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Intel Core i7 8559U Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£390
  • Avg. price in US: ~$430
  • PassMark benchmark result: 8249
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.5 GHz

Intel Core i7 8559U 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%

3.3

Performance

18.0%

5.0

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

4.3

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

8.4

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

  • 3.9
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    4.1

    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

  • 1.8
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.3

    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
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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £390

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 i7-8559U is a high-performance quad-core mobile processor from the 8th Generation Coffee Lake series, featuring 8 threads through Hyper-Threading and an 8 MB Smart Cache. It operates at a base frequency of 2.70 GHz with a maximum turbo boost of 4.50 GHz, supported by a 28 W TDP that is higher than typical 15 W U-series chips to allow for better sustained performance. A standout feature is the integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655, which includes 128 MB of dedicated eDRAM to significantly enhance graphical tasks and light gaming compared to standard UHD graphics. Main pros include its exceptional single-core and multi-threaded speeds for a mobile SoC and its capable integrated GPU that supports 4K at 60Hz. However, its higher power consumption can lead to increased heat generation, potentially causing thermal throttling in ultra-thin laptops with insufficient cooling, and its overclocking potential is limited by a locked multiplier.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 8559U

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 8559U has a technical score of 4.24 points, which is lower than that of 73.5% 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 8559U 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%

8.5

Price

5.5
Intel Core i7 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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 2.7 GHz
Intel Core i7 8559U has a base clock of 4x2.7 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 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 71.9% of processors and equal to 19.5% of processors.
Show more
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 8559U 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 655
Intel Core i7 8559U uses the Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 66.1% of processors and equal to that in 0.2% 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 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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.
Show more
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

28 W
Intel Core i7 8559U has a TDP of 28 W which is lower than that of 67.2% of processors and equal to that of 7.2% 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

28 W
Intel Core i7 8559U has a base power of 28 W which is lower than that of 67.2% of processors and equal to that of 6.8% 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

?
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 8559U 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

yes
Intel Core i7 8559U supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
cTDP: 20 W
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Intel Core i7 8559U vs the average processor

  • 30.9% smaller die size
    Intel Core i7 8559U has a lower die size than the average processor (123 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
    What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
    When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <150 mm²

    Intel Core i7 8559U has a lower die size than the average processor (123 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².123 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • 37.8% lower base power
    Intel Core i7 8559U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (28 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 8559U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (28 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.28 W vs 45 W
  • 39.6% faster Blender rendering
    Intel Core i7 8559U has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (463.2 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    What it is: A Blender render result based on the BMW27 scene, used to show how quickly the processor can finish a heavy 3D rendering task.
    When it matters: When rendering speed matters for 3D work, content creation, or other workloads that behave like long multi-core renders.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >290

    Intel Core i7 8559U has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (463.2 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.463.15 vs 331.88
  • Newer DDR support
    Intel Core i7 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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
  • 37.8% lower TDP
    Intel Core i7 8559U has a lower TDP than the average processor (28 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 8559U has a lower TDP than the average processor (28 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.28 W vs 45 W
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U has more GPU execution units than the average processor (48 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.48 vs 24
  • 39.6% faster Blender rendering
    Intel Core i7 8559U has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (463.2 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
  • 4.7% higher boost clock
    Intel Core i7 8559U 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.
  • 30.9% smaller die size
    Intel Core i7 8559U has a lower die size than the average processor (123 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 8559U 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 8559U supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4).
  • 2x more GPU execution units
    Intel Core i7 8559U has more GPU execution units than the average processor (48 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
  • 37.8% lower base power
    Intel Core i7 8559U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (28 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 37.8% lower TDP
    Intel Core i7 8559U has a lower TDP than the average processor (28 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.

