Quick Verdict
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.
Overview
Launch
2018
Status
ActiveGeneration
8th Gen Core i7
Market
Mobile
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 Intel Core i7-8709G is a Kaby Lake-G processor that combines a 4-core Intel CPU with AMD Radeon RX Vega M GH graphics and 4GB of HBM2 memory. With a 65W TDP, it delivers GTX 1060 Max-Q-class gaming performance. It is ideal for thin-and-light gaming laptops and mini PCs requiring high-end graphics.
Specifications
Performance
Strong CPU performance for everyday tasks and content creation.
Capable but limited by 4 cores.
Excellent 1080p gaming performance, comparable to a GTX 1060 Max-Q.
HBM2 memory improves power efficiency compared to discrete GPUs.
- •Comparable to GTX 1060 Max-Q
- •Can run most AAA games at 1080p high
- •Excellent for VR
- •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 i7-8709G utilizes the Kaby Lake-G architecture, a multi-chip package (MCP) 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 GH GPU, built on GlobalFoundries' 14nm process, is the higher-tier variant with 1536 stream processors. The package includes 4GB of HBM2 memory, which 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. The Vega M GH variant features higher clock speeds than the GL version, resulting in significantly better gaming performance. 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 high-end Radeon graphics
- HBM2 memory inclusion
- Better efficiency for thin designs
Key Highlights
- Unique Intel-AMD hybrid design
- High-end Radeon RX Vega M GH graphics
- 4GB of HBM2 memory
- GTX 1060-class gaming performance
- Driver support has ended
- 65W TDP requires active cooling
- Soldered and non-upgradable
- 14nm CPU process is outdated
History
Launched in February 2018, the Core i7-8709G was the higher-performance variant of the groundbreaking Kaby Lake-G family. Born out of an unprecedented partnership between Intel and AMD, this processor aimed to bring GTX 1060-class gaming performance to thin-and-light form factors. The 8709G combined an Intel 4-core CPU with AMD's Radeon RX Vega M GH graphics and 4GB of HBM2 memory, a feat of engineering made possible by Intel's EMIB packaging technology.
It was primarily deployed in high-end mini PCs, such as the Intel NUC8 VR, and select gaming laptops. The creation of this processor was a direct response to the growing demand for powerful, compact gaming systems. Although the partnership with AMD was short-lived, as Intel later developed its own Xe graphics, the 8709G remains a legendary chip that pushed the boundaries of integrated graphics performance and heterogeneous packaging.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Integrated high-end Radeon graphics
- HBM2 memory inclusion
- Better efficiency for thin designs
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
The Intel Core i7-8709G 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.
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 features the higher-tier Vega M GH graphics.
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 heavily featured in Intel's NUC8 VR mini PCs.
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 i7-8709G good for gaming?
Yes, its Radeon Vega M GH graphics offer GTX 1060-level performance for 1080p gaming.
What is the TDP of the i7-8709G?
It has a 65-watt TDP.
Does the i7-8709G have HBM2 memory?
Yes, it includes 4GB of HBM2 memory dedicated to the Radeon GPU.
Can the i7-8709G be overclocked?
No, the CPU multiplier is locked.
What socket does the i7-8709G use?
It uses the Intel BGA 2270 socket.
Does the i7-8709G support DDR4?
Yes, it supports dual-channel DDR4 memory.
What is the difference between 8709G and 8809G?
The 8809G is the unlocked variant, allowing for overclocking.
What generation is the i7-8709G?
It is an 8th Generation Intel Core processor.
Does the i7-8709G have integrated graphics?
Yes, it has AMD Radeon RX Vega M GH graphics.
Can the i7-8709G run Windows 11?
Yes, it is officially supported by Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Core i7-8709G released?
It was released on February 1st, 2018.
What is the base clock of the i7-8709G?
The base clock is 3.1 GHz.
What is the max turbo frequency of the i7-8709G?
It can boost up to 4.1 GHz.
How much L3 cache does the i7-8709G have?
It has 8MB of L3 cache.
What memory speed does the i7-8709G support natively?
It natively supports DDR4-2400 memory.
Is the i7-8709G unlocked?
No, the multiplier is locked. The 8809G is the unlocked version.
How many cores does the i7-8709G have?
It features 4 cores and 8 threads.
Who provