Core i7-8559U vs M1

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 i7-8559U vs M1 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 i7-8559U vs M1: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-8559U

2018

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 16 MB).

M1

2020

Why buy it

✅+100% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 8 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (8,207 vs 8,274).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-8559U better than M1?

Yes. Core i7-8559U is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-8559U is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.6% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-8559U is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-8559U still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-8559U comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.6% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

M1 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2020 vs 2018) and 100% larger total L3 cache (16 MB vs 8 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-8559U vs M1 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-8559U

The Core i7-8559U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 5 April 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Coffee Lake-U (2018−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1528. Thermal design power (TDP): 28 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 8,274 points. Launch price was $431.

M1

The M1 is manufactured by Apple. It was released in 10 November 2020 (5 years ago). It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.064 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 16 MB. L2 cache: 16 MB. Built on 5 nm process technology. Passmark benchmark score: 8,207 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-8559U packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the M1 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the M1 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.5 GHz on the Core i7-8559U versus 3.2 GHz on the M1 — a 33.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-8559U (base: 2.7 GHz vs 2.064 GHz). The Core i7-8559U is built on the Coffee Lake-U (2018−2019) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i7-8559U scores 8,274 against the M1's 8,207 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-8559U. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-8559U vs 16 MB on the M1.

Feature	Core i7-8559U	M1
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	4.5 GHz+41%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.7 GHz+31%	2.064 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	16 MB+100%
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+1500%	16 MB
Process	14 nm	5 nm-64%
Architecture	Coffee Lake-U (2018−2019)	—
PassMark	8,274	8,207