorrow.