CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-8550U vs Intel Core i7-8560U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-8550U is an ultra-low power mobile processor launched in August 2017 as part of the 8th Generation Kaby Lake-U Refresh family. Designed for thin-and-light laptops, it marked a significant milestone by introducing 4 cores and 8 threads to the 15-watt TDP category, a substantial upgrade from the dual-core designs of previous generations. Built on Intel's 14nm process, it operates at a base clock of 1.8 GHz and can boost up to 4.0 GHz. The processor features 8MB of L3 cache, doubling the cache size of its 7th Gen predecessors. It integrates Intel UHD Graphics 620 for basic multimedia tasks and hardware-accelerated video decoding. While its low base clock limits performance under sustained multi-threaded loads, the aggressive turbo boost ensures snappy responsiveness for everyday productivity. The i7-8550U became one of the most popular ultrabook processors of its era, powering countless mainstream laptops and bringing true quad-core performance to the portable form factor.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Snappy for office applications but throttles under sustained load.
Handles heavy multitasking and office applications effortlessly.
Gaming
Only suitable for very light 2D or older games due to UHD 620 graphics.
Only suitable for very light or older games on low settings.
Virtualization
Can run one light VM, but limited by 15W TDP.
Can run light VMs, but limited by 15W power constraints.
Efficiency
Excellent idle efficiency and good battery life for ultrabooks.
Outstanding power-to-performance ratio for battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Relies on CPU for basic inference
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Basic CPU inference only
Content Creation
Gaming
- Relies on Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Can run esports titles on low settings
- Not suitable 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
- Brought 4 cores to 15W ultrabooks
- Good single-core burst performance
- Excellent battery life for basic tasks
- Large 8MB L3 cache
Cons
- Low base clock of 1.8 GHz
- Throttles under sustained multi-threaded load
- Basic UHD 620 integrated graphics
- 14nm process is outdated
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 i7-8550U
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 2500URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-8250URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-7500URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-8565UAlt
Whiskey Lake refresh with higher clocks and better sustained performance.
- AMD Ryzen 5 4500UAlt
Much better multi-core performance and efficiency.
11th Gen offers massive IPC and graphics improvements.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Vastly superior performance and battery life.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 7 4700UAlt
8-core alternative with excellent battery life.
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 pioneering 15W processor that brought 4 cores to ultrabooks, offering solid multitasking, though its low base clock limits sustained performance.
Best for: If you are considering a laptop with the Core i7-8550U today, it should only be purchased in the used or refurbished market at a significant discount. It remains a capable processor for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. The 4-core design ensures it handles basic multitasking without major slowdowns. However, its 14nm architecture and 15W TDP mean it will struggle with any sustained heavy workloads like video editing or modern gaming. Avoid this processor if you need to run demanding software or if battery life is your absolute top priority, as newer chips are far more efficient. It is best suited for budget-conscious buyers or students who need a cheap, reliable secondary machine for schoolwork and everyday use.
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 i7-8550U or Intel Core i7-8560U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8550U leads with a gaming performance score of 35/100 among Intel Core i7-8550U and Intel Core i7-8560U.
Do Intel Core i7-8550U and Intel Core i7-8560U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-8550U: 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 i7-8560U (8,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.