Looking for a reliable, speedy laptop that won’t break the bank? You’re in luck! While newer generations keep popping up, an 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor paired with a 256GB SSD still offers fantastic performance for everyday tasks, office work, and even some light multimedia editing. These laptops strike a sweet spot between power, portability, and price, making them a smart choice for students, professionals, and home users alike.
The combination of an 8th Gen i5 and a solid-state drive means you’ll experience snappy boot times, quick application loading, and smooth multitasking. Forget about frustrating lags – these machines are built to keep up with your busy schedule. We’ve scoured the market to bring you a hand-picked list of the best 8th gen i5 performing laptop w256ugb ssd options available right now. Let’s dive in and find your next workhorse!
1. Dell Latitude 5500 Laptop 15.6 – Intel Core i5 8th Gen (512GB SSD)
This Dell Latitude 5500 stands out as a robust and reliable business-grade laptop, perfect for those who need a larger screen and ample storage. Its 15.6-inch Full HD display offers plenty of screen real estate for spreadsheets, documents, or multiple windows open at once. What truly makes this specific configuration shine is its generous 512GB SSD and a hefty 16GB of RAM, going beyond our core 256GB SSD criteria to offer even more space and multitasking power.
Key Features:
– 15.6″ Non-Touch Screen with 1920×1080 FHD resolution
– Intel Core i5-8265U Quad-Core Processor (1.6GHz up to 3.9GHz)
– 512GB SSD Hard Drive & 16GB RAM Memory
– Integrated Webcam and Graphics Chip
– Wireless Wifi & Bluetooth connectivity
Pros:
– Spacious 15.6″ Full HD display
– Excellent 512GB SSD storage for more files and faster access
– 16GB RAM for superior multitasking
– Reliable build quality typical of Dell Latitude series
Cons:
– Non-touch screen might not appeal to everyone
– Integrated graphics are not for heavy gaming or graphic design
User Impressions:
Users frequently praise the Latitude 5500 for its dependable performance and solid construction, making it a favorite for business environments. The larger screen and ample storage are definite highlights, offering a comfortable and efficient user experience.
2. HP EliteBook 840 G6 14″ FHD Laptop Computer, 8th Gen (Windows 11)
The HP EliteBook 840 G6 is a prime example of a premium business laptop designed for peak productivity. This model boasts the slightly more powerful i5-8365U processor and comes pre-loaded with Windows 11, offering a modern user interface and enhanced features right out of the box. Its compact 14-inch form factor, coupled with a robust set of ports including Thunderbolt 3, makes it incredibly versatile for professionals on the move. This is a top contender if you’re looking for the best 8th gen i5 performing laptop w256ugb ssd with modern connectivity.
Key Features:
– 14″ FHD Display
– 8th Gen Quad-Core i5-8365U Processor (up to 4.1GHz)
– 16GB DDR4 RAM & 256GB Solid State Drive
– Ports: Thunderbolt 3, 2 x USB 3.0, HDMI, RJ-45, Audio jack
– Pre-installed Windows 11 Operating System
Pros:
– Features the slightly faster i5-8365U processor
– Includes Thunderbolt 3 for high-speed data transfer and versatile connectivity
– Modern Windows 11 OS
– Excellent portability with a 14-inch screen
Cons:
– 256GB SSD might be limiting for some users with large file libraries
– Integrated graphics are standard for this class
User Impressions:
Customers appreciate the EliteBook 840 G6’s sleek design, comfortable keyboard, and robust performance for daily tasks. The inclusion of Windows 11 and Thunderbolt 3 are often cited as major advantages, making it feel more current despite its 8th gen processor.
3. HP EliteBook 840 G6 Laptop Computer – 8th Gen Intel (General Configuration)
Another iteration of the popular HP EliteBook 840 G6, this model offers a solid foundation for general computing needs. With Windows 10 Pro pre-installed, it provides a stable and secure environment for both work and personal use. While its feature list is concise, it ensures you get the core performance you need from an 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, sufficient RAM, and up to 256GB of SSD storage for quick operations.
Key Features:
– 14″ screen with 1920 x 1080 resolution
– Intel Core i5 processor at 1.60 GHz (likely i5-8265U)
– 16GB RAM Memory
– Up to 256GB SSD storage
– Windows 10 Pro Operating System
Pros:
– Reliable 8th Gen Intel Core i5 performance
– 16GB RAM ensures smooth multitasking
– Full HD 14-inch display is great for productivity
– Windows 10 Pro for enhanced security and features
Cons:
– Less detailed feature list compared to other models
– “Up to 256GB SSD” suggests potential variations in actual storage
User Impressions:
Buyers often find this EliteBook configuration to be a dependable workhorse. Its unpretentious nature, combined with robust performance for office applications and browsing, makes it a sensible choice for those who need a straightforward and efficient laptop.
