Quick Verdict
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.
Overview
Launch
2018
Status
ActiveGeneration
8th Gen Core i7
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i7-8706G is a specialized mobile processor launched in February 2018 as part of the unique Kaby Lake-G family. Similar to the i7-8705G, it combines an Intel 4-core, 8-thread CPU with AMD Radeon RX Vega M GL graphics on a single package. Built on a 14nm process, it operates at a base clock of 3.1 GHz and boosts up to 4.1 GHz. The defining difference is that the i7-8706G is an OEM-specific part, primarily found in certain configurations of the Dell XPS 15 2-in-1. It utilizes the Radeon GPU as the primary display adapter, omitting the Intel HD 630 graphics found on the 8705G in some configurations, simplifying the graphics switching logic. With a 65W TDP and 4GB of HBM2 memory, it delivers GTX 1050 Ti-class gaming performance in a compact form factor. This processor remains a fascinating example of cross-company collaboration, offering strong performance for 1080p gaming and VR in thin-and-light devices.
The Intel Core i7-8706G is a Kaby Lake-G processor that pairs a 4-core Intel CPU with AMD Radeon RX Vega M GL graphics. With a 65W TDP, it delivers GTX 1050 Ti-class gaming performance. It is an OEM-specific part, primarily found in the Dell XPS 15 2-in-1, offering excellent performance for 1080p gaming and content creation.
Specifications
Performance
Strong CPU performance for everyday tasks and moderate content creation.
Capable but limited by 4 cores.
Capable of smooth 1080p gaming in modern titles at medium settings.
HBM2 memory improves power efficiency compared to discrete GPUs.
- •Radeon Vega M GL provides solid 1080p performance
- •Comparable to GTX 1050 Ti
- •Radeon GPU supports OpenCL acceleration
Architecture
14nm
Process Node
Kaby Lake G
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
8 MB
L3 Cache
65 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-8706G utilizes the Kaby Lake-G architecture, a multi-chip package that integrates silicon from both Intel and AMD. The Intel CPU die is built on the 14nm process and features 4 cores with Hyper-Threading. The AMD Radeon RX Vega M GL GPU, built on GlobalFoundries' 14nm process, features 1536 stream processors. The package also includes 4GB of HBM2 memory, which sits on an interposer and provides up to 102.4 GB/s of bandwidth directly to the GPU. This design drastically reduces power consumption and physical footprint compared to a traditional CPU and discrete GPU setup. The architecture routes 8 PCIe 3.0 lanes from the CPU to the GPU. Unlike the 8705G, the 8706G is configured to rely more heavily on the Radeon GPU as the primary graphics adapter in specific OEM designs. This architecture remains a unique engineering feat, demonstrating how advanced packaging can solve space and power constraints in mobile computing.
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
- Better efficiency for thin designs
Key Highlights
- Unique Intel-AMD hybrid design
- Radeon RX Vega M GL graphics
- 4GB of HBM2 memory
- Good 1080p gaming performance
- Driver support has ended
- OEM specific, hard to find
- 65W TDP requires active cooling
- 14nm CPU process is outdated
History
Launched in February 2018, the Core i7-8706G was an OEM-specific variant of the groundbreaking i7-8705G. It was born out of the unprecedented partnership between Intel and AMD, aimed at creating high-performance, thin-and-light computing solutions. The 8706G was specifically tailored for system manufacturers, most notably appearing in certain configurations of the Dell XPS 15 2-in-1.
By integrating an Intel CPU with AMD Radeon RX Vega M GL graphics and HBM2 memory, this processor delivered gaming performance that was previously impossible in such a compact form factor. The creation of the Kaby Lake-G family showcased Intel's advanced packaging capabilities, utilizing EMIB to connect the different silicon components. Although the partnership was short-lived, as Intel later developed its own competitive Xe graphics, the 8706G remains a significant milestone in PC hardware history, demonstrating the potential of heterogeneous integration.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Integrated Radeon graphics
- HBM2 memory inclusion
- Better efficiency for thin designs
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
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.
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 an OEM-specific variant of the i7-8705G.
It combines Intel CPU and AMD GPU silicon.
It includes 4GB of HBM2 memory on the package.
The Radeon GPU is based on the Vega architecture.
It was primarily used in the Dell XPS 15 2-in-1.
The HBM2 memory provides massive bandwidth.
It uses the BGA 2270 socket.
The CPU has a base clock of 3.1 GHz.
It was designed to compete with NVIDIA's Max-Q designs.
Driver updates are handled by Intel, not AMD.
People Also Ask
Is the i7-8706G 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 i7-8706G?
It has a 65-watt TDP.
Does the i7-8706G have HBM2 memory?
Yes, it includes 4GB of HBM2 memory dedicated to the Radeon GPU.
Can the i7-8706G be overclocked?
No, the CPU multiplier is locked.
What socket does the i7-8706G use?
It uses the Intel BGA 2270 socket.
Does the i7-8706G support DDR4?
Yes, it supports dual-channel DDR4 memory.
What is the difference between 8705G and 8706G?
The 8706G is an OEM-specific part with minor configuration differences, primarily found in Dell systems.
What generation is the i7-8706G?
It is an 8th Generation Intel Core processor.
Does the i7-8706G have integrated graphics?
Yes, it has AMD Radeon RX Vega M GL graphics.
Can the i7-8706G run Windows 11?
Yes, it is officially supported by Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Core i7-8706G released?
It was released on February 1st, 2018.
What is the base clock of the i7-8706G?
The base clock is 3.1 GHz.
What is the max turbo frequency of the i7-8706G?
It can boost up to 4.1 GHz.
How much L3 cache does the i7-8706G have?
It has 8MB of L3 cache.
What memory speed does the i7-8706G support natively?
It natively supports DDR4-2400 memory.
Is the i7-8706G unlocked?
No, the multiplier is locked.
How many cores does the i7-8706G have?
It features 4 cores and 8 threads.
Who provides driver support for the i7-8706G?
Intel provides driver support for the entire package, including the AMD GPU.
Does the i7-8706G support Windows 11?
Yes, it is supported by Windows 11.
What devices use the i7-8706G?
It is primarily found in the Dell XPS 15 2-in-1.