Intel Core i5-8305G

The Intel Core i5-8305G is a quad-core mobile processor born from a unique partnership between Intel and AMD. Released as part of the Kaby Lake-G lineup, it combines an Intel 14nm CPU with a dedicated AMD Radeon RX Vega M GL discrete-class GPU on a single package. Operating at a base clock of 2.8 GHz and boosting up to 3.8 GHz, it features 4 cores, 8 threads, and 6MB of L3 cache. The standout feature is the integrated Radeon graphics with its own HBM2 memory, offering performance levels unattainable by standard integrated graphics of the era. With a 65W TDP, it targets high-performance thin-and-light laptops and small form factor PCs that require genuine gaming capability without the bulk of traditional discrete graphics. This processor represents a fascinating experiment in semiconductor packaging and collaboration, delivering robust 1080p gaming performance and strong compute capabilities in a compact form factor.

The i5-8305G is a product of the rare Intel-AMD partnership. It pairs a 14nm Intel quad-core CPU with an AMD Radeon RX Vega M GL GPU and 4GB of HBM2 memory on one package. This 65W chip delivers excellent 1080p gaming performance for thin-and-light laptops and NUCs, far surpassing standard integrated graphics.

The Core i5-8305G was announced in November 2017 and released in February 2018 as the result of an unprecedented partnership between Intel and AMD. Facing the challenge of fitting high-end graphics into increasingly thin laptops without relying solely on Nvidia, Intel licensed AMD's Radeon graphics IP. Intel packaged their 14nm Kaby Lake CPU die alongside a customized AMD Polaris GPU die and 4GB of HBM2 memory, utilizing their proprietary EMIB interconnect.

This multi-chip module (MCM) approach allowed for a much smaller footprint than a traditional CPU and discrete GPU setup. The 8305G found its way into high-end thin-and-light laptops and Intel's Hades Canyon NUC, delivering GTX 1050 Ti-class performance. While the partnership was short-lived—Intel soon developed their own Xe graphics—the Kaby Lake-G series remains a fascinating experiment in semiconductor engineering and cross-company collaboration that pushed the boundaries of mobile gaming performance.