Intel

8th Gen Intel Core i5 8279U

iGPU:: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655
Boost/Base Clock:: 4.1 GHz / 2.4 GHz
Core/Thread Count:: 4 Core / 8 Thread
Cache:: 6MB L3 + 1MB L2 + 256KB L1
TDP:: 28 Watts
CPU Process Node:: 14 Nanometers
CPU Socket:: FCBGA1528
CPU Series:: Coffee Lake, 8th Gen Intel Core
Memory Support:: DDR4-2400, LPDDR3-2133
Form Factor:: Laptop

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Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: September 9, 2026

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8th Gen Intel Core i5 8279U Review

The 8th Gen Intel Core i5 8279U is a 4-core, 8-thread ultraportable processor built on Coffee Lake, running a 2.4 GHz base clock that boosts to 4.1 GHz within a 28 Watt TDP, paired with Iris Plus 655 graphics.

Sharing the same strong Iris Plus 655 graphics configuration as the pricier i7 8569U, this i5-tier chip gave buyers a more accessible route into premium integrated graphics performance.

Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655

A genuinely stronger integrated GPU than standard UHD graphics of its era, capable of handling light creative work and casual gaming more comfortably.

How Is the Core i5 8279U in Terms of Performance

The 4-core, 8-thread layout at 28W gives this chip solid sustained ultraportable performance, with the strong Iris Plus 655 graphics being a genuine differentiator over standard UHD-equipped competitors at a similar price.

Benchmarks

Cinebench R20 single-core scores of 422 reflect solid per-core performance for a 28W ultraportable chip, appropriate for the premium thin-and-light laptops this processor commonly appeared in.

Our verdict

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Best for

Premium ultraportable laptops wanting genuinely stronger integrated graphics at a more accessible price than i7-tier options

Not for

Buyers needing dedicated gaming or heavy creative graphics capability, a discrete GPU remains necessary for that

Specifications

What these specs mean

Identity

Brand	Intel
Product Line	Core i5
Model Number	8279U
Codename	Coffee Lake
Release Year	2019

Segment and platform

Market Segment	Laptop
Microarchitecture	Coffee Lake, 8th Gen Intel Core
Socket	FCBGA1528
Process Node	14 nm

Core configuration

Total Cores	4
Performance Cores	4
Efficiency Cores	0
Total Threads	8
SMT Enabled	Yes

Clock speeds

P-Core Base Clock	2.4 GHz
P-Core Boost Clock	4.1 GHz

Cache

L2 Cache	1 MB
L3 Cache	6 MB

Power and thermal

Base Power	28 W

Memory

Memory Type	DDR4-2400, LPDDR3-2133

Graphics and AI

Integrated Graphics	Yes

Form Factor	Laptop
TDP	28 W
iGPU	Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the 8th Gen Intel Core i5 8279U?

The 8th Gen Intel Core i5 8279U has 4 cores and 8 threads, a 2.4 GHz base and 4.1 GHz boost clock, 6 MB of L3 cache and a 28 W TDP. Integrated graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655. Socket: FCBGA1528.

Will the 8th Gen Intel Core i5 8279U work with my current setup?

The 8th Gen Intel Core i5 8279U lists CPU Socket is FCBGA1528. Check that against the hardware you already own before buying, since this is the field that most often decides whether a part fits.

Who is the 8th Gen Intel Core i5 8279U best suited to?

Best suited to: Premium ultraportable laptops wanting genuinely stronger integrated graphics at a more accessible price than i7-tier options.

What are the drawbacks of the 8th Gen Intel Core i5 8279U?

Not the best fit for: Buyers needing dedicated gaming or heavy creative graphics capability, a discrete GPU remains necessary for that.