CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-10510U vs Intel Core i7-8560U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-10510U is a quad-core mobile processor that debuted as part of the 10th Generation Comet Lake-U lineup in August 2019. Designed primarily for thin-and-light laptops, it operates on Intel's refined 14nm process node. With a base frequency of 1.8 GHz and the ability to boost up to 4.9 GHz on a single core, it offers a noticeable bump in clock speeds compared to its 8th-generation predecessors. The processor features 8MB of L3 cache and supports up to 8 threads via Intel's Hyper-Threading technology. Its 25-watt default TDP strikes a balance between performance and power consumption, making it suitable for ultraportables requiring sustained multitasking capabilities. While it lacks the advanced Sunny Cove architecture found in Intel's 10nm Ice Lake chips, the i7-10510U remains a reliable choice for everyday productivity, media consumption, and light content creation on the go.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Snappy performance for office applications and heavy multitasking.
Handles heavy multitasking and office applications effortlessly.
Gaming
Only suitable for very light or older games due to basic UHD integrated graphics.
Only suitable for very light or older games on low settings.
Virtualization
Capable of running light virtual machines but limited by 4 cores.
Can run light VMs, but limited by 15W power constraints.
Efficiency
14nm process is less efficient than newer 10nm alternatives.
Outstanding power-to-performance ratio for battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Lacks dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- Relies on CPU-based inference
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Basic CPU inference only
Content Creation
Gaming
- Relies on Intel UHD Graphics
- Can run esports titles on low settings
- Not recommended for AAA gaming
- 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
- Strong single-core boost clocks
- Good for everyday productivity
- Supports Wi-Fi 6 CNVi
- Proven 14nm reliability
Cons
- Outdated 14nm process
- Basic integrated graphics
- End-of-life status
- Lower IPC than Ice 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 i7-10510U
- AMD Ryzen 7 3750URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 4700URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-8665URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10210URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500URival
Mobile
Better graphics and newer 10nm architecture.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 4800UAlt
Significantly better multi-core performance.
11th Gen improvements in efficiency and IPC.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Vastly superior efficiency and performance.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Better overall performance and Xe 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 dependable 14nm quad-core CPU that delivers strong single-core bursts for everyday tasks, though it lags behind newer architectures in efficiency and multi-threaded workloads.
Best for: For users considering a laptop powered by the Intel Core i7-10510U in the modern era, the primary appeal lies in the budget and refurbished markets. It is not recommended for new purchases, as newer processors offer significantly better efficiency and performance. However, if found at a steep discount, it remains a solid choice for students, office workers, and casual users who need a reliable machine for web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. Avoid this processor if your workflow involves heavy video editing, 3D rendering, or modern gaming, as its aging 14nm architecture and UHD integrated graphics lack the horsepower for demanding creative workloads or smooth frame rates.
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 faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-10510U or Intel Core i7-8560U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-10510U leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Intel Core i7-10510U and Intel Core i7-8560U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-8560U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-10510U (25 W), Intel Core i7-8560U (15 W).
Do Intel Core i7-10510U and Intel Core i7-8560U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-10510U: Intel BGA 1440, 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 i7-8560U (8,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.