Quick Verdict
A niche embedded chip that brings hardware-level security mitigations and 10nm efficiency to industrial form factors, though its 2-core architecture is fundamentally outdated for anything beyond basic embedded tasks.
Overview
Launch
2018
Status
ActiveGeneration
8th Gen Core i3 (Whiskey Lake-U)
Market
Embedded Thin-and-Light
The Intel Core i3-8145UE is an embedded mobile processor featuring 2 cores and 4 threads, built on the 10nm Whiskey Lake architecture with a configurable 12.5W to 25W TDP for rugged and industrial computing designs.
The Core i3-8145UE adapts the standard Whiskey Lake-U mobile chip for the embedded market by extending the configurable TDP down to 12.5W and ensuring long-term silicon availability. It features 2 cores, 4 threads, a 3.
9 GHz boost, and UHD Graphics 620, targeting devices that require x86 compatibility in harsh or space-constrained environments.
Specifications
Performance
Handles single dedicated embedded applications well but will struggle with heavy multitasking due to 2 cores.
4 threads allow for a very lightweight container or VM, but this is not a primary use case.
Not applicable for industrial use cases.
Excellent when configured to the 12.5W cTDP down, enabling fanless operation and minimal power draw.
- •This is an embedded processor not designed for gaming.
- •UHD 620 cannot handle modern 3D workloads.
- •Form factors using this chip lack discrete GPU support.
- •No dedicated AI hardware.
- •CPU inference is extremely slow on 2 cores.
- •Not suitable for any AI workloads.
Architecture
10nm
Process Node
Whiskey Lake-U
Codename
2C / 4T
Core Config
4 MB
L3 Cache
15 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The i3-8145UE utilizes the Whiskey Lake architecture, which was essentially a highly refined version of the Skylake microarchitecture. While Intel marketed it as a significant leap due to the 10nm process node, the underlying CPU execution units remained largely unchanged from Kaby Lake. The primary architectural improvements were focused on the integrated wireless, firmware, and hardware-level security.
CPU Design
A symmetric 2-core, 4-thread configuration. Each core features 64KB of L1 cache and 256KB of L2 cache, sharing a 4MB L3 cache via a ring bus interconnect. The 2.2 GHz base clock can boost up to 3.9 GHz on a single core or 3.7 GHz on both cores, though the embedded firmware typically limits these bursts to maintain strict thermal bounds.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel memory controller supporting DDR4-2400 or LPDDR3-2133. The retention of LPDDR3 support, while standard for the era, highlights that this chip was designed to work with legacy embedded board layouts that might not have transitioned to LPDDR4.
PCIe & I/O
16 lanes of PCIe 3.0 routed directly from the CPU, typically allocated for a single NVMe SSD in an embedded module format (like M.2 B-key or proprietary slots).
Overclocking
Fully locked. Embedded systems rely on fixed, predictable clock speeds and power profiles to ensure long-term reliability.
- Shrunk from 14nm to 10nm process
- Hardware mitigations for Spectre/Meltdown built-in
- Integrated Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+) MAC on the package
- Slightly higher boost clocks (3.9 GHz vs 3.6 GHz)
Key Highlights
- 12.5W cTDP down enables true fanless designs
- Long-lifecycle embedded support
- Hardware security mitigations included
- 10nm power efficiency
- Dual-channel memory support
- Only 2 cores and 4 threads
- Expensive for the compute performance offered
- Lacks LPDDR4/DDR5 support
- Outdated UHD Graphics 620
- No PCIe 4.0 support
History
The Core i3-8145UE arrived at a critical juncture for Intel's mobile division. Throughout 2018, the industry was reeling from the discovery of the Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities. Software patches caused significant performance regressions, particularly in cloud and enterprise environments.
Whiskey Lake was Intel's answer: taking the familiar Kaby Lake architecture and moving it to the 10nm process while hardcoding silicon-level fixes for these side-channel attacks.</br></br>For the embedded market, this was highly appealing. Industrial IoT devices and ruggedized tablets often run older operating systems or lack the robust patch management of consumer PCs.
