Core i7-8557U vs Core i7-8706G

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i7-8557U vs Core i7-8706G FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i7-8557U vs Core i7-8706G: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-8557U

2019

Why buy it

✅Draws 1W instead of 65W, a 64W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,309 vs 7,383).

Core i7-8706G

2018

Why buy it

✅+1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌6400% higher power demand at 65W vs 1W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-8557U better than Core i7-8706G?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-8557U is ahead with a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-8706G pulls ahead with 1% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-8706G is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-8557U still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-8557U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i7-8557U makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2018). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-8557U vs Core i7-8706G Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i7-8557U

The Core i7-8557U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 16 July 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-U (2018−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1528. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,309 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i7-8706G

The Core i7-8706G is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake G (2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2270. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,383 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-8557U and Core i7-8706G share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i7-8557U versus 4.1 GHz on the Core i7-8706G — a 9.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-8557U (base: 1.7 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i7-8557U uses the Coffee Lake-U (2018−2019) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-8706G uses Kaby Lake G (2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-8557U scores 7,309 against the Core i7-8706G's 7,383 — a 1% lead for the Core i7-8706G. L3 cache: 8 MB on the Core i7-8557U vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-8706G.

Feature	Core i7-8557U	Core i7-8706G
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz+10%	4.1 GHz
Base Clock	1.7 GHz	3.1 GHz+82%
L3 Cache	8 MB	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB	256K (per core)+25500%
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Coffee Lake-U (2018−2019)	Kaby Lake G (2018)
PassMark	7,309	7,383+1%

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-8557U uses the FCBGA1528 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-8706G uses FCBGA2270 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.