CPU Comparison

Intel Core i7-8705G vs Intel Core i7-8850H

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-8705G is a highly unique mobile processor launched in January 2018 as part of the Kaby Lake-G family. It represents a groundbreaking collaboration between Intel and AMD, combining an Intel CPU with AMD Radeon RX Vega M GL graphics on a single package. Built on Intel's 14nm process, the CPU side features 4 cores and 8 threads, operating at a base clock of 3.1 GHz and boosting up to 4.1 GHz. The graphics side integrates 1536 Radeon stream processors paired with 4GB of HBM2 memory, delivering performance comparable to an NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti. This combination allows the i7-8705G to handle 1080p gaming and VR workloads without the power overhead of a discrete GPU. With a 65W TDP, it is designed for thin-and-light gaming laptops and compact PCs. The processor also includes Intel HD Graphics 630 for low-power display tasks, making it a versatile and historically significant chip.

Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-8705G
4C / 8T4.1 GHz65 W
9
Full review
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-8850H
6C / 12T4.3 GHz45 W
8.5
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Mobile
Segment
Mobile
Mobile
Generation
8th Gen Core i7
8th Gen Core i7
Launched
2018
2018
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Kaby Lake G
Coffee Lake-H
Series
Core i7
Core i7
Family
Kaby Lake-G
Coffee Lake
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
Intel Core i7-7700HQ
Successor
Intel Core i7-1065G7
Intel Core i7-9750H

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
6
Threads
8
12
Base Clock
3.1 GHz
2.7 GHz
Boost Clock
4.1 GHz
4.3 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
8 MB
12 MB
TDP
65 W
45 W
Architecture
Architecture
Kaby Lake G
Coffee Lake-H
Process Node
14nm
14nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR4
DDR4
Memory Speed
2400 MT/s
2666 MT/s
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
32 GB
64 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel BGA 2270
Intel BGA 1440
PCIe Version
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
PCIe Lanes
8
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i7-8705G75

Strong CPU performance for everyday tasks and light content creation.

Intel Core i7-8850HBest82

Strong multi-core performance handles heavy workloads efficiently.

Gaming

Intel Core i7-8705G80

Excellent 1080p gaming performance thanks to the Radeon Vega M GL graphics.

Intel Core i7-8850HBest85

Still capable of driving high-refresh-rate gaming when paired with a modern mobile GPU.

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-8705G60

Capable but limited by 4 cores.

Intel Core i7-8850HBest80

12 threads make it highly capable for running local virtual machines.

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-8705GBest75

HBM2 memory and integrated design improve power efficiency compared to discrete GPUs.

Intel Core i7-8850H60

14nm process at 45W results in significant heat output and lower efficiency.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-8705GModerate
  • Radeon GPU can be used for OpenCL acceleration
  • No dedicated AI hardware
Intel Core i7-8850HLimited
  • No dedicated AI hardware
  • CPU-based inference is decent due to 12 threads

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-8705GGood
Premiere ProPhotoshopBlenderOBS Studio
Intel Core i7-8850HVery Good
Premiere ProAfter EffectsBlenderPhotoshopDaVinci Resolve

Gaming

Intel Core i7-8705GVery Good
  • Equivalent to GTX 1050 Ti
  • Can run most AAA games at 1080p medium
  • VR-ready
Intel Core i7-8850HExcellent
  • Strong single-core speed
  • Pairs well with GTX 10-series and RTX 20-series mobile GPUs
  • May throttle in thin-and-light chassis

Industry Impact

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

Best CPU by Use Case

1080p Gaming
Excellent
VR Gaming
Very Good
Video Editing
Good
Media Consumption
Excellent
3D Rendering
Good
Very Good
High-End Gaming
Excellent
4K Video Editing
Very Good
Software Compilation
Excellent
Everyday Multitasking
Excellent

Target Audience

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

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i7-8705G

Pros

  • Unique Intel-AMD partnership
  • Radeon RX Vega M GL graphics
  • 4GB of HBM2 memory
  • Excellent 1080p gaming in small form factors

Cons

  • Driver support has ended
  • 65W TDP requires active cooling
  • Soldered and non-upgradable
  • Limited to 8 PCIe lanes for the GPU
Intel Core i7-8850H

Pros

  • 6 cores and 12 threads
  • Strong sustained performance
  • 12MB L3 cache
  • Good for budget mobile workstations

Cons

  • Runs hot under load
  • 14nm process is inefficient by modern standards
  • Soldered to motherboard
  • End-of-life status

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core i7-8705G

  • AMD Ryzen 7 2700U

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-7700HQ

    Mobile

    Rival
  • AMD Ryzen 7 3750H

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Compare head-to-head
  • AMD Ryzen 5 3550H

    Mobile

    Rival
  • 10th Gen successor with integrated Iris Plus graphics.

    Compare head-to-head
  • AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
    Alt

    Much better CPU and GPU performance in a similar form factor.

  • Modern alternative with excellent efficiency and integrated graphics.

    Compare head-to-head
  • Intel Core i7-1165G7
    Alt

    Better driver support and modern Xe graphics.

  • AMD Ryzen 7 5800U
    Alt

    Superior performance and battery life for thin-and-light laptops.

Intel Core i7-8850H

  • AMD Ryzen 7 2700H

    Mobile

    Rival
  • AMD Ryzen 7 3750H

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-7700HQ

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i5-8300H

    Mobile

    Rival
  • AMD Ryzen 5 2600H

    Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-9750H
    Alt

    9th Gen refresh with higher clocks and better thermal management.

  • AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
    Alt

    Vastly superior multi-core performance and efficiency.

  • Modern alternative with unmatched efficiency for creative workloads.

    Compare head-to-head
  • Intel Core i7-10750H
    Alt

    10th Gen offers slightly better performance and faster memory support.

  • AMD Ryzen 5 5600H
    Alt

    Modern budget alternative with excellent single-core speed.

Our Verdict on Each

A revolutionary processor that combined Intel and AMD silicon to deliver exceptional gaming performance in compact form factors.

Best for: If you are considering a device with the Intel Core i7-8705G, you are likely looking at a used NUC or a thin-and-light gaming laptop like the Dell XPS 15 9575. This processor remains a highly capable solution for 1080p gaming and VR, offering performance comparable to a GTX 1050 Ti in an incredibly compact form factor. It is an excellent choice for budget gamers or media creators who need a portable machine with dedicated graphics. However, driver support from Intel for the Radeon component has 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 1080p performance.

Read the full review

A groundbreaking mobile processor that brought 6 cores to laptops, offering excellent sustained performance for creators and gamers, though it runs warm.

Best for: When considering the Intel Core i7-8850H today, it is essential to weigh its age against its capabilities. Found exclusively in used or refurbished laptops, this processor still offers respectable performance for everyday productivity, moderate video editing, and 1080p gaming when paired with a dedicated GPU. It is an excellent budget option for students or professionals needing a capable mobile workstation without paying full retail price. However, buyers should be aware of its 14nm heritage, which means it runs warmer and consumes more power than modern alternatives. Avoid purchasing a laptop with this CPU if you require maximum battery life or need to run heavily multi-threaded workloads efficiently. Overall, it remains a solid value buy on the second-hand market.

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Intel Core i7-8705G or Intel Core i7-8850H?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-8705G comes out ahead with a score of 9/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.

Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-8705G or Intel Core i7-8850H?

For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8850H leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Intel Core i7-8705G and Intel Core i7-8850H.

Which uses less power?

The Intel Core i7-8850H has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-8705G (65 W), Intel Core i7-8850H (45 W).

Do Intel Core i7-8705G and Intel Core i7-8850H use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-8705G: Intel BGA 2270, Intel Core i7-8850H: Intel BGA 1440), so each needs a compatible motherboard.

Which has more cores?

The Intel Core i7-8850H has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-8705G (4 cores), Intel Core i7-8850H (6 cores).