CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-8350U vs Intel Core i7-8560U
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.
Handles heavy multitasking and office applications effortlessly.
Gaming
Limited to very light or older games due to basic UHD 620 graphics.
Only suitable for very light or older games on low settings.
Virtualization
Can handle light VMs for development, but limited by thermal constraints.
Can run light VMs, but limited by 15W power constraints.
Efficiency
Mature 14nm process offers excellent battery life in ultrabooks.
Outstanding power-to-performance ratio for battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Relies on CPU AVX2 instructions
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Basic CPU inference only
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
- Relies on Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Only suitable for indie or older titles
- Not recommended for modern AAA gaming
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
- Excellent power efficiency
- Good burst performance
- Quad-core multitasking
- Widely supported in business laptops
Cons
- Weak integrated graphics
- Older 14nm process
- Locked multiplier
- Soldered to motherboard
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 i7-8560U
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 2800HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-8250URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8550URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8650URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Better integrated graphics and efficiency.
Significantly faster single-core and better iGPU.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Stronger overall performance and newer architecture.
- AMD Ryzen 7 4700UAlt
More cores and better battery life.
- Alt
Incredible performance per watt for ultrabooks.
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 capable quad-core mobile CPU that offers excellent battery life and sufficient power for everyday productivity, though it struggles with heavy rendering or modern gaming.
Best for: Purchasing a used, premium ultrabook for study or light office work.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-8350U or Intel Core i7-8560U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-8560U comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. 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 i7-8560U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-8350U leads with a gaming performance score of 35/100 among Intel Core i5-8350U and Intel Core i7-8560U.
Do Intel Core i5-8350U and Intel Core i7-8560U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-8350U: Intel BGA 1356, Intel Core i7-8560U: Intel BGA 1528), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-8560U posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-8350U (6,100), Intel Core i7-8560U (8,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.