4. Dell Latitude 5500 Laptop 15.6 – Intel Core i5 8th Gen (500GB HDD)
This Dell Latitude 5500 configuration offers a different storage approach. While the main keyword focuses on SSDs, this model comes with a spacious 500GB HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and 8GB of RAM. It still provides the reliable 8th Gen Intel Core i5 performance for processing power, and the larger screen is a plus for comfort. This option could be a good fit if you prioritize raw storage capacity over the blistering speed of an SSD, or if you’re on a tighter budget and don’t mind slightly slower boot times.
Key Features:
– 15.6″ Non-Touch Screen with 1366×768 HD resolution
– Intel Core i5-8265U Quad-Core Processor (1.6GHz up to 3.9GHz)
– 500 GB HDD Hard Drive & 8GB RAM Memory
– Integrated Webcam and Graphics Chip
– Wireless Wifi & Bluetooth connectivity
Pros:
– Very generous 500GB traditional hard drive for mass storage
– Comfortable 15.6-inch display for prolonged use
– Reliable 8th Gen i5 processor for core tasks
Cons:
– HDD is significantly slower than an SSD for boot times and application loading
– Lower 1366×768 HD resolution compared to Full HD on other models
– 8GB RAM might be a bottleneck for heavy multitaskers
– Does not strictly meet the “256GB SSD” part of the main keyword
User Impressions:
Users who opted for this model appreciate the larger screen size and the ample storage space provided by the HDD. While acknowledging the speed difference from SSDs, many find it perfectly adequate for general use, especially where budget or large file storage is a primary concern.
5. Dell Latitude 5500 Laptop 15.6 – Intel Core i5 8th Gen (256GB NVMe SSD)
Here’s another Dell Latitude 5500, and this one hits the sweet spot for a best 8th gen i5 performing laptop w256ugb ssd, specifically featuring a super-fast 256GB M.2 NVMe SSD. NVMe drives offer even greater speeds than traditional SATA SSDs, ensuring lightning-fast boot-ups and application launches. Coupled with an FHD anti-glare display and a backlit keyboard, this laptop is designed for comfortable and efficient work in various lighting conditions.
Key Features:
– 15.6″ FHD Anti-Glare WVA Display (1920×1080 resolution)
– Intel Core i5-8265U Quad-Core Processor (1.6GHz up to 3.9GHz)
– 8GB RAM & 256GB M.2 NVMe SSD
– Backlit Keyboard, Webcam, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Pros:
– Ultra-fast 256GB M.2 NVMe SSD for superior responsiveness
– Anti-glare Full HD display for comfortable viewing
– Backlit keyboard is excellent for low-light environments
– Reliable 8th Gen i5 performance for productivity
Cons:
– 8GB RAM might be limiting for power users
– Integrated graphics, as expected
User Impressions:
Customers highly value the speed improvements offered by the NVMe SSD in this model, making daily tasks feel incredibly fluid. The backlit keyboard is also a frequently praised feature, adding to the overall positive user experience for those working in diverse settings.
6. HP EliteBook 840 G6 14″ FHD Business Laptop Computer, 8th Gen (Refurbished 512GB SSD)
This refurbished HP EliteBook 840 G6 offers incredible value, packing in a high-speed Intel Core i5-8265U processor, a generous 512GB SSD, and a robust 16GB of RAM. Being a refurbished unit, it has been tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified vendors, often offering near-new performance at a significantly lower price point. It comes with Windows 10 Pro and all the essential ports, making it a fantastic budget-friendly option if you’re seeking a powerful business laptop.
Key Features:
– 14″ FHD (1920×1080) Anti-Glare Non-Touch 250nits WVA Display
– Intel Core i5-8265U Processor (1.6GHz up to 3.9GHz)
– 16GB high-bandwidth RAM & 512GB Solid State Drive
– Ports: 2 x USB 3.1, 1 x Thunderbolt 3, 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x RJ-45, SIM Card slot, Headphone/Mic Combo
– Windows 10 Pro Operating System (Renewed with 90-day Warranty)
Pros:
– Excellent value as a renewed product
– Very ample 512GB SSD and 16GB RAM for top performance
– Includes Thunderbolt 3 port for versatile connectivity
– Solid display with ComfortView Support
Cons:
– Being refurbished, potential for minor cosmetic imperfections
– 90-day warranty might be shorter than new products
User Impressions:
Many users are pleasantly surprised by the quality of refurbished laptops, and this EliteBook is no exception. They highlight the seamless performance, substantial storage, and memory, making it a “bang for your buck” choice for business and personal use. The longer warranty from Amazon adds peace of mind.