Having the security fixes baked into the silicon provided peace of mind for OEMs. The 'UE' variant was created to give industrial customers this specific benefit without forcing a transition to the newer, more expensive Ice Lake platforms that would require motherboard redesigns due to LPDDR4 requirements. Thus, the i3-8145UE served as a reliable, secure bridge between legacy embedded designs and the modern era.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Shrunk from 14nm to 10nm process
- Hardware mitigations for Spectre/Meltdown built-in
- Integrated Wi-Fi 6 (Gig+) MAC on the package
- Slightly higher boost clocks (3.9 GHz vs 3.6 GHz)
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Only for OEMs maintaining existing 8th gen embedded product lines or replacing failed units in active industrial installations.
Avoid if…
- Designing a new embedded system from scratch
- Any modern edge AI or heavy compute is required
- Budget is a primary concern compared to newer ARM solutions
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 'UE' suffix strictly denotes a specific embedded binning with extended lifecycle guarantees, not just a power profile.
Whiskey Lake was Intel's first true 10nm volume architecture, fixing the delays that plagued the original 'Cannonlake' 10nm attempt.
Despite being an 8th Gen chip, it was released in late 2018 alongside 9th Gen desktop parts, making the naming somewhat confusing.
The integrated Wi-Fi 6 MAC on Whiskey Lake was a world first, though actual connectivity depended on the CNVi module paired with it.
The 12.5W cTDP down is achieved primarily by dropping the base frequency to 1.6 GHz.
Because it uses a BGA 1528 package, it cannot be swapped out by end-users in most ruggedized tablets.
People Also Ask
What does UE stand for in Intel Core i3-8145UE?
The 'UE' designation indicates an embedded-specific variant of the U-series mobile processor, featuring extended lifecycle support and stricter power configurability.
Can the i3-8145UE run Windows 11?
Technically it meets the TPM 2.0 requirement (if the motherboard has it), but as an embedded chip, it typically runs Windows 10 IoT or specialized Linux distributions.
What is the lowest TDP of the i3-8145UE?
It can be configured down to 12.5W by the system manufacturer, which is lower than the standard 10W cTDP down of the consumer i3-8145U.
Is the i3-8145UE a 10nm chip?
Yes, it is built on Intel's 10nm manufacturing process, formally known as 10nm+.
Does the i3-8145UE have hyperthreading?
Yes, its 2 physical cores support Hyper-Threading, providing 4 logical threads.
What kind of devices use the i3-8145UE?
It is primarily used in industrial tablets, factory automation controllers, digital signage players, and medical cart computers.
Does it support LPDDR4?
No, the memory controller supports DDR4-2400 and LPDDR3-2133, lacking LPDDR4 support found in later Ice Lake chips.
Is the i3-8145UE still in production?
It is listed as 'Active' in Intel's embedded roadmap, meaning it is still available for qualified embedded customers.
How does it compare to the i3-8145U?
The silicon is nearly identical, but the UE variant has a higher minimum cTDP down (12.5W vs 10W) and is certified for industrial temperature ranges and long-term supply.
Can I buy the i3-8145UE as a consumer?
It is sold through Intel's embedded distribution channels, not retail. Single units are hard to find.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the boost clock of the i3-8145UE?
Up to 3.9 GHz on a single core, and up to 3.7 GHz on all cores.
What socket does it use?
BGA 1528, meaning it is soldered directly to the motherboard.
Does it have integrated graphics?
Yes, Intel UHD Graphics 620 running between 300 MHz and 1000 MHz.
What is the L3 cache size?
4 MB.
What is the part number?
SRFDT.
Does it support ECC memory?
No, the standard mobile U-series does not support ECC.
How many PCIe lanes does it have?
16 lanes of PCIe 3.0.
What is the maximum temperature?
100°C Junction Max (TJ Max).
Is it overclockable?
No, the multiplier is locked.
When was it released?
October 1, 2018.