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Intel Core i7 8557U Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£360
  • Avg. price in US: ~$430
  • PassMark benchmark result: 7281
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.5 GHz

Intel Core i7 8557U review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.2

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.2

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.5

Performance

18.0%

4.9

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

4.3

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.1

Power & Thermal

4.0%

6.9

Platform

1.0%

7.6

Integrated Graphics

Poor
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 3.8
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    3.7

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    3.9

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    6.1

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    2.1

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

  • 2.3
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    2.4

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    2.8

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    2.1

    L3 cache

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £360

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-8557U is an 8th Gen Coffee Lake quad-core mobile processor featuring 8 threads, a 1.70 GHz base frequency, and a 4.50 GHz Max Turbo speed. Built on a 14nm process with a 15W TDP, it includes 8MB of Smart Cache and an integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645 with 128MB of dedicated eDRAM. Its main pros include excellent single-threaded performance for its class and a significantly more powerful integrated GPU compared to standard UHD graphics, making it suitable for light creative work and smooth 4K playback. However, it is an older, discontinued model that may struggle with modern AAA gaming and faces performance throttling during sustained multi-core workloads due to its low power envelope.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 8557U

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

4.2
Intel Core i7 8557U has a technical score of 4.23 points, which is lower than that of 73.9% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.0
Intel Core i7 8557U has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.2

Overall score

40.0%

8.6

Price

5.5
Intel Core i7 8557U has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.5 points, which is lower than 85.9% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

mobile
Intel Core i7 8557U belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

FCBGA1528
Intel Core i7 8557U uses the FCBGA1528 CPU socket, which is older than that of 76.7% of processors and equal to that of 1.7% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i7 8557U uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

4
Intel Core i7 8557U has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 50.7% of processors and equal to 28.5% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

8
Intel Core i7 8557U offers 8 CPU threads, which is more than 35.3% of processors and equal to 19% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

2
Intel Core i7 8557U offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

4.5 GHz
Intel Core i7 8557U reaches a boost clock of 4.5 GHz which is higher than that of 56.5% of processors and equal to that of 5.4% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

4 x 1.7 GHz
Intel Core i7 8557U has a base clock of 4x1.7 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

14 nm
Intel Core i7 8557U uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 33.7% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 14 nm
Intel Core i7 8557U is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 29.3% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

8 MB
Intel Core i7 8557U has an L3 cache of 8 MB which is larger than that of 39.7% of processors and equal to that of 11.8% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

1 MB
Intel Core i7 8557U has an L2 cache of 1 MB which is smaller than that of 67.1% of processors and equal to that of 17.6% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

256 KB
Intel Core i7 8557U has an L1 cache of 256 KB which is smaller than that of 59.4% of processors and equal to that of 18.5% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4/LPDDR3
Intel Core i7 8557U supports DDR DDR4/LPDDR3, which is newer than that of 58.1% of processors and equal to that of 2.1% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

2,400 MHz
Intel Core i7 8557U supports memory speeds up to 2400 MHz, which is lower than that of 63.2% of processors and equal to 12.4% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR4-2400 MHz
Intel Core i7 8557U supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2400 MHz, which is lower than that of 63.4% of processors and equal to 10.6% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

32 GB
Intel Core i7 8557U supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 71.9% of processors and equal to 19.5% of processors.
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Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i7 8557U includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645
Intel Core i7 8557U uses the Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 65.6% of processors and equal to that in 0.1% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

48
Intel Core i7 8557U has 48 GPU execution units, which is more than 82.5% of processors and equal to 4.7% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

300 MHz
Intel Core i7 8557U has an integrated GPU clock of 300 MHz which is lower than that of 57% of processors and equal to that of 38.7% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode)
Intel Core i7 8557U supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), MPEG-2 (HW decode), VC-1 (HW decode) media codecs, which is broader support than 76.2% of processors and equal to 0.7% of processors.
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

15 W
Intel Core i7 8557U has a TDP of 15 W which is lower than that of 77.7% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

15 W
Intel Core i7 8557U has a base power of 15 W which is lower than that of 77.2% of processors and equal to that of 16.2% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

44 W
Intel Core i7 8557U has a boost power of 44 W which is lower than that of 71.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.6% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

28 seconds
Intel Core i7 8557U has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i7 8557U does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i7 8557U vs the average processor

  • 66.7% lower base power
    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.15 W vs 45 W
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
    When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.15 W vs 45 W
  • 31.3% lower boost power
    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (44 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
    What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
    When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <50 W

    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (44 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.44 W vs 64 W
  • Newer DDR support
    Intel Core i7 8557U supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4).
    What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
    When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: DDR5

    Intel Core i7 8557U supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4).DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4
  • 4.7% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i7 8557U has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    Intel Core i7 8557U has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.4.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 8557U has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2 MB/core

    Intel Core i7 8557U has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • 2x more GPU execution units
    Intel Core i7 8557U has more GPU execution units than the average processor (48 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
    What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
    When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24

    Intel Core i7 8557U has more GPU execution units than the average processor (48 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.48 vs 24
  • 4.7% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i7 8557U has a higher boost clock speed than the average processor (4.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 8557U has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • Newer DDR support
    Intel Core i7 8557U supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4).
  • 2x more GPU execution units
    Intel Core i7 8557U has more GPU execution units than the average processor (48 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
  • 66.7% lower base power
    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
  • 31.3% lower boost power
    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (44 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.

