Intel

8th Gen Intel Core i7 8550U

iGPU:: Intel UHD Graphics 620
Boost/Base Clock:: 4.0 GHz / 1.8 GHz
Core/Thread Count:: 4 Core / 8 Thread
Cache:: 8MB L3
CPU Series:: Kaby Lake Refresh, 8th Gen Intel Core
Form Factor:: Laptop

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Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: September 9, 2026

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8th Gen Intel Core i7 8550U Review

The 8th Gen Intel Core i7 8550U is a 4-core, 8-thread ultraportable processor built on Kaby Lake Refresh, running a 1.8 GHz base clock that boosts to 4.0 GHz.

As the i7-tier sibling of the i5-8250U within Intel's first genuinely 4-core U-series generation, this chip offered a higher clock ceiling and larger cache for buyers wanting more from the same architectural leap.

Intel UHD Graphics 620

A basic integrated GPU intended for display output and light everyday use, adequate for productivity and media consumption but not gaming.

How Is the Core i7 8550U in Terms of Performance

The genuine 4-core layout with a higher boost clock than the i5-8250U gives this chip solid ultraportable performance, representing the premium tier within Intel's first genuinely 4-core U-series generation.

Benchmarks

Cinebench R20 multi-core scores of 1,222 and single-core scores of 385 reflect solid performance for a premium 4-core ultraportable chip of its generation, modestly ahead of the i5-8250U given the higher clock ceiling.

Our verdict

Reviewed by Burooj Alam. Rated by us, not by users.

Best for

Buyers of this laptop generation wanting the premium tier within Intel's first genuinely 4-core U-series generation

Not for

Buyers with access to newer generations, considerably more recent U-series chips offer meaningful IPC and efficiency gains

Specifications

What these specs mean

Identity

Brand	Intel
Product Line	Core i7
Model Number	8550U
Codename	Kaby Lake
Release Year	2017

Segment and platform

Market Segment	Laptop
Microarchitecture	Kaby Lake Refresh, 8th Gen Intel Core
Socket	FCBGA1356
Process Node	14 nm

Core configuration

Total Cores	4
Performance Cores	4
Efficiency Cores	0
Total Threads	8
SMT Enabled	Yes

Clock speeds

P-Core Base Clock	1.8 GHz
P-Core Boost Clock	4.0 GHz

Cache

L3 Cache	8 MB

Power and thermal

Base Power	15 W

Memory

Memory Type	DDR4, LPDDR3

Graphics and AI

Integrated Graphics	Yes

Form Factor	Laptop
TDP	15 W
iGPU	Intel UHD Graphics 620

FAQs

What are the key specifications of the 8th Gen Intel Core i7 8550U?

The 8th Gen Intel Core i7 8550U has 4 cores and 8 threads, a 1.8 GHz base and 4.0 GHz boost clock, 8 MB of L3 cache and a 15 W TDP. Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620. Socket: FCBGA1356.

Who is the 8th Gen Intel Core i7 8550U best suited to?

Best suited to: Buyers of this laptop generation wanting the premium tier within Intel's first genuinely 4-core U-series generation.

What are the drawbacks of the 8th Gen Intel Core i7 8550U?

Not the best fit for: Buyers with access to newer generations, considerably more recent U-series chips offer meaningful IPC and efficiency gains.