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.

Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-8560U
4C / 8T4.6 GHz15 W
7.5
Full review
Top pick
Intel · 8th Generation Core i7
Core i7-8665U
4C / 8T4.8 GHz15 W
8.2
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Mobile
Segment
Mobile
Ultra-Low Power Mobile
Generation
Core i7 (Whiskey Lake)
8th Gen
Launched
2018
2018
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Whiskey Lake-U
Whiskey Lake-U
Series
Core i7
8th Generation Core i7
Family
8th Generation
Whiskey Lake
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-8550U
Core i7-8650U
Successor
Intel Core i7-10510U
Core i7-10810U

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
4
Threads
8
8
Base Clock
1.8 GHz
1.9 GHz
Boost Clock
4.6 GHz
4.8 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
8 MB
8 MB
TDP
15 W
15 W
Architecture
Architecture
Whiskey Lake-U
Whiskey Lake-U
Process Node
14nm
14nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR3, DDR4
DDR4, LPDDR3
Memory Speed
2400 MT/s
DDR4-2400, LPDDR3-2133
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
64 GB
64 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel BGA 1528
Intel BGA 1528
PCIe Version
Gen 3
PCIe 3.0
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i7-8560U80

Handles heavy multitasking and office applications effortlessly.

Core i7-8665U

Gaming

Intel Core i7-8560U30

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

Core i7-8665U

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-8560U65

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

Core i7-8665U

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-8560U95

Outstanding power-to-performance ratio for battery life.

Core i7-8665U

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-8560ULimited
  • No dedicated AI hardware
  • Basic CPU inference only
Core i7-8665U

No data

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-8560UFair
Basic Photo Editing1080p Video EditingAudio Production
Core i7-8665U

No data

Gaming

Intel Core i7-8560ULow
  • Relies on Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • Only suitable for indie or older titles
  • Not recommended for modern AAA gaming
Core i7-8665U

No data

Industry Impact

Gaming
Low
None
Workstations
Moderate
Low
Content Creation
Moderate
Low
Virtualization
Moderate
Moderate

Best CPU by Use Case

Office Productivity
Excellent
Web Browsing
Excellent
Programming
Very Good
1080p Video Playback
Excellent
Gaming
Poor
Corporate Productivity
Excellent
Remote Work
Excellent

Target Audience

Gamers
Content Creators
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Streamers
Office / Productivity
Targeted
Targeted
Students
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
Core i7-8665U

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

Core i7-8665U

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
Core i7-8665URecommended

The 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 review

Frequently 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.