The first "8th generation" Intel Core processors roll out today and include four 15W U-series mobile processors.
Prior generation U-series parts have had two cores, four threads; these new chips double that to four cores and eight threads. They also bump up the maximum clock speed to as much as 4.2GHz, though the base clock speed is sharply down at 1.9GHz for the top end part (compared to the 7th generation's 2.8GHz). But beyond those changes, there's little to say about the new chips, because in a lot of ways, the new chips aren't really new.
- i7-8650U: 1.9 GHz, 4 cores, 8 threads, 8 MB cache, GHz 1150 HZ Maximum GPU clock.
- i7-8550U: 1.8 GHz, 4 cores, 8 threads, 8 MB cache, GHz 1150 HZ Maximum GPU clock
- i5-8350U: 1.7 GHz, 4 cores, 8 threads, 6 MB cache, GHz 1100 HZ Maximum GPU clock
- i5-8350U: 1.6 GHz, 4 cores, 8 threads, 6 MB cache, GHz 1100 HZ Maximum GPU clock
The architecture of these parts, both for their CPU and their integrated GPU, is the same as "7th generation" Kaby Lake. In fact, Intel calls the architecture of these chips "Kaby Lake refresh." The new chips continue to be built on Intel's "14nm+" manufacturing process, albeit a somewhat refined one.
Earlier this year, Intel claimed that the new chips would add 30 percent performance over 7th generation parts; that number is now 40 percent. A total of 25 percent of that boost (in the SYSmark benchmark) comes from the doubled core and thread count.
"8th generation" desktop chips are expected in the fall. 45W H-series mobile processors and 4.5W Y-series mobile processors will also ship. At least some of these will be 10nm parts, implying that they're using the next generation Cannonlake architecture.