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.

Overview

The Core i7-8550U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 21 August 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1356. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,118 points. Launch price was $409.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i7-8550U is positioned at rank #686 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-8550U

#674

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

959%

#675

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

945%

#676

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

868%

#677

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

864%

#678

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

856%

#680

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

826%

#681

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

792%

#682

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

791%

#683

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

770%

#686

Core i7-8550U

MSRP: N/A|Avg: N/A

100%

#696

Processor N95

MSRP: $160|Avg: $80

98%

#699

Athlon Silver 3050e

MSRP: $100|Avg: $60

97%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-8550U across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-8550U specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-8550U is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019) architecture, manufactured on a 14 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 4 GHz from a base frequency of 1.8 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 8 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 6,118, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i7-8550U
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	1.8 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Kaby Lake Refresh (2017−2019)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	14 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	8 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	123 mm2
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	4 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	Yes
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	6,118

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-8550U fits into the BGA1356 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR4 memory.

Specification	Core i7-8550U
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i7
SocketMotherboard socket required	BGA1356
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR4
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1 (Uniprocessor)

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-8550U has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

Specification	Core i7-8550U
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	15 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

💰

Value Analysis

It currently holds Rank #686 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1704 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-8550U
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$409
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#686
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1704
Release DateLaunch date	21 August 2017 (8 years ago)
Release Year	2017
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel