CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-8709G vs Intel Core i7-8809G
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-8709G is a high-performance mobile processor launched in February 2018, belonging to the unique Kaby Lake-G family. It represents a historic collaboration between Intel and AMD, combining an Intel 4-core, 8-thread CPU with AMD Radeon RX Vega M GH graphics on a single package. Built on Intel's 14nm process, the CPU operates at a base clock of 3.1 GHz and boosts up to 4.1 GHz. The standout feature is the Radeon RX Vega M GH graphics, which is the higher-tier variant featuring 1536 stream processors and 4GB of HBM2 memory, delivering performance comparable to an NVIDIA GTX 1060 Max-Q. With a 65W TDP, the i7-8709G is designed for thin-and-light gaming laptops and compact mini PCs that require serious graphical horsepower. This processor eliminates the need for a discrete GPU while offering excellent 1080p gaming and VR capabilities, making it a highly sought-after chip for enthusiast portable systems.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Strong CPU performance for everyday tasks and content creation.
Strong CPU performance, especially when pushed beyond stock speeds.
Gaming
Excellent 1080p gaming performance, comparable to a GTX 1060 Max-Q.
Excellent 1080p gaming performance, further enhanced by overclocking capabilities.
Virtualization
Capable but limited by 4 cores.
Capable but limited by 4 cores.
Efficiency
HBM2 memory improves power efficiency compared to discrete GPUs.
Unlocked nature means it can draw significant power when overclocked.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Radeon GPU supports OpenCL acceleration
- Radeon GPU supports OpenCL acceleration
Content Creation
Gaming
- Comparable to GTX 1060 Max-Q
- Can run most AAA games at 1080p high
- Excellent for VR
- Comparable to GTX 1060
- Can be overclocked for extra performance
- Excellent for VR
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Unique Intel-AMD hybrid design
- High-end Radeon RX Vega M GH graphics
- 4GB of HBM2 memory
- GTX 1060-class gaming performance
Cons
- Driver support has ended
- 65W TDP requires active cooling
- Soldered and non-upgradable
- 14nm CPU process is outdated
Pros
- Unlocked CPU and GPU for overclocking
- High-end Radeon RX Vega M GH graphics
- 4GB of HBM2 memory
- GTX 1060-class gaming performance
Cons
- Driver support has ended
- 65W TDP requires robust cooling
- Soldered and non-upgradable
- Runs very hot when overclocked
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-8709G
- 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.
Intel Core i7-8809G
- AMD Ryzen 7 3750HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-7700HQRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8709GRival
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 powerhouse hybrid processor that combined an Intel CPU with AMD's highest-tier mobile Vega graphics, delivering exceptional gaming performance in compact form factors.
Best for: The Intel Core i7-8709G is a processor you will find in high-end mini PCs like the Intel NUC8 VR and certain thin-and-light gaming laptops. It remains a highly capable solution for 1080p gaming at high settings and VR, offering performance comparable to a GTX 1060. It is an excellent choice for enthusiasts who need a compact, powerful machine for gaming or media creation. 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, particularly in small form factor builds where a discrete GPU isn't feasible.
Read the full reviewA legendary unlocked hybrid processor that combined an Intel CPU with AMD's highest-tier Vega graphics, offering exceptional performance and overclocking potential.
Best for: The Intel Core i7-8809G is a highly sought-after processor for enthusiast mini PC builders, specifically those using the Intel NUC8 VR (NUC8i7HVK) platform. It remains a highly capable solution for 1080p gaming at high settings and VR, offering performance comparable to a GTX 1060. The unlocked nature allows for significant performance gains through overclocking. It is an excellent choice for enthusiasts who want a compact, powerful, and tweakable system. 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 for its unique hardware design, overclocking potential, and solid 1080p performance in small form factor builds.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-8709G or Intel Core i7-8809G?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8809G leads with a gaming performance score of 88/100 among Intel Core i7-8709G and Intel Core i7-8809G.
Do Intel Core i7-8709G and Intel Core i7-8809G use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 2270 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.