7. HP Probook 640 G5 14″ FHD Laptop Computer, 8th Gen (Renewed)
The HP Probook 640 G5 is designed for professionals who need a reliable and portable machine with a strong focus on everyday productivity. This renewed model features an 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8265U processor, 16GB DDR4 RAM, and a snappy 256GB SSD, ensuring efficient performance across your tasks. Its array of ports, including USB 3.1, Type-C, HDMI, and even VGA, provides ample connectivity options for a variety of peripherals and displays, making it a versatile choice for any desk setup or on-the-go work.
Key Features:
– 14″ FHD Display (1920 x 1080 resolution)
– 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8265U Processor (1.6 GHz up to 3.9 GHz)
– 16GB DDR4 RAM & 256GB SSD
– Ports: 3 x USB 3.1, Type-C, HDMI, VGA, RJ-45, Headphone/Mic combo, MicroSD Card Reader
– Windows 10 Pro 64 bit (Renewed with 90-day warranty and tech support)
Pros:
– Versatile port selection, including Type-C and VGA
– Ample 16GB RAM and fast 256GB SSD for smooth operation
– Lightweight and portable design with long-lasting battery
– Renewed with warranty and tech support for peace of mind
Cons:
– Integrated graphics not suitable for demanding applications
– Being renewed, minor cosmetic wear is possible
User Impressions:
Reviewers commend the Probook 640 G5 for its robust build, comfortable keyboard, and reliable performance for daily business operations. The extensive port selection is often praised, offering excellent compatibility with older and newer accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why should I consider an 8th Gen Intel Core i5 laptop in 2024?
A1: While newer generations exist, 8th Gen i5 processors (especially the quad-core variants like i5-8265U or i5-8365U) still offer excellent performance for most everyday tasks, including web browsing, document editing, streaming, and video conferencing. They provide a great balance of speed and affordability, making them a cost-effective choice for many users who don’t need the absolute latest in processing power.
Q2: What are the main benefits of having a 256GB SSD over an HDD?
A2: A Solid State Drive (SSD) is significantly faster than a traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD). You’ll experience much quicker boot times, faster application loading, and overall snappier system responsiveness. While 256GB might seem modest, it’s plenty for the operating system and essential applications, with cloud storage often supplementing larger file needs.
Q3: Is 8GB of RAM enough for an 8th Gen i5 laptop?
A3: For most standard users, 8GB of RAM combined with an 8th Gen i5 is perfectly adequate for everyday tasks, multitasking with several browser tabs, and using office applications. If you’re a heavy multitasker, frequently edit videos, or run more demanding software, 16GB of RAM will offer a noticeably smoother experience.
Q4: What kind of tasks are these laptops best suited for?
A4: These laptops are ideal for business professionals, students, and home users. They excel at productivity tasks like word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, email management, web browsing, online classes, and video calls. They can also handle light photo editing and multimedia consumption.
Q5: What does “renewed” or “refurbished” mean when buying a laptop?
A5: “Renewed” or “refurbished” typically means the laptop was pre-owned, returned, or had a minor defect that was professionally repaired and tested to work like new. These devices are often cleaned, inspected, and restored to a high functional standard by qualified vendors. They usually come with a limited warranty (often 90 days), offering a great way to get a powerful machine at a lower price.
Q6: Are the integrated graphics good enough for gaming?
A6: The integrated graphics found in 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processors (like Intel HD Graphics 620 or UHD Graphics 620) are suitable for casual gaming, older titles, and basic graphic tasks. They are not designed for demanding modern AAA games or professional-grade graphic design and video rendering.
Q7: How important are the various ports (USB-C, HDMI, RJ-45) on a laptop?
A7: The number and variety of ports are crucial for connectivity. USB-C (especially with Thunderbolt 3) offers versatile, high-speed connections for displays, external drives, and charging. HDMI is essential for connecting to external monitors or projectors. RJ-45 (Ethernet) provides a stable wired internet connection, which is often faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi in certain environments. Consider your peripherals and external display needs when choosing.