Intel Core i7-8650U
Intel Core i7-8650U in 2025: Is It Worth Buying a Laptop with This Processor?
April 2025
Despite the Intel Core i7-8650U being released back in 2017, laptops featuring this processor are still available for sale. Designed for ultrabooks, this processor continues to attract attention due to its balance of performance and battery life. But is it still relevant in 2025? Let’s delve into the details.
1. Architecture and Process: What's Inside?
Kaby Lake R: The Evolution of the 14nm Era
The Core i7-8650U belongs to the Kaby Lake Refresh generation (8th Gen Intel Core). It is one of the latest architectures from Intel built on a 14nm process before the shift to 10nm.
- 4 cores and 8 threads: Hyper-Threading enables more efficient task distribution.
- Frequencies: Base clock is 1.9 GHz, with a maximum turbo mode frequency of 4.2 GHz. In multi-threaded scenarios, the frequency usually holds around 3.2–3.5 GHz.
- Cache: 8 MB L3—sufficient volume for office and multimedia tasks.
- Integrated Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620. Modest capabilities—basic graphics processing, 4K video playback, and low settings for gaming.
Architecture Features:
- Supports DDR4-2400 and LPDDR3-2136.
- 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes (for connecting NVMe SSDs).
- Intel vPro and Trusted Execution technologies for corporate users.
2. TDP 15W: Energy Efficiency vs. Performance
The TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15W is a key parameter for ultrabooks. This means:
- Low heat output: allows for the creation of thin devices without bulky cooling systems.
- Dynamic management: the processor automatically lowers frequencies under thermal stress. For example, in a compact laptop under load, it may throttle to 2.5–2.8 GHz.
Energy-Saving Technologies:
- Intel Speed Shift: speeds up transitions between power states.
- Adaptix Thermal Framework: optimizes fan operation.
3. Performance: What Can the i7-8650U Do in 2025?
Geekbench 6:
- Single-Core: 1348—on par with Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3.
- Multi-Core: 3929—close to Ryzen 5 3500U (4 cores, 8 threads).
Real-World Tasks:
- Office Work: Excel with large spreadsheets, a browser with 20+ tabs, Zoom—smooth performance.
- Multimedia:
- Converting 1080p video in HandBrake: ~15–20 minutes for a 10-minute clip.
- Photoshop: photo retouching—comfortable, but retouching with Neural Filters may cause delays.
- Gaming:
- CS:GO—40–50 FPS at low settings (720p).
- Genshin Impact—25–30 FPS (720p, minimum graphics).
Turbo Boost:
The processor shines in short tasks (e.g., opening heavy PDFs). Under prolonged loads (like rendering), the frequency drops to 2.8–3.0 GHz due to TDP limitations.
4. Use Cases: Who is it Suitable For?
- Students and Office Workers: Document work, online courses, video calls.
- Travelers: Lightweight laptop with 8–10 hours of battery life.
- Not Suitable For:
- Gamers—integrated graphics are too weak for modern games.
- Video Editors—4K rendering will be slow.
5. Battery Life: How Long Will It Last?
With a battery capacity of 50–60 Wh (typical for ultrabooks):
- Web surfing: 8–10 hours.
- Video (1080p): up to 12 hours.
- Under load (Excel + browser): 4–5 hours.
Energy Savings:
- Windows' "Power Saver" mode reduces frequency to 1.2 GHz.
- "Connected Standby" feature allows for quick wake-up from sleep.
6. Comparison with Competitors
AMD Ryzen 5 2500U (2018):
- Pros: Vega 8 graphics are stronger (by 30-40% in games).
- Cons: Poor optimization for Windows, lower Single-Core (around 1100 in Geekbench 6).
Apple M1 (2020):
- Single-Core: ~2300, Multi-Core: ~8300 (Geekbench 6).
- Battery Life: 15–18 hours.
- Cons: macOS, limited software compatibility.
Intel Core i5-1135G7 (2020):
- 10nm process, Iris Xe graphics.
- Single-Core: ~1500, Multi-Core: ~4800.
Conclusion: In 2025, the i7-8650U falls behind modern APUs and Apple Silicon, though it outperforms budget Celeron/Pentium processors.
7. Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- High single-thread performance.
- Supports Thunderbolt 3 (relevant for docking stations).
- Low heat output.
Weaknesses:
- Outdated 14nm process.
- No support for PCIe 4.0 and Wi-Fi 6.
- Weak integrated GPU.
8. Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop
Types of Devices:
- Ultrabooks: Dell XPS 13 (2019–2020), Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (7th Gen).
- Business Laptops: HP EliteBook 840 G5.
What to Look For:
- RAM: At least 16 GB—8 GB is already insufficient in 2025.
- SSD: NVMe of 512 GB or more.
- Display: Full HD IPS—TN panels are outdated.
Prices:
New devices with the i7-8650U in 2025 are rare. If still available in stock, they can be found for $600–900.
9. Final Conclusion
The Intel Core i7-8650U in 2025 is suitable for those who:
- Are looking for an affordable ultrabook for basic tasks.
- Value battery life and portability.
- Do not plan to game or work with 3D applications.
Alternatives:
- For $800–1000, it’s better to purchase a laptop with the Ryzen 5 6600U or Core i5-1235U—they offer modern technology and better graphics.
However, if you find a new laptop with the i7-8650U for under $600, it’s a decent choice for studying or working with text. Just remember: this processor does not have a future.