CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-1065G7 vs Intel Core i7-8706G
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-1065G7 is a 10th Generation mobile processor launched in August 2019, belonging to the Ice Lake-U family. Built on Intel's 10nm Sunny Cove architecture, it was designed for thin-and-light laptops with a 15-watt default TDP. It features 4 cores and 8 threads, with a base clock of 1.3 GHz and a max turbo of 3.9 GHz. The processor stands out due to its significant architectural overhaul, offering higher IPC compared to 14nm predecessors. It integrates Intel Iris Plus Graphics with 64 execution units, providing a substantial boost in graphical and media encoding performance. Supporting LPDDR4 memory at 3733 MT/s, it delivers excellent memory bandwidth. The i7-1065G7 also includes Intel's DLBoost technology for AI acceleration and AVX-512 instructions, making it a versatile and efficient chip for premium ultrabooks targeting both productivity and light creative workloads. It marked Intel's true transition to 10nm for mainstream laptops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Strong IPC ensures snappy performance in office and creative apps.
Strong CPU performance for everyday tasks and moderate content creation.
Gaming
Iris Plus graphics allow for smooth 1080p gaming in esports titles.
Capable of smooth 1080p gaming in modern titles at medium settings.
Virtualization
Capable of running light VMs, though limited to 4 cores.
Capable but limited by 4 cores.
Efficiency
10nm process offers excellent performance per watt.
HBM2 memory improves power efficiency compared to discrete GPUs.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Intel DLBoost accelerates inference
- AVX-512 support
- Radeon GPU supports OpenCL acceleration
Content Creation
Gaming
- Iris Plus graphics are a huge step up
- Can run CS:GO and Overwatch smoothly
- Still not suitable for heavy AAA gaming
- Radeon Vega M GL provides solid 1080p performance
- Comparable to GTX 1050 Ti
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Modern 10nm Sunny Cove architecture
- Iris Plus Graphics with 64 EUs
- Intel DLBoost for AI
- Good balance of performance and efficiency
Cons
- Only 4 cores
- Lower peak clock speeds than 14nm Comet Lake
- Soldered to motherboard
- First-gen 10nm process
Pros
- Unique Intel-AMD hybrid design
- Radeon RX Vega M GL graphics
- 4GB of HBM2 memory
- Good 1080p gaming performance
Cons
- Driver support has ended
- OEM specific, hard to find
- 65W TDP requires active cooling
- 14nm CPU process is outdated
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-1065G7
- AMD Ryzen 7 4700URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-10510URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 3750URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-10710URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Tiger Lake offers much better performance and Xe graphics.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800UAlt
Superior multi-core performance and efficiency.
- Alt
Unmatched performance per watt in the ultrabook category.
Compare head-to-head Often offers similar performance at a lower price point.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Better multi-core value for budget buyers.
Intel Core i7-8706G
- AMD Ryzen 7 3750HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-7700HQRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8705GRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-8300HRival
Mobile
10th Gen successor with integrated Iris Plus graphics.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 4800HAlt
Much better CPU and GPU performance.
- Alt
Modern alternative with excellent efficiency.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Better driver support and modern Xe graphics.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800UAlt
Superior performance and battery life.
Our Verdict on Each
A landmark processor that brought Intel's 10nm architecture and powerful Iris Plus graphics to mainstream laptops, offering excellent efficiency and graphical leaps.
Best for: For buyers in the current market, a laptop featuring the Core i7-1065G7 remains a viable option for everyday use, particularly in the refurbished segment. The 10nm Sunny Cove architecture ensures good battery life and the Iris Plus graphics provide decent performance for light gaming and hardware-accelerated video editing. It is highly recommended for students and office workers who need a smooth, responsive experience for multitasking and media consumption. However, its 4-core design is starting to show its age compared to modern 8-core ultra-portables. Avoid this processor if your workflow involves heavy multi-threaded rendering or if you require top-tier gaming performance. It is best suited for budget-conscious buyers who want a premium ultrabook experience without paying the premium price of the latest generation hardware.
Read the full reviewA unique OEM variant of the Kaby Lake-G family, offering solid 1080p gaming performance via integrated Radeon graphics, though driver support is a concern.
Best for: The Intel Core i7-8706G is a processor you will only encounter in the used market, specifically in OEM systems like the Dell XPS 15 2-in-1. It remains a highly capable processor for 1080p gaming and VR, offering performance comparable to a GTX 1050 Ti in a compact form factor. It is an excellent choice for budget gamers or media creators who need a portable machine with dedicated-class graphics. However, driver support from Intel for the Radeon component has officially ended, meaning you may encounter compatibility issues with the latest games. Avoid this processor if you want a future-proof system or need the latest API support. It is best purchased at a discount for its unique hardware design and solid performance in older or well-optimized titles.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-1065G7 or Intel Core i7-8706G?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8706G leads with a gaming performance score of 80/100 among Intel Core i7-1065G7 and Intel Core i7-8706G.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-1065G7 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-1065G7 (15 W), Intel Core i7-8706G (65 W).
Do Intel Core i7-1065G7 and Intel Core i7-8706G use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-1065G7: Intel BGA 1526, Intel Core i7-8706G: Intel BGA 2270), so each needs a compatible motherboard.