CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-8350U vs Intel Core i7-8559U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-8350U is a quad-core mobile processor from Intel's 8th Generation Kaby Lake-R lineup, engineered for thin-and-light ultrabooks and business laptops. Operating at a base frequency of 1.7 GHz and dynamically boosting up to 3.6 GHz, it utilizes Intel's highly optimized 14nm manufacturing process. The transition from dual-core to quad-core configurations in the U-series was a major leap for mobile productivity, bringing 8 threads to low-power devices. With 6MB of L3 Smart Cache, it ensures efficient task management for everyday office work, heavy web browsing, and moderate multitasking. It integrates Intel UHD Graphics 620, which is sufficient for hardware-accelerated video playback and basic display duties, though not intended for 3D gaming. Maintaining a strict 15W TDP, the i5-8350U balances sustained performance with battery longevity, making it a popular choice for professionals requiring reliable computing power in a portable form factor.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Highly capable for office suites, heavy browsing, and daily multitasking.
High clock speeds ensure excellent performance in office and creative apps.
Gaming
Limited to very light or older games due to basic UHD 620 graphics.
Iris Plus 655 allows for playable frame rates in older or well-optimized games.
Virtualization
Can handle light VMs for development, but limited by thermal constraints.
Capable of running light VMs, though limited by 4 cores.
Efficiency
Mature 14nm process offers excellent battery life in ultrabooks.
28W TDP is efficient enough for laptops but warmer than 15W parts.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Relies on CPU AVX2 instructions
- No dedicated AI hardware
- eDRAM can be utilized for certain compute workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Relies on Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Only suitable for 2D or highly optimized older games
- Lacks hardware support for modern DirectX 12 Ultimate features
- Iris Plus 655 is a major step up from UHD 620
- eDRAM helps with texture loading
- Can run macOS games smoothly
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Reliable quad-core performance for everyday tasks
- High boost clock of 3.6 GHz
- Good multitasking with 8 threads
- Wide compatibility with DDR4 and LPDDR3
Cons
- Built on aging 14nm process
- Weak integrated graphics
- No support for PCIe 4.0
- Quickly overshadowed by Whiskey Lake
Pros
- High 4.5 GHz boost clock
- Iris Plus Graphics with 128MB eDRAM
- 28W TDP allows good sustained performance
- Excellent single-core speed
Cons
- Runs warmer than 15W U-series chips
- Soldered to motherboard
- 14nm process is outdated
- Limited to older platforms
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-8350U
- AMD Ryzen 5 2500URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8550URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-8250URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-7200URival
Mobile
Better turbo frequencies on Whiskey Lake.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3500UAlt
More cores and better Vega graphics.
- Intel Core i3-8130UAlt
Cheaper alternative for basic tasks.
- Alt
Vastly superior battery life and performance.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 3 3200UAlt
Budget-friendly with modern Vega graphics.
Intel Core i7-8559U
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8550URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 3750HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-8259URival
Mobile
- Apple A12X BionicRival
Mobile
- Alt
Vastly superior performance and efficiency for Mac users.
Compare head-to-head 10th Gen successor with 10nm process and better IPC.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 4800UAlt
Much better multi-core performance in a similar power bracket.
- Intel Core i7-8665UAlt
Whiskey Lake alternative for business PCs.
- Alt
The modern standard for compact Mac desktops and laptops.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A solid quad-core low-power processor that brought significant multi-threaded gains to ultrabooks, though its integrated graphics remain a limiting factor.
Best for: Purchasing a heavily discounted used business laptop for basic office work.
Read the full reviewA premium 28W mobile processor that combined high clock speeds with powerful Iris Plus graphics, delivering an excellent balance of CPU and GPU performance.
Best for: If you are considering a laptop with the Intel Core i7-8559U, you are likely looking at a used MacBook Pro or a premium NUC. This processor remains highly capable for everyday productivity, programming, and light 1080p video editing. The inclusion of Iris Plus graphics with eDRAM provides a noticeable boost in graphical tasks compared to standard U-series chips. It is an excellent choice for users who need a compact, moderately powerful machine without paying the premium for Apple Silicon. However, be aware that it is an Intel-based Mac, meaning it will eventually lose macOS support. Avoid this processor if you need to run modern AAA games or heavy 3D rendering workloads. It is best purchased at a discount for general use and legacy software.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-8350U or Intel Core i7-8559U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-8559U comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. 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 i5-8350U or Intel Core i7-8559U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8559U leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Intel Core i5-8350U and Intel Core i7-8559U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-8350U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-8350U (15 W), Intel Core i7-8559U (28 W).
Do Intel Core i5-8350U and Intel Core i7-8559U use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1356 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-8350U posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-8350U (6,100). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.