Intel Core i7-8665U
Intel Core i7-8665U: Overview of the Processor for Ultrabooks in 2025 — Is It Worth Choosing?
Introduction
Several years after the release of the Intel Core i7-8665U (Whiskey Lake) processor, it remains popular in the used and budget laptop segments. Despite the emergence of more modern chips, such as Intel's 12th generation or AMD Ryzen 6000, this 14nm CPU is still found in entry-level and mid-range ultrabooks. Let’s explore who it is suitable for in 2025 and who should look for alternatives.
Architecture and Manufacturing Process
Cores, Threads, and Frequencies
The Intel Core i7-8665U is built on the outdated 14nm Whiskey Lake architecture. It features:
- 4 cores and 8 threads thanks to Hyper-Threading;
- A base frequency of 1.9 GHz;
- A maximum turbo frequency of 4.8 GHz (under short bursts of load);
- An L3 cache of 8 MB.
Despite its modest base frequencies, Turbo Boost 2.0 technology allows the processor to temporarily boost to 4.8 GHz, which is beneficial for single-threaded tasks like web browsing or working with documents.
Integrated Graphics
The chip includes Intel UHD Graphics 620 with a base frequency of 300 MHz and a maximum of 1.15 GHz. This solution is suitable only for:
- Displaying images on 4K monitors;
- Watching videos up to 4K at 60 FPS;
- Undemanding games (such as _CS:GO_ or _Dota 2_ on low settings at 720p).
For modern gaming or graphic work in Adobe Photoshop/Premiere, this is insufficient — a discrete graphics card will be necessary.
Power Consumption and TDP
The processor has a TDP rated at 15 W, which is typical for ultrabooks. However, actual power consumption can reach 25-30 W in Turbo mode, placing a load on the cooling system. In compact laptops, this often leads to throttling (frequency reduction) during prolonged loads.
Power-saving Technologies:
- Speed Shift — quick switching between P-state configurations to reduce latencies;
- Dynamic Tuning — adapting frequency and voltage to current tasks;
- C-States — shutting down unused cores during idle periods.
Performance in Real-World Tasks
Office Work and Multimedia
The processor handles typical scenarios well:
- Running 20+ tabs in Chrome + office applications — no lags;
- Photo processing in Lightroom (batches of up to 100 shots) — acceptable speed, but delays occur with high-resolution filters;
- Video conversion in HandBrake (1080p to H.265) — about 40-45 minutes for a 10-minute video, which is 15-20% slower than the Ryzen 5 5500U.
Gaming
The integrated UHD 620 graphics are a weak point. Sample FPS (720p, low settings):
- _Fortnite_: 25-30 FPS;
- _GTA V_: 20-25 FPS;
- _Minecraft_: 50-60 FPS (without shaders).
For gaming, it's better to choose laptops equipped with at least an NVIDIA MX350 or a Ryzen 5 5600U with Vega 7.
Turbo Mode: Pros and Cons
Turbo mode provides a brief performance boost, but in thin laptops (e.g., HP EliteBook 840 G5), it doesn't last long — after just 2-3 minutes, frequencies drop to 2.5-3 GHz due to overheating. Models with improved cooling (like the Dell Latitude 7400) perform better, but the fan noise becomes noticeable.
Usage Scenarios
The Core i7-8665U is suitable for:
1. Office Workers — working with documents, Zoom conferences, Excel analytics.
2. Students — writing term papers, streaming video, light graphic editing.
3. Travelers — compact laptops weighing up to 1.5 kg with an autonomy of 8-10 hours.
Not recommended for:
- Professional video editing/3D rendering;
- Modern gaming;
- Working with AI models or Big Data.
Battery Life
Under typical loads (screen brightness at 150 nits, Wi-Fi, Chrome + office applications), laptops featuring this processor typically last 6-8 hours. In power-saving mode (Windows Battery Saver, Turbo disabled) — up to 10 hours.
Tips for Increasing Battery Life:
- Reduce the screen refresh rate to 60 Hz;
- Disable background apps via Task Manager;
- Use dark interface themes (saves energy on LCD screens).
Comparison with Competitors
AMD Ryzen 5 5500U
- Pros of AMD: 6 cores/12 threads, Vega 7 graphics (30% faster than UHD 620), PCIe 3.0 support.
- Cons: Higher laptop prices (about $100-150 more than Intel counterparts).
- Example: Lenovo IdeaPad 5 with Ryzen 5 5500U — $699 versus $599 for the model with i7-8665U.
Apple M1
- Pros of Apple: Better energy efficiency (18 hours of battery life), high performance in single-threaded tasks.
- Cons: Limited compatibility with Windows programs.
- Example: MacBook Air M1 2025 model — starting at $899 (refurbished).
Pros and Cons of Core i7-8665U
Strengths:
- High turbo frequency for quick response in everyday tasks;
- Support for Thunderbolt 3 (relevant for connecting external drives and monitors);
- Broad compatibility with operating systems and software.
Weaknesses:
- Outdated 14nm process (falls behind in energy efficiency compared to AMD's 7nm chips and Apple's);
- Weak graphics;
- Heating under prolonged loads.
Laptop Selection Recommendations
1. Device Type: ultrabook or business laptop (examples: Lenovo ThinkPad T490, HP Spectre x360 13).
2. What to Look For:
- Cooling: 2 fans and heat pipes are better than passive cooling.
- RAM: at least 8 GB, ideally 16 GB DDR4.
- Storage: 512 GB NVMe SSD (SATA is outdated).
- Screen: IPS panel with a resolution of 1920×1080.
3. Budget: New laptops with i7-8665U in 2025 are priced $500-700, but it's better to pay more for models with Ryzen 5 5500U or Core i5-1135G7.
Final Conclusion
The Intel Core i7-8665U in 2025 is a suitable choice for those looking for an affordable laptop for basic tasks. It is ideal for:
- Office workers needing reliability and compatibility with corporate software;
- Users upgrading old hardware from HDD to SSD;
- Those who value portability and battery life.
However, if your budget allows you to spend an additional $100-200, consider laptops with AMD Ryzen 5 5500U or Intel's 11th generation processors — they will provide a smoother experience in multitasking and gaming.