Intel first 8th generation processors are just updated 7th generation chips
Intel first 8th generation processors are just updated 7th generation chips

          
          

    
              
                
              
                U-series "8th Generation" Intel Core processor.
                                  
                    Credit:
                                          Intel
                                      
                              
            
                  
          
    
    
      U-series "8th Generation" Intel Core processor.

              
          Credit:

          
          Intel

                  
          
  
        
            

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. The remainder is split evenly between "manufacturing" improvements (which is to say, higher clock speeds) and "design" improvements.

    
              
                
              
                ... and the same from the rear.
                                  
                    Credit:
                                          Intel
                                      
                              
            
                  
          
    
    
      ... and the same from the rear.

              
          Credit:

          
          Intel

                  
          
  
        
            

But what of the rest of the 8th generation? That's where Intel's story is rather messy. Desktop chips are expected in the fall. Intel wouldn't be drawn into saying anything about these, but widespread belief and expectation is that these will be six core, 12 thread parts, built on the further refined "14nm++" manufacturing process with the "Coffee Lake" core. 45W H-series mobile processors and 4.5W Y-series mobile processors will also ship.

    
              
                
              
                A shiny wafer full of Kaby Lake refresh parts.
                                  
                    Credit:
                                          Intel
                                      
                              
            
                  
          
    
    
      A shiny wafer full of Kaby Lake refresh parts.

              
          Credit:

          
          Intel

                  
          
  
        
            

Intel has confirmed that at least some of these will be 10nm parts, implying that they're using the next generation Cannonlake architecture. The most likely candidates here are the smallest Y-series processors, as this would maximize yield on the new 10nm process. As such, the "8th generation" will span Kaby Lake refresh, Coffee Lake, and Cannonlake, built on 14+, 14++, and 10nm processes. It all means the "8th generation" label is not very meaningful at all.


          
                  