CPU Comparison

Intel Core i7-8560U vs Intel Core i7-8650U

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-8560U is a highly efficient mobile processor introduced as part of the Whiskey Lake lineup, specifically engineered for thin-and-light ultrabooks. Featuring four cores and eight threads, it brought mainstream quad-core performance to the ultra-low-power segment. Operating at a base frequency of 1.8 GHz, it can dynamically boost up to 4.6 GHz when thermal headroom permits, delivering snappy burst performance for everyday tasks and moderate workloads. With a 15-watt thermal design power, it balances battery longevity with processing capability. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 handles basic display outputs and light multimedia tasks, though it is not suited for intensive gaming. This CPU marked a significant step in Intel's 8th generation strategy, offering increased core counts over previous ultra-low-voltage dual-core designs, thereby reshaping user expectations for portable computing power. Released in late 2018, it became a staple in premium business and consumer laptops, providing a reliable computing experience for professionals on the go who require multitasking capabilities without sacrificing portability.

Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-8560U
4C / 8T4.6 GHz15 W
7.5
Full review
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-8650U
4C / 8T4.2 GHz15 W
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Mobile
Segment
Mobile
Mobile
Generation
Core i7 (Whiskey Lake)
8th Gen Core i7
Launched
2018
2017
Status
End-of-life
Active
Codename
Whiskey Lake-U
Kaby Lake-R
Series
Core i7
Core i7
Family
8th Generation
Kaby Lake
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-8550U
Intel Core i7-7600U
Successor
Intel Core i7-10510U
Intel Core i7-8665U

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
4
Threads
8
8
Base Clock
1.8 GHz
1.9 GHz
Boost Clock
4.6 GHz
4.2 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
8 MB
8 MB
TDP
15 W
15 W
Architecture
Architecture
Whiskey Lake-U
Kaby Lake-R
Process Node
14nm
14nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR3, DDR4
DDR4
Memory Speed
2400 MT/s
2400 MT/s
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
64 GB
32 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel BGA 1528
Intel BGA 1356
PCIe Version
Gen 3
PCIe 3.0
PCIe Lanes
16
12
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i7-8560UBest80

Handles heavy multitasking and office applications effortlessly.

Intel Core i7-8650U72

Strong performance for office tasks, but throttles under sustained multi-threaded load.

Gaming

Intel Core i7-8560U30

Only suitable for very light or older games on low settings.

Intel Core i7-8650UBest35

Not suitable for gaming beyond basic 2D applications.

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-8560UBest65

Can run light VMs, but limited by 15W power constraints.

Intel Core i7-8650U50

Can handle light VMs, but limited by 15W TDP.

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-8560UBest95

Outstanding power-to-performance ratio for battery life.

Intel Core i7-8650U85

Excellent efficiency for all-day battery life.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-8560ULimited
  • No dedicated AI hardware
  • Basic CPU inference only
Intel Core i7-8650ULimited
  • No dedicated AI hardware

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-8560UFair
Basic Photo Editing1080p Video EditingAudio Production
Intel Core i7-8650UFair
Basic PhotoshopOffice Applications

Gaming

Intel Core i7-8560ULow
  • Relies on Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • Only suitable for indie or older titles
  • Not recommended for modern AAA gaming
Intel Core i7-8650UPoor
  • UHD 620 graphics are very basic
  • Suitable for older games only

Industry Impact

Gaming
Low
Low
Workstations
Moderate
Low
Content Creation
Moderate
Moderate
Virtualization
Moderate
Moderate

Best CPU by Use Case

Office Productivity
Excellent
Web Browsing
Excellent
Excellent
Programming
Very Good
Good
1080p Video Playback
Excellent
Gaming
Poor
Business Productivity
Excellent
Video Conferencing
Very Good
Data Analysis
Good

Target Audience

Gamers
Content Creators
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Streamers
Office / Productivity
Targeted
Targeted
Students
Targeted
Targeted

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i7-8560U

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
Intel Core i7-8650U

Pros

  • 4 cores and 8 threads
  • Intel vPro support for enterprise
  • Good single-core burst performance
  • Excellent battery life

Cons

  • Low base clock
  • Basic integrated graphics
  • 14nm process is outdated
  • Throttles under heavy load

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core i7-8560U

Intel Core i7-8650U

Our Verdict on Each

A 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 review

The Core i7-8650U is a 15W mobile CPU with vPro support, designed for business ultrabooks.

Best for: The Intel Core i7-8650U is a processor you will encounter primarily in the refurbished business laptop market. It is an excellent choice for professionals or students who need a reliable, portable machine for office work, web browsing, and video conferencing. The inclusion of vPro technology makes it particularly appealing for IT departments or users who require remote management capabilities. However, like other 15W 8th Gen chips, its low base clock means it will throttle under heavy sustained workloads. Avoid purchasing a laptop with this CPU if you need to do video editing, 3D rendering, or gaming. It is best suited for budget-conscious buyers looking for a high-quality, durable business ultrabook like a used ThinkPad X1 Carbon or Dell Latitude.

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Intel Core i7-8560U or Intel Core i7-8650U?

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 i7-8560U or Intel Core i7-8650U?

For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8650U leads with a gaming performance score of 35/100 among Intel Core i7-8560U and Intel Core i7-8650U.

Do Intel Core i7-8560U and Intel Core i7-8650U use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-8560U: Intel BGA 1528, Intel Core i7-8650U: Intel BGA 1356), 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.