Total
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i7 8557U supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i7 8557U does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i7 8557U uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,528 vs FP2).
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 8557U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 36.7% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,762 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 50% lower bus transfer rate
    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (4 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
  • 30.9% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (7,281 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 50% lower bus speed
    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower bus speed than the average processor (4 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
  • 6.8% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,313 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 6.9% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,369 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 11 lower clock multiplier
    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (17 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • 14.8% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (4,085 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 8557U has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 60% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i7 8557U has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • 33.3% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 18.1% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (37.5 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 50% less memory capacity
    Intel Core i7 8557U has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • 18.2% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    Intel Core i7 8557U supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x4, x2/x2, x2/x1/x1 vs x16, x8/x8).
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i7 8557U does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 8557U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i7 8557U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • 36.7% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,762 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 score that reflects how well the processor handles long, heavy rendering workloads across many cores.
    When it matters: When you care about sustained multi-core performance in rendering, compiling, heavy creation work, or productivity workloads that use many threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4700

    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,762 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.1,762 vs 2,783
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i7 8557U supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
    When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i7 8557U supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 8557U has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i7 8557U has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i7 8557U has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1 MB/core

    Intel Core i7 8557U has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 60% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.1 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i7 8557U does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
    What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
    When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i7 8557U does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 50% lower bus transfer rate
    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (4 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
    What it is: The maximum data transfer rate supported by the processor's platform bus, usually shown in GT/s.
    When it matters: When you are comparing older platform bandwidth limits rather than just raw CPU core performance.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=8 GT/s

    Intel Core i7 8557U has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (4 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.4 GT/s vs 8 GT/s
Total
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Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 8557U and other processors

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7 8557U?

  • Significantly improved multi-core performance compared to previous dual-core generations thanks to its 4-core, 8-thread design
  • Strong single-thread performance with a high turbo boost clock speed of up to 4.5 GHz
  • Equipped with Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645 and fast eDRAM cache, which offers better integrated graphics performance than standard UHD models
  • Excellent efficiency for thin and light ultrabooks due to its 15W TDP (Thermal Design Power)
  • Supports modern codecs including H.265/HEVC Main 10 and VP9 for smoother high-definition video playback

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 8557U?

  • Performance is often limited by the 15W TDP, leading to thermal throttling during sustained heavy workloads
  • Considered an older processor that is no longer competitive with newer 10nm or 7nm architectures in terms of speed and power efficiency
  • Integrated graphics are still insufficient for modern AAA games, which typically require low to medium settings for playability
  • Limited upgradeability in most laptop configurations as the CPU is typically soldered to the motherboard
  • Requires a competent active cooling solution to maintain high boost frequencies and prevent system resets from reaching its 100°C limit

Expert reviews

C
cpubenchmark.net
March 2026 (Updated Daily)
Intel Core i7-8557U @ 1.70GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i7-8557U is an 8th Generation Coffee Lake quad-core processor designed for thin-and-light laptops, featuring a 1.70 GHz base clock with boosts up to 4.50 GHz. Its primary advantages include high single-core responsiveness and the Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645, which boasts 128 MB of eDRAM for improved graphical tasks and light gaming. While designed for efficiency with...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
30/03/2026
Intel i7-8557U vs i7-1065G7 - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i7-1065G7, a 10th Gen "Ice Lake" chip, offers superior multi-threaded performance (approx. 8,118 CPU Mark) and better integrated graphics (Iris Plus G7) than the i7-8557U, making it ideal for modern, light-gaming laptops. Conversely, the 8th Gen i7-8557U provides higher base/boost frequencies, leading to a slight edge in single-thread performance (approx. 2313 vs...Read more

C
cpu-monkey.com
01/03/2026
Intel Core i7-8557U Benchmarks & Specifications

The Intel Core i7-8557U is a Coffee Lake-based, 14nm quad-core mobile processor with 8 threads, operating at a 1.70 GHz base clock with up to 4.50 GHz single-core boost. Key advantages include integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645 with 48 EUs and 128 MB eDRAM for strong integrated graphics performance, alongside 8 MB L3 cache, suitable for office tasks and light media consumption....Read more

(Translated)Show original
M
macwelt.de
17/07/2019
13-inch MacBook Pro (Summer 2019) Review - Macwelt

The 2019 entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro features a significant performance boost with standard quad-core processors, the Touch Bar, and Touch ID, replacing the older non-Touch Bar model. Key pros include the high-quality Retina display with True Tone, the Force Touch trackpad, and improved, albeit still criticized, butterfly keyboard mechanics. Limitations, or cons, involve the...Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
cpubenchmark.net
01/07/2019
Intel Core i7-8557U @ 1.70GHz - PassMark CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i7-8557U is a 15W quad-core processor designed for thin laptops, featuring a 1.70 GHz base clock with 4.50 GHz boost and integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645 with 128 MB eDRAM. It provides strong single-threaded performance and approximately 24% higher PassMark scores than the i7-8550U, making it efficient for productive tasks, though it faces thermal throttling...Read more

(Translated)Show original
B
browser.geekbench.com
01/06/2019
Intel Core i7-8557U Benchmarks - Geekbench Browser

The Intel Core i7-8557U is a 14nm Coffee Lake quad-core processor (1.7–4.5 GHz) designed for 2019 13-inch MacBook Pros, delivering average Geekbench 6 scores of approximately 1,264 (single-core) and 4,080 (multi-core). Pros include the 128 MB eDRAM accelerating the Intel Iris Plus 645 Graphics, and a ~45% multi-core performance boost over the i7-8550U, while maintaining a 15W TDP...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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