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
- Form Factor:
- Laptop
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Manufacturer: Intel Last updated: September 9, 2026
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.
Specifications
Identity
| Brand | Intel |
|---|---|
| Product Line | Core i7 |
| Model Number | 8550U |
Segment and platform
| Microarchitecture | Kaby Lake Refresh, 8th Gen Intel Core |
|---|
| Form Factor | Laptop |
|---|---|
| Core/Thread Count | 4 Core / 8 Thread |
| iGPU | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Cache | 8MB L3 |
| Boost/Base Clock | 4.0 GHz / 1.8 GHz |
Expert Review
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
FAQs
What are the key specifications of the 8th Gen Intel Core i7 8550U?
The 8th Gen Intel Core i7 8550U is a processor from Intel. Key specs: 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.
Who is the 8th Gen Intel Core i7 8550U best suited to?
It suits 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?
It is a poor fit for buyers with access to newer generations — considerably more recent u-series chips offer meaningful ipc and efficiency gains.