Total
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i7 8559U 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 8559U does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i7 8559U uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,528 vs FP2).
  • 2 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i7 8559U has an older release date than the average processor (2,018 vs 2,020).
    March 2018
  • 49.8% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i7 8559U has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,397 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 71% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i7 8559U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,390 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 8559U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 50% lower bus transfer rate
    Intel Core i7 8559U 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.
  • 50% lower bus speed
    Intel Core i7 8559U 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.
  • 21.7% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i7 8559U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (8,249 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 5.5% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i7 8559U has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,390 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 3.7% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i7 8559U has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (466 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x4, x2/x2, x2/x1/x1, x1/x1/x1/x1 vs x16, x8/x8).
  • 49.8% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i7 8559U has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,397 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 8559U has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,397 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.1,397 vs 2,783
  • 71% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i7 8559U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,390 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Intel Core i7 8559U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,390 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.1,390 vs 4,793
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 8559U 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 8559U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i7 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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 8559U 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
  • 50% lower bus transfer rate
    Intel Core i7 8559U 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 8559U 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
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 8559U and other processors

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7 8559U?

  • High performance for its class, often described as a 'real jump' in power from standard ultralight series processors.
  • Fastest quad-core ULV (Ultra Low Voltage) processor from Intel at its release, with boost speeds up to 4.5 GHz.
  • Integrated Intel Iris Plus 655 Graphics provides performance comparable to entry-level discrete GPUs like the GeForce 930M.
  • Excellent power efficiency for laptop use with a relatively low 28W TDP, balancing performance and battery life.
  • Consistent real-world performance with 4 cores and 8 threads, making it strong for multitasking and light content creation.
  • Good single-threaded performance, ranking near the top of its comparison group in benchmarks like PassMark.

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 8559U?

  • Performance is highly dependent on the laptop's cooling capabilities; if thermal management is poor, it cannot maintain high boost speeds.
  • Not suitable for high-performance or modern AAA gaming at high settings.
  • Outperformed by H-series processors (like the i7-8750H) in heavy multi-threaded workloads like 4K video rendering.
  • Locked multiplier prevents overclocking for users seeking additional manual performance gains.
  • Integrated graphics lack significant improvements over the previous generation Iris Plus 650.
  • Limited availability in laptops, with many users noting it was primarily found in specific models like the MacBook Pro or Intel NUCs.

Expert reviews

S
storagereview.com
15/06/2019
Intel NUC 8 Mainstream Kit (NUC8i7BEH) Review

The StorageReview analysis of the Intel NUC 8 Mainstream Kit (NUC8i7BEH) highlights a powerful "Bean Canyon" mini PC equipped with a 28W 8th Gen Core i7-8559U processor, designed to handle demanding tasks, 4K streaming, and light gaming within a 4.5-inch chassis. The kit provides significant flexibility with dual-drive storage support (M.2 NVMe + 2.5-inch SATA) and robust...Read more

L
liliputing.com
16/12/2018
Intel Bean Canyon NUC review

The Intel "Bean Canyon" NUC (NUC8i7BEH) is a compact, 4x4-inch mini-PC featuring a 28-watt Core i7-8559U processor and Iris Plus 655 graphics, bridging the gap between portable laptops and desktop performance. The device provides high-end computing power, versatile Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, and easy internal access for upgrades. While praised for its, impressive CPU performance...Read more

H
hothardware.com
15/02/2019
Intel Bean Canyon NUC Review: 8th Gen CPU With Iris Plus 655 Graphics

The Intel NUC8i7BEH1 "Bean Canyon" is a high-performance barebones mini PC featuring an 8th Gen Core i7-8559U processor and Iris Plus 655 graphics, delivering desktop-class power in a compact form factor. A key advantage is its versatile storage capacity, supporting both an M.2 SSD and a 2.5-inch SATA drive, alongside comprehensive I/O including Thunderbolt 3 and HDMI 2.0a....Read more

L
liliputing.com
27/11/2018
Benchmarks: Intel Core i7-8750H vs Core i7-8559U - Liliputing

This Liliputing review compares the 45W 6-core Intel Core i7-8750H, found in workstations, against the 28W 4-core i7-8559U designed for compact systems. The i7-8750H excels in multi-core tasks like video editing, while the i7-8559U delivers higher per-core frequencies and superior integrated Iris Plus 655 graphics, often outperforming the H-series in single-core and Geekbench...Read more

P
pcmag.com
06/05/2019
Intel NUC Kit NUC8i7BEH (Bean Canyon) Review

The Intel NUC Kit NUC8i7BEH (Bean Canyon) is a powerful, palm-sized bare-bones PC featuring an 8th Gen quad-core Intel Core i7-8559U processor and Iris Plus Graphics 655. Designed for office work and media tasks, it offers significant CPU muscle and supports Thunderbolt 3, alongside dual-drive storage capabilities. Key pros highlighted include the "above-average" port...Read more

C
cpu.userbenchmark.com
No Date Provided
Intel Core i7-8559U FH8068403419332 - CPU UserBenchmarks

The Intel Core i7-8559U is a high-end, 2018-era quad-core Coffee Lake processor designed for high-performance ultrabooks and compact systems, boasting a 2.7 GHz base clock and up to 4.5 GHz boost. It features strong single-core performance and integrated Iris Plus Graphics 655 with 128 MB eDRAM, providing capable performance for daily tasks and light gaming, while maintaining...Read more

C
cpubenchmark.net
21/05/2021
Intel Core i7-8559U @ 2.70GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i7-8559U is a 2018 quad-core, 2.7 GHz Coffee Lake processor designed for high-performance mini PCs and laptops, featuring a 28W TDP to sustain higher clock speeds up to 4.5 GHz. Key advantages include strong single-threaded performance and the Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 with 128 MB eDRAM for improved graphical output, often exceeding older HQ-series chips in...Read more

N
notebookcheck.com
14/11/2018
Intel NUC Kit NUC8i7BEH (i7-8559U) Mini PC Review

The Intel NUC Kit NUC8i7BEH (Bean Canyon) offers exceptional performance for its size, powered by a 28W Core i7-8559U processor, making it suitable for demanding tasks and light content creation. Its primary pros include a versatile, compact design with Thunderbolt 3 support for external GPUs or displays, alongside easy user upgradeability for RAM and storage. Notable cons involve...Read more

(Translated)Show original
N
notebookcheck.com
01/07/2023
Intel Core i7-8559U vs Intel Core i7-1355U Comparison

The Notebookcheck comparison highlights a significant generational leap in architecture and efficiency between the Intel Core i7-8559U (Coffee Lake) and the i7-1355U (Raptor Lake-U), with the latter adopting a 10-core hybrid design for superior performance. The i7-1355U holds a massive advantage with higher boost clocks, increased L3 cache, and improved Iris Xe graphics, though it...Read more

(Translated)Show original
P
profesionalreview.com
15/10/2018
Intel Core i7: Everything You Need to Know

The Intel Core i7 family, as analyzed by Professional Review, has evolved into a high-performance, hybrid-architecture lineup that blends performance (P-cores) and efficiency (E-cores) for advanced computing needs. Modern iterations excel in professional productivity, video editing, and high-end gaming, offering support for DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 standards to ensure future-proofing. Key...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
hardware.info
08/09/2018
Apple MacBook Pro 13" and 15" (Mid 2018) Review: Battery Life

The 2018 MacBook Pro 13- and 15-inch models introduce significant performance gains via 8th-generation Intel processors, moving to quad-core for the 13-inch and six-core for the 15-inch. The refresh also includes True Tone display technology, the Apple T2 security chip, and a redesigned keyboard with a protective silicone membrane to address reliability concerns. While offering...Read more

(Translated)Show original
H
hardware.info
08/09/2018
Apple MacBook Pro 13" and 15" (Mid 2018) review: A pricey package with more processing power

The 2018 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pro models provide a significant performance increase, featuring 8th-generation Intel processors that offer up to four cores on the 13-inch and six cores on the 15-inch, along with 32GB RAM options. A key pro includes the superior CPU-intensive performance, with the 13-inch model occasionally surpassing previous 15-inch models, alongside improvements...Read more

(Translated)Show original
N
notebookcheck.nl
16/11/2018
Short Review: Intel NUC Kit NUC8i7BEH (i7-8559U) Mini PC

The Intel NUC Kit NUC8i7BEH (Bean Canyon) delivers high-performance computing in a compact form factor, powered by the Intel Core i7-8559U processor and Iris Plus Graphics 655. Key advantages include its excellent build quality, easy internal access for upgrades, and comprehensive connectivity, featuring Thunderbolt 3 and support for up to three 4K displays. However, the 28W...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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