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.

Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-1065G7
4C / 8T3.9 GHz15 W
8.5
Full review
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-8706G
4C / 8T4.1 GHz65 W
8.5
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Mobile
Segment
Mobile
Mobile
Generation
10th Gen Core i7
8th Gen Core i7
Launched
2019
2018
Status
Active
Active
Codename
Ice Lake-U
Kaby Lake G
Series
Core i7
Core i7
Family
Ice Lake
Kaby Lake-G
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-8565U
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
Successor
Intel Core i7-1165G7
Intel Core i7-1065G7

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
4
Threads
8
8
Base Clock
1.3 GHz
3.1 GHz
Boost Clock
3.9 GHz
4.1 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
8 MB
8 MB
TDP
15 W
65 W
Architecture
Architecture
Ice Lake-U
Kaby Lake G
Process Node
10nm
14nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR4
DDR4
Memory Speed
3200 MT/s
2400 MT/s
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
64 GB
32 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel BGA 1526
Intel BGA 2270
PCIe Version
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
PCIe Lanes
16
8
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i7-1065G7Best80

Strong IPC ensures snappy performance in office and creative apps.

Intel Core i7-8706G75

Strong CPU performance for everyday tasks and moderate content creation.

Gaming

Intel Core i7-1065G765

Iris Plus graphics allow for smooth 1080p gaming in esports titles.

Intel Core i7-8706GBest80

Capable of smooth 1080p gaming in modern titles at medium settings.

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-1065G7Best65

Capable of running light VMs, though limited to 4 cores.

Intel Core i7-8706G60

Capable but limited by 4 cores.

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-1065G7Best85

10nm process offers excellent performance per watt.

Intel Core i7-8706G75

HBM2 memory improves power efficiency compared to discrete GPUs.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-1065G7Good
  • Intel DLBoost accelerates inference
  • AVX-512 support
Intel Core i7-8706GModerate
  • Radeon GPU supports OpenCL acceleration

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-1065G7Very Good
PhotoshopLightroomPremiere Pro (1080p)Basic 3D Modeling
Intel Core i7-8706GGood
Premiere ProPhotoshopOBS Studio

Gaming

Intel Core i7-1065G7Good
  • Iris Plus graphics are a huge step up
  • Can run CS:GO and Overwatch smoothly
  • Still not suitable for heavy AAA gaming
Intel Core i7-8706GVery Good
  • Radeon Vega M GL provides solid 1080p performance
  • Comparable to GTX 1050 Ti

Industry Impact

Gaming
Moderate
High
Workstations
Low
Low
Content Creation
High
Moderate
Virtualization
Moderate
Low

Best CPU by Use Case

Everyday Productivity
Excellent
Light Photo Editing
Very Good
Casual Gaming
Good
Media Consumption
Excellent
Excellent
Software Development
Good
1080p Gaming
Excellent
Video Editing
Good
3D Rendering
Good
Everyday Multitasking
Excellent

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Content Creators
Targeted
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Workstation Users
Streamers
Targeted
Office / Productivity
Targeted
Students
Targeted

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i7-1065G7

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
Intel Core i7-8706G

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

Intel Core i7-8706G

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 review

A 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 review

Frequently 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.