Quick Verdict
A revolutionary processor that combined Intel and AMD silicon to deliver exceptional gaming performance in compact form factors.
Overview
Launch
2018
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
8th Gen Core i7
Market
Mobile
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.
The Intel Core i7-8705G is a Kaby Lake-G processor that combines a 4-core Intel CPU with AMD Radeon RX Vega M GL graphics and 4GB of HBM2 memory. With a 65W TDP, it delivers GTX 1050 Ti-class gaming performance in a compact package. It is ideal for thin-and-light gaming laptops and mini PCs.
Specifications
Performance
Strong CPU performance for everyday tasks and light content creation.
Capable but limited by 4 cores.
Excellent 1080p gaming performance thanks to the Radeon Vega M GL graphics.
HBM2 memory and integrated design improve power efficiency compared to discrete GPUs.
- •Equivalent to GTX 1050 Ti
- •Can run most AAA games at 1080p medium
- •VR-ready
- •Radeon GPU can be used for OpenCL acceleration
- •No dedicated AI hardware
Architecture
14nm
Process Node
Kaby Lake G
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
8 MB
L3 Cache
65 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-8705G is built on the Kaby Lake-G architecture, which is essentially a multi-chip package (MCP) rather than a monolithic die. It combines three distinct pieces of silicon on a single substrate: an Intel CPU die, an AMD Radeon GPU die, and 4GB of HBM2 memory. The CPU die is manufactured on Intel's 14nm process and features 4 cores with Hyper-Threading. The AMD GPU, manufactured on GlobalFoundries' 14nm process, is the Radeon RX Vega M GL with 1536 stream processors. The inclusion of HBM2 memory provides massive bandwidth (up to 102.4 GB/s) directly to the GPU, bypassing the need to use system RAM and significantly reducing power consumption. The architecture routes 8 PCIe 3.0 lanes directly from the CPU to the GPU, ensuring low-latency communication. This design allows for the creation of thin-and-light systems with discrete-class graphics performance, a feat that was difficult to achieve with standard CPU and discrete GPU combinations at the time.
CPU Design
4 cores with Hyper-Threading.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR4 support.
PCIe & I/O
8 PCIe 3.0 lanes (CPU only).
Overclocking
Locked multiplier.
- Integrated Radeon graphics
- HBM2 memory inclusion
- Smaller physical footprint for thin designs
Key Highlights
- Unique Intel-AMD partnership
- Radeon RX Vega M GL graphics
- 4GB of HBM2 memory
- Excellent 1080p gaming in small form factors
- Driver support has ended
- 65W TDP requires active cooling
- Soldered and non-upgradable
- Limited to 8 PCIe lanes for the GPU
History
Introduced on January 7th, 2018, the Core i7-8705G was the result of an unprecedented partnership between Intel and AMD. Faced with the challenge of fitting high-performance graphics into thin-and-light form factors, Intel partnered with its longtime rival to integrate AMD's Radeon Vega graphics and HBM2 memory onto a single Intel CPU package. This collaboration allowed Intel to offer GTX 1050 Ti-class gaming performance in devices like the Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 and Intel's own NUC mini PCs, without the space and power requirements of a traditional discrete GPU.
The Kaby Lake-G family was a technological marvel, showcasing the potential of advanced packaging techniques like EMIB. However, the partnership was short-lived. Intel soon developed its own competitive integrated graphics with the Xe architecture, and AMD refocused on its own Ryzen mobile APUs.
Despite its brief lifespan, the 8705G remains a fascinating and historically significant processor in the PC industry.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Integrated Radeon graphics
- HBM2 memory inclusion
- Smaller physical footprint for thin designs
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
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.
Avoid if…
- You need driver support for the latest games
- You want an upgrade path
- You need more than 4 CPU cores
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
It is one of the few processors to combine Intel and AMD silicon.
The AMD Radeon GPU is built on GlobalFoundries' 14nm process.
It includes 4GB of HBM2 memory on the package.
The Radeon GPU is based on the Vega architecture.
It was heavily featured in Intel's own NUC mini PCs.
The Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 used this specific processor.
It includes an Intel HD 630 GPU alongside the Radeon GPU.
The HBM2 memory provides up to 102.4 GB/s of bandwidth.
It was designed to compete with NVIDIA's Max-Q designs.
The package uses the BGA 2270 socket.
People Also Ask
Is the i7-8705G good for gaming?
Yes, its Radeon Vega M GL graphics offer GTX 1050 Ti-level performance for 1080p gaming.
What is the TDP of the i7-8705G?
It has a 65-watt TDP.
Does the i7-8705G have HBM2 memory?
Yes, it includes 4GB of HBM2 memory dedicated to the Radeon GPU.
Can the i7-8705G be overclocked?
No, the CPU multiplier is locked.
What socket does the i7-8705G use?
It uses the Intel BGA 2270 socket.
Does the i7-8705G support DDR4?
Yes, it supports dual-channel DDR4 memory.
Is the i7-8705G still supported?
Intel has ended driver support for the Radeon component, but it remains functional.
What generation is the i7-8705G?
It is an 8th Generation Intel Core processor.
Does the i7-8705G have integrated graphics?
Yes, it has both Intel HD 630 and AMD Radeon RX Vega M GL.
Can the i7-8705G run Windows 11?
Yes, it is officially supported by Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Core i7-8705G released?
It was released on January 7th, 2018.
What is the base clock of the i7-8705G?
The base clock is 3.1 GHz.
What is the max turbo frequency of the i7-8705G?
It can boost up to 4.1 GHz.
How much L3 cache does the i7-8705G have?
It has 8MB of L3 cache.
What memory speed does the i7-8705G support natively?
It natively supports DDR4-2400 memory.
Is the i7-8705G unlocked?
No, the multiplier is locked.
Does the i7-8705G support Quick Sync Video?
Yes, via its Intel HD Graphics 630.
How many cores does the i7-8705G have?
It features 4 cores and 8 threads.
What is the die size of the Intel CPU portion?
The Intel CPU die size is 125 mm².
What chipset is required for the i7-8705G?
It uses the Intel HM175 chipset.