Intel Core i5-8250U
The Intel Core i5-8250U runs at an average of 84.7°C under load based on 21 community submissions. The hottest 10% of submissions report temperatures above 96°C, while the coolest 10% stay below 66°C. Idle temperatures average 73.1°C.
Specifications
- Manufacturer
- Intel
Idle Temperature
Load Temperature
Load temperature distribution
Load Temperature Distribution
Is your temperature normal?
- Below 66°C — cooler than 10% of submissions for this hardware. Excellent cooling.
- Between 66°C and 96°C — within the typical range for this hardware.
- Above 96°C — hotter than 90% of submissions. Worth investigating: thermal paste, cooler mount, dust, or case airflow.
- Above 90°C — at or beyond the safe operating ceiling for this tier. Reduce load, check cooling, and consider professional inspection.
Submissions over time
Load temperature by ambient
Coldest run
Hottest run
Cooling Comparison
What's normal for this tier?
Mid-range CPUs are well within thermal headroom on stock or basic aftermarket coolers, usually 60–80°C under load. Anything consistently above 85°C warrants a cooling check.
Compare with similar hardware
Other mid-range CPUs from Intel
Ambient room temperature affects readings. Average reported ambient: 25.3°C.
Recent Submissions
| Date | Cooling | Idle | Load |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 24, 2026 | Stock Cooler | 53.0°C | 74.0°C |
| Aug 31, 2026 | — | 72.0°C | 100.0°C |
| Aug 27, 2026 | — | 60.0°C | 64.0°C |
| Aug 25, 2026 | — | 53.0°C | 66.0°C |
| Aug 25, 2026 | Stock Cooler | 45.0°C | 66.0°C |
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal temperature for the Intel Core i5-8250U?
Based on 21 community submissions, the Intel Core i5-8250U runs at an average idle temperature of 73.1°C and an average load temperature of 84.7°C. Anything between 66°C and 96°C under load is within the typical range for this hardware.
Is 84.7°C too hot for the Intel Core i5-8250U?
The safe operating ceiling for mid-range CPUs like the Intel Core i5-8250U is around 90°C under sustained load. 84.7°C is within the safe operating range. If you're exceeding 90°C, check thermal paste, cooler mounting, dust buildup, and case airflow.
What is the best cooler for the Intel Core i5-8250U?
For a 70W mid-range CPU like the Intel Core i5-8250U, a quality 240mm AIO or a high-end dual-tower air cooler (Noctua NH-D15, Thermalright Phantom Spirit) is generally sufficient to keep load temperatures well within safe limits. Higher TDP variants (overclocked or PBO-enabled) benefit from 360mm AIO cooling.
Recommended Products
These are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner, we may earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. /disclosure
Noctua NT-H2 10g, High-Performance Thermal Paste and 10 Cleaning Wipes
Top-Tier Performance, Easy to Apply and Clean, Excellent Long-Term Stability, Extra-Large Syringe for 9-60 Applications
“Thermal paste is the most cost effective solution for tacking an overheating CPU!”
Check price on Amazon
Noctua NH-D15, Quiet High-Performance Dual Tower CPU Cooler
168mm Height, Enthusiast-Grade Low-Noise Cooling, 6 Heatpipes, For Intel & AMD, Dual 140mm Fans, Rich Accessory Kit
“Upgrading from stock cooling can significantly help reduce temperatures!”
Check price on Amazon
ASUS The SFF-Ready Prime GeForce RTX™ 5070 OC Edition Graphics Card
The ASUS Prime RTX 5070 OC features a 2.5 slot design with a carefully arranged layout for the shroud, heatsink and heat pipes to let the three Axial-tech fans leverage chassis side-panel ventilation and deliver optimal thermal performance.
“Older GPU can cause lower framerates on certain games despite optimal cooling - maybe it's time for an upgrade!”
Check price on AmazonHave a Intel Core i5-8250U?
Contribute your temperature data to help others make informed decisions.
Run Temperature Test →