Name: Intel Core i7 8709G
Brand: Intel

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 8709G

Overall score

4.7

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.

Platform

7.1

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel

Processor type

What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.

When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

CPU socket

What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.

When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

Chipset

What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.

When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

CPU architecture

What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.

When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

Performance

4.7

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N. of physical cores

What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.

When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

CPU threads

What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.

When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

Threads per core

What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.

When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

CPU boost clock speed

What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.

When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

CPU base clock speed

What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.

When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Cache & Architecture

4.8

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Semiconductor size

What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.

When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

Foundry

What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.

When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

L3 cache

What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.

When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

L2 cache

What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.

When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

L1 cache

What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.

When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

Memory & PCIe

4.6

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DDR memory version

What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.

When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

Maximum memory speed

What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.

When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

Max memory speed (JEDEC)

What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.

When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)

What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.

When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

Maximum memory capacity

What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.

When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

Integrated Graphics

7.3

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Integrated graphics

What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.

When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

Integrated GPU model

What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.

When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Integrated GPU execution units

What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.

When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

Integrated GPU base frequency

What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.

When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

Integrated media encoders/decoders

What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.

When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

Power & Thermal

3.6

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TDP (Thermal design power)

What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.

When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

Base power (PL1)

What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.

When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

Boost power (PL2)

What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.

When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

Tau (power duration limit)

What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.

When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

Configurable TDP

What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.

When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

Intel Core i7 8709G vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i7 8709G better than the average processor?

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16.7% more L3 per core
Intel Core i7 8709G has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=2 MB/core
Intel Core i7 8709G has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
16.7% more L3 per core
Intel Core i7 8709G has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.

Total

Cache & Architecture

Why is Intel Core i7 8709G worse than the average processor?

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Narrower instruction support
Intel Core i7 8709G supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
No crypto acceleration
Intel Core i7 8709G does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
2 year/s older release date
Intel Core i7 8709G has an older release date than the average processor (2,018 vs 2,020).
January 2018
2 fewer CPU cores
Intel Core i7 8709G has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
4.7% lower boost clock
Intel Core i7 8709G has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
24.7% lower PassMark score
Intel Core i7 8709G has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (7,934 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
6.9% weaker single-core performance
Intel Core i7 8709G has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,311 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
17.2% lower multi-core score
Intel Core i7 8709G has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (3,967 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
16.7% larger process node
Intel Core i7 8709G has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
60% smaller L2 cache
Intel Core i7 8709G has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
50% less L2 per core
Intel Core i7 8709G has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
33.3% smaller L1 cache
Intel Core i7 8709G has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
8 fewer PCIe lanes
Intel Core i7 8709G has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (8 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
18.1% lower memory bandwidth
Intel Core i7 8709G has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (37.5 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
18.2% lower memory speed
Intel Core i7 8709G has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
Inferior integrated GPU
Intel Core i7 8709G uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 630 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
2.22x higher base power
Intel Core i7 8709G has a higher base power draw than the average processor (100 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i7 8709G does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
2.22x higher TDP
Intel Core i7 8709G has a higher TDP than the average processor (100 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
56.3% higher boost power
Intel Core i7 8709G has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (100 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
2 fewer CPU cores
Intel Core i7 8709G has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: 8+
Intel Core i7 8709G has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
2.22x higher base power
Intel Core i7 8709G has a higher base power draw than the average processor (100 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <30 W
Intel Core i7 8709G has a higher base power draw than the average processor (100 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.100 W vs 45 W
Narrower instruction support
Intel Core i7 8709G supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.
Importance: MEDIUM
Intel Core i7 8709G supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).MMX, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
16.7% larger process node
Intel Core i7 8709G has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: <10 nm
Intel Core i7 8709G has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.14 nm vs 12 nm
8 fewer PCIe lanes
Intel Core i7 8709G has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (8 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
What it is: The number of PCIe lanes provided directly by the processor.
When it matters: When you connect fast GPUs, SSDs, or expansion cards.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >=20
Intel Core i7 8709G has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (8 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.8 vs 16
50% less L2 per core
Intel Core i7 8709G has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=1 MB/core
Intel Core i7 8709G has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
60% smaller L2 cache
Intel Core i7 8709G has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=6 MB
Intel Core i7 8709G has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.1 MB vs 2.5 MB
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i7 8709G does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.
Importance: LOW
Intel Core i7 8709G does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7 8709G?

Unique hybrid design combining a quad-core Intel CPU with a high-performance AMD Radeon RX Vega M GH GPU on a single chip
Strong gaming performance for an integrated solution, capable of competing with discrete NVIDIA GTX 1060 Max-Q GPUs in 1080p gaming
Space-saving form factor allows for thinner and more portable laptops without sacrificing high-end graphics power
Good single-threaded performance with a turbo clock speed of up to 4.1GHz
Validated for VR and mixed reality applications, offering a baseline performance comparable to desktop entry-level VR requirements

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 8709G?

High Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 100W requires robust and often loud cooling solutions in laptops
Lower CPU core count (4 cores/8 threads) compared to contemporary i7-H series processors (6 cores) which are faster for multi-threaded tasks like video rendering
Limited availability as the 'Kaby Lake-G' platform was a niche product and eventually discontinued
Relatively high power consumption can lead to reduced battery life when the AMD GPU is active

Expert reviews

cpubenchmark.net

29/03/2026

Intel Core i7-8709G @ 3.10GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i7-8709G is a "Kaby Lake-G" multi-chip module featuring a 4-core, 8-thread CPU integrated with AMD Radeon RX Vega M GH graphics, designed to bridge the gap between thin laptops and desktop-level performance. Key pros include the integrated Vega graphics with 4 GB HBM2 memory, which rivals dedicated GPUs like the GTX 1060 Max-Q, though a significant con is its high...Read more

valid.x86.fr

30/03/2026

CPU-Z Benchmark for Intel Core i7-8709G (12T)

The AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D, validated at approximately 4816 MHz on an Asus ROG Crosshair X670E Hero, is a 16-core, 32-thread 5nm "Zen 4" processor featuring 128MB of L3 3D V-Cache. This configuration optimizes performance for high-end gaming and multi-threaded workloads, balancing speed with efficiency on the AM5 platform. Key pros include leading gaming performance, particularly in...Read more

tweakers.net

Processor Benchmarks 2026 - All Our CPU Test Results

The March 2026 Tweakers Processor Best Buy Guide highlights the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D/9850X3D as top gaming choices due to 3D V-Cache efficiency, while the Ryzen 9 9950X and Intel Core Ultra 9 285K dominate productivity, though the latter faces higher power consumption. Mid-range options focus on efficiency with the AMD Ryzen 5 9600X (65W default) and value via the Intel Core Ultra 5...Read more

Intel Core i7 8709G Review | 78 Data compared

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Verdict

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 8709G

Intel Core i7 8709G vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i7 8709G better than the average processor?

Why is Intel Core i7 8709G worse than the average processor?

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 8709G and other processors

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7 8709G?

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 8709G?

Expert reviews

Best alternatives

Compare Intel Core i7 8709G with other processors