Intel’s new 8th generation Mobile Core U and Y series

Mobile Core U and Y series

Intel’s new 8th generation Mobile Core U and Y series are coming to a laptop or hybrid near you.

GadgetGuy does not usually go too deep into processor models. But if you are buying a laptop in the next few months, you will see new Intel Core numbers. While the existing 8th generation Core processors are good, it may be worth the wait.

First, because the four-core U-series have managed to pack the latest features into a 15W TDP (Thermal Design Power) that means faster, better and longer battery life.

Second, the two-core Y-series have an incredibly low 5W TDP. A little less grunt but a lot longer battery life.

U-Series (i3-8145U, 15-8265U, i7-8565U)

  • Gigabit Wi-Fi AC supports Gigabit+ speeds compared to 867Mbps (requires compatible router)
  • Thunderbolt 3 40Gbps
  • USB-C 3.1 10Gbps
  • USB-A 2.0 5Gbps
  • PCIe 3.0 multi-lane SSD support
  • LPDDR 3 and 4 support
  • Intel Optane Memory support
  • HD Audio ad Quad-core digital signal processor
  • Two external monitor support over HDMI 2.0 and DP 1.2

The Y-series supports most of the features above but uses LPDDR3 low power memory.

Mobile Core U and Y series

What does this mean?

It is an evolution – the eight new processors join nearly 50 existing 8th generation processors. There is nothing wrong with any of these in the right place. The U-Series is for mainstream laptops. The Y-series is for tablets and smaller laptops.

These join Intel’s recently released G-series with embedded Radeon RX Vega graphics for gaming use.

And other go-fast stuff

Intel has been pushing its Optane memory (RAM) that uses M.2, PCIe NVMe 3.0 x 2 lanes. The new chips support this so expect to see more Optane under the bonnet. There are also Optane SSDs.

GadgetGuy’s take. Evolution with a slight hint of conviction

Intel has been around 50-years, so we tend to take it for granted that there will be ‘Intel Inside’.

But AMD has picked up its act and is producing a range of cost-effective x86 CPU and Radeon GPU to challenge Intel’s dominance. Intel is reacting by bringing more features to their silicon faster than AMD.

Competition is good for consumers as it drives innovation up and pricing down.

Intel Mobile Core U and Y series

Mobile Core U and Y series

Mobile Core U and Y series, Mobile Core U and Y series, Mobile Core U and Y series