Intel Core i7-8709G
Intel Core i7-8709G (Kaby Lake G): A Hybrid Processor for Those Who Want It All
An analysis of relevance in 2025, pros and cons, and recommendations for laptop selection.
Architecture and Process Technology: Hybrid Power
The Intel Core i7-8709G processor, released in 2018 under the codename Kaby Lake G, still remains a unique solution on the market. This hybrid platform combines a 14nm Intel CPU and an AMD Radeon RX Vega M GH GPU within a single package.
Architecture Features:
- 4 cores, 8 threads with a base frequency of 3.1 GHz and Turbo Boost up to 4.1 GHz.
- Integrated Vega M GH graphics with 24 CUs (1536 shader processors) and 4 GB of HBM2 memory. The GPU frequency reaches up to 1190 MHz.
- 8 MB of L3 cache and support for DDR4-2400 memory.
The main "highlight" is the compact EMIB (Embedded Multi-Die Interconnect Bridge) module that connects the CPU and GPU. This allows for reduced latency between components, which is critical for gaming and creative tasks. In 2025, such integration appears outdated compared to monolithic chips like Apple’s M3 or AMD’s Ryzen 8000, but at the time, it was a breakthrough.
TDP of 65 W: The Balance Between Power and Heat
With a TDP of 65 W, the i7-8709G requires effective cooling. In compact laptops (for example, the Dell XPS 15 9575), it often operates at the limit, activating throttling under prolonged load. However, for devices with a thickness of 18–20 mm, this is an acceptable compromise:
- Peak power can reach 100 W in turbo mode, but only for short bursts.
- Energy efficiency: at base frequencies (e.g., when using Chrome), the processor consumes 10–15 W, which extends battery life.
Performance: A Gaming Chip in an Ultrabook
According to Geekbench 6 (1346 / 4227), the i7-8709G lags behind modern Core i5-1340P (1500+ / 8000+), but its strength lies in graphics. The Radeon RX Vega M GH is comparable to the NVIDIA MX350 or Radeon 680M:
- Office tasks: 20+ tabs open in a browser, Excel with macros — no problems.
- Multimedia: 4K rendering in Premiere Pro is 30–40% faster than with Intel Iris Xe.
- Gaming:
- Cyberpunk 2077 (Low, 1080p) — 35–40 FPS;
- Apex Legends (Medium, 1080p) — 55–60 FPS;
- CS2 (High, 1080p) — 90+ FPS.
Turbo mode maintains frequencies of up to 3.8–4.0 GHz for about 2–3 minutes, after which it drops to 3.3 GHz due to heating. In laptops with passive cooling (e.g., HP Spectre x360 15), this is critical — it’s better to choose models with two fans.
Use Cases: Who Would Still Find Kaby Lake G Relevant in 2025?
1. Mobile Gamers: Looking for compactness. Laptops with the i7-8709G (e.g., Intel NUC 8 Extreme) are still available in refurbished versions for $600–800 and can handle modern games at low settings.
2. Designers and Editors: The Vega M GH supports hardware encoding for H.265 and speeds up rendering in Blender.
3. Students: Moderate prices for used models ($400–600) and the capability to work with graphics.
Important! For professional tasks (8K video, neural networks), it's better to invest in a laptop with an RTX 4050 or Apple M3 Pro.
Battery Life: A Sacrifice for Performance
Under active GPU use (gaming, rendering), battery life is 1.5-2.5 hours. In office mode (brightness at 50%, Wi-Fi on) — up to 6-7 hours thanks to:
- Intel Speed Shift technology (fast switching between P-states);
- Adaptix Dynamic Tuning (machine learning for load optimization).
Tip: In Windows settings, set the power mode to "Power Saver" and limit CPU frequency to 70% — this can add 1-2 hours of battery life.
Comparison with Competitors
Pros:
- AMD Ryzen 7 7840U (2023): Better IPC, 28 W TDP, Radeon 780M
- Apple M2 (2022): Up to 18 hours of battery life, cool operation
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (2024): 16 cores, AI accelerator, 7nm
Cons:
- AMD Ryzen 7 7840U (2023): More expensive in new laptops ($1200+)
- Apple M2 (2022): Weaker in gaming, limited software compatibility
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (2024): Price starting at $1500
Conclusion: The i7-8709G falls short compared to new models in energy efficiency but wins in terms of price/performance ratio in the secondary market.
Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- Powerful integrated graphics for hybrid laptops.
- Support for Thunderbolt 3 (relevant for external GPUs and 4K monitors).
- Availability on the secondary market.
Weaknesses:
- Outdated 14nm process (high power consumption).
- No support for PCIe 4.0 and Wi-Fi 6.
- Limited upgradeability: the CPU is soldered to the motherboard.
Recommendations for Laptop Selection
1. Device Type: Ultrabook with a diagonal of 15–16 inches (e.g., Dell XPS 15).
2. Cooling: At least two fans + copper heat pipes.
3. Screen: IPS matrix with 100% sRGB coverage (important for design).
4. Battery: At least 70 Wh.
5. Price: New devices with the i7-8709G are no longer produced, but refurbished models from 2023–2024 are priced at $500–900.
Final Conclusion
The Intel Core i7-8709G in 2025 is a choice for those who:
- Seek an affordable (~$600) laptop for gaming and graphics work;
- Are not ready to transition to ARM architecture (Apple Silicon);
- Value portability but do not want to carry a gaming "workstation."
Key Benefits:
- Versatility: gaming, editing, office tasks — all in one device.
- Support for external GPUs via Thunderbolt 3 for upgrades.
- Reliability: a proven platform with a long lifespan.
If you’re not chasing ultra-settings in AAA games and want to save money — Kaby Lake G is still relevant. However, for professional tasks, it’s better to pay extra for modern chips.