CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-8560U vs Core i7-8665U
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.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles heavy multitasking and office applications effortlessly.
Gaming
Only suitable for very light or older games on low settings.
Virtualization
Can run light VMs, but limited by 15W power constraints.
Efficiency
Outstanding power-to-performance ratio for battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Basic CPU inference only
No data
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
- Relies on Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Only suitable for indie or older titles
- Not recommended for modern AAA gaming
No data
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Excellent single-core burst speed
- Includes Intel vPro for remote management
- Low 15W TDP
- Great for business productivity
Cons
- Throttles under sustained load
- Only 4 cores
- More expensive than consumer equivalents
- Soldered BGA package
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Core i7-8665U
- AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 2700URival
Ultra-Low Power Mobile
- Intel Core i7-8565URival
Ultra-Low Power Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 3700URival
Ultra-Low Power Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8365URival
Ultra-Low Power Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8650URival
Ultra-Low Power Mobile
Next-gen 6-core enterprise alternative.
Compare head-to-head
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 reviewThe i7-8665U offers top-tier ultrabook performance with the crucial addition of vPro for enterprise manageability.
Best for: Buying a used enterprise laptop (ThinkPad, Latitude)
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-8560U or Core i7-8665U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-8665U comes out ahead with a score of 8.2/10. 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 Core i7-8665U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8560U leads with a gaming performance score of 30/100 among Intel Core i7-8560U and Core i7-8665U.
Do Intel Core i7-8560U and Core i7-8665U use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1528 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
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.