Intel Core i7-8706G
Intel Core i7-8706G: A Versatile Processor for Mobile Tasks – Analysis in 2025
Despite being released back in 2018, the Intel Core i7-8706G's unique architecture with hybrid Radeon RX Vega M GL graphics continues to attract users seeking a balance between performance and mobility. In 2025, laptops with this processor are still available as affordable solutions for work and gaming. Let’s explore who might find it suitable today and what its strengths are.
Architecture and Manufacturing Process: Intel and AMD's Hybrid Experiment
The Intel Core i7-8706G belongs to the Kaby Lake G family — a result of collaboration between Intel and AMD. This is a rare example of Intel integrating AMD Vega architecture graphics into its chip.
Key Specifications:
- Manufacturing Process: 14 nm (CPU) + 14 nm (GPU, from AMD).
- Cores and Threads: 4 cores, 8 threads (Hyper-Threading).
- Clock Speeds: Base — 3.1 GHz, Turbo mode — up to 4.1 GHz.
- Cache: L3 — 8 MB.
- Integrated Graphics: Radeon RX Vega M GL (1280 stream processors, 931–1011 MHz).
Architecture Features:
- HBM2 Memory: Vega M GL graphics utilize dedicated HBM2 memory of 4 GB, which speeds up data transfer between CPU and GPU.
- Compact Design: The CPU and GPU are integrated into one module, saving space on the board. This is relevant for thin laptops.
Power Consumption and TDP: Balancing Power and Heat
The processor has a TDP of 65 W, higher than modern ultrabook chips (e.g., Intel Core U-series with a TDP of 15 W). This means:
- Cooling Requirements: Laptops with the i7-8706G are equipped with enhanced cooling systems (2 fans, heat pipes).
- Real Scenarios: Under load (e.g., video rendering), the processor can consume up to 80 W, but for office tasks, it’s about 20-30 W.
Tip: When purchasing, check reviews for fan noise. Models like the Dell XPS 15 9575 (2018) with this CPU have sometimes been criticized for their noise under load.
Performance: How Does it Handle Tasks in 2025?
Geekbench 6:
- Single-Core: 1172 → Comparable to Intel Core i5-1135G7 (2020).
- Multi-Core: 3654 → Close to Ryzen 5 5500U (2021).
Real Tasks:
- Office and Browsing: Easily handles 20+ tabs, Excel spreadsheets, and Zoom.
- Multimedia: Photo editing in Lightroom takes 30-40 seconds to export a 24 MP image. Video editing at 1080p (Premiere Pro) is feasible, but rendering in 4K takes 2-3 times longer than on Apple M2.
- Gaming: In Dota 2 (1080p, high settings) — 80-90 FPS, Cyberpunk 2077 (720p, low) — 35-40 FPS. The Vega M GL is comparable to NVIDIA MX350.
- Turbo Boost: In games, the CPU frequency maintains 3.8-4.0 GHz for 10-15 minutes, then decreases to 3.5 GHz due to heat.
Usage Scenarios: Who Might Consider the i7-8706G in 2025?
1. Students and Freelancers: Suitable for studying, working in Photoshop, and editing short videos.
2. Budget Gamers: If the laptop is purchased for $700-900 (new), it will run Fortnite or GTA V at medium settings.
3. Mobile Designers: Thanks to HBM2 memory, Vega graphics handle 3D modeling better than Intel Iris Xe.
Example: The HP Spectre x360 15 (price in 2025 — around $850) with this CPU is suitable for a designer who values a touchscreen and stylus.
Battery Life: How Long Will the Laptop Last?
With a battery capacity of 60-75 Wh (typical for models with i7-8706G):
- Video Playback: 6-7 hours (brightness at 50%, Wi-Fi on).
- Office Work: 5-6 hours.
- Gaming: 1.5-2 hours.
Power-Saving Technologies:
- Intel SpeedStep: Dynamically adjusts frequency.
- Radeon Chill: Limits FPS in games to save battery life.
Tip: Disable Turbo Boost in Windows power settings to extend battery life by 1-1.5 hours.
Comparison with Competitors: What to Look for in 2025?
1. AMD Ryzen 5 7640U (Zen 4, 4 nm): 30% faster in multi-threaded tasks, but the iGPU Radeon 740M is weaker than Vega M GL.
2. Apple M2 (5 nm): Twice the battery life, but gaming on macOS is limited.
3. Intel Core i5-1345U (10 nm): Better energy efficiency, but Iris Xe graphics fall short compared to Vega.
Conclusion: The i7-8706G excels over competitors only in graphics, but lags in power consumption and CPU speed.
Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- Powerful integrated graphics for its generation.
- Support for Thunderbolt 3 (relevant for external 4K monitors).
- Affordable price in 2025 ($700-1000 for a laptop).
Weaknesses:
- Outdated 14 nm manufacturing process → high heat generation.
- No support for PCIe 4.0 and Wi-Fi 6.
- Upgrade impossible: CPU is soldered to the board.
Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop
- Device Type: Compact workstations (Dell Precision 5530) or 2-in-1 hybrids (HP Spectre x360). Gaming laptops with this CPU have rarely been released.
- What to Look For:
- Display: Minimum Full HD IPS; for gaming — 120 Hz.
- Cooling: 2 fans + "Quiet" mode in software.
- Ports: Thunderbolt 3 is preferable for eGPU (relevant for upgrades).
Final Conclusion
The Intel Core i7-8706G in 2025 is a choice for those seeking an affordable laptop with good graphics for study, design, or light gaming. Its key advantages include:
- Ability to game without a discrete graphics card.
- Support for professional software using OpenCL (Blender, DaVinci Resolve).
Who Should Avoid It:
- Those who prioritize battery life (consider the Apple M series or Ryzen 7000U).
- Professionals working with 4K video or heavy 3D tasks.
If you find a laptop with the i7-8706G for $700-800 — it’s a solid option. However, for $1000+, it’s better to choose modern models based on Ryzen or Intel's 13th generation.