CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-8305G vs Intel Core i9-8950HK
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-8305G is a quad-core mobile processor born from a unique partnership between Intel and AMD. Released as part of the Kaby Lake-G lineup, it combines an Intel 14nm CPU with a dedicated AMD Radeon RX Vega M GL discrete-class GPU on a single package. Operating at a base clock of 2.8 GHz and boosting up to 3.8 GHz, it features 4 cores, 8 threads, and 6MB of L3 cache. The standout feature is the integrated Radeon graphics with its own HBM2 memory, offering performance levels unattainable by standard integrated graphics of the era. With a 65W TDP, it targets high-performance thin-and-light laptops and small form factor PCs that require genuine gaming capability without the bulk of traditional discrete graphics. This processor represents a fascinating experiment in semiconductor packaging and collaboration, delivering robust 1080p gaming performance and strong compute capabilities in a compact form factor.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Strong quad-core CPU performance for everyday and moderate heavy tasks.
Multi-threaded productivity workloads benefit significantly from the six cores, making it competitive for 2018-era content creation and professional applications.
Gaming
Capable of playing modern games at 1080p medium settings.
Delivers strong gaming performance for its generation, capable of high-refresh-rate play in most titles, but modern mobile CPUs often match or beat it with better efficiency.
Virtualization
Good for running VMs, though limited to 4 cores.
Good for light to moderate virtualization on a laptop, though memory and platform constraints limit scaling compared to desktop or workstation CPUs.
Efficiency
65W is efficient for the performance, but requires active cooling.
High power consumption for a mobile part, requiring robust cooling and limiting battery life under load compared to newer 10nm and later mobile designs.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Can utilize AMD GPU for compute
- Lacks modern AI instruction sets
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware; AI workloads run on CPU cores.
- Suitable for light CPU-based inference and small models, but not for serious training or large-scale inference.
- Modern mobile CPUs with NPUs or strong integrated GPUs are far better for AI tasks.
Content Creation
Gaming
- Radeon RX Vega M GL with 4GB HBM2
- Comparable to an Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti
- Driver support is essentially discontinued
- Strong single-core clocks up to 4.8 GHz help maintain high FPS in CPU-limited titles.
- 6 cores provide headroom for modern games that scale beyond four threads.
- Bottlenecked more by GPU and memory bandwidth than by CPU in many laptop configurations.
- Newer mobile CPUs often deliver similar or better gaming performance with lower power.
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent integrated graphics performance
- Dedicated HBM2 memory for the GPU
- Fits high-end gaming into small form factors
- Good CPU performance with 4 cores and 8 threads
Cons
- Driver support is effectively abandoned
- 65W TDP requires active cooling
- Only 8 PCIe lanes available for external devices
- Unique BGA 2270 socket limits upgradability
Pros
- Six cores and twelve threads for strong multi-threaded performance
- Unlocked multiplier for overclocking on capable laptops
- High single-core boost up to 4.8 GHz via Thermal Velocity Boost
- Integrated UHD Graphics 630 for basic display and quick-sync encoding
- Established platform with mature drivers and firmware
Cons
- High power consumption and heat output for a mobile CPU
- End-of-life platform with no upgrade path beyond the laptop itself
- 14nm++ process is less efficient than newer 10nm and refined nodes
- Integrated graphics are only suitable for light workloads and older games
- Limited by laptop power delivery and cooling; real-world performance varies widely between designs
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-8305G
- AMD Ryzen 5 2500URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8705GRival
Mobile (G-Series)
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-8300HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600HAlt
Better modern alternative with superior integrated graphics.
Newer architecture with Xe graphics and better drivers.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5800UAlt
Much faster and more efficient for thin gaming.
- Intel Core i5-8259UAlt
Cheaper alternative if heavy graphics aren't needed.
Intel Core i9-8950HK
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8850HRival
High-End Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8750HRival
High-End Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-9880HRival
High-End Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700URival
Thin & Light Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 3750HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-9750HAlt
Similar or better performance with improved efficiency and platform features.
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXAlt
Much better efficiency and modern features in a newer high-end laptop.
Hybrid architecture with significantly higher performance and efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- Apple M1 Pro/MaxAlt
Far superior performance-per-watt for macOS users doing creative workloads.
Our Verdict on Each
An innovative and powerful hybrid processor that delivers exceptional 1080p gaming performance in thin form factors, though its driver support is now outdated.
Best for: Buying a used NUC8 or thin gaming laptop at a steep discount.
Read the full reviewA powerful unlocked mobile hexa-core CPU in its heyday, offering strong multi-threaded performance and overclocking headroom, but with high power demand and limited efficiency compared to newer mobile designs.
Best for: Used or clearance high-end laptop where the CPU is already installed and the price is low.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-8305G or Intel Core i9-8950HK?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-8305G comes out ahead with a score of 8.2/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-8305G or Intel Core i9-8950HK?
For gaming, the Intel Core i9-8950HK leads with a gaming performance score of 80/100 among Intel Core i5-8305G and Intel Core i9-8950HK.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-8305G has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-8305G (65 W), Intel Core i9-8950HK (95 W).
Do Intel Core i5-8305G and Intel Core i9-8950HK use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-8305G: Intel BGA 2270, Intel Core i9-8950HK: Intel BGA 1440), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i9-8950HK has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-8305G (4 cores), Intel Core i9-8950HK (6 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i9-8950HK posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-8305G (7,800), Intel Core i9-8950HK (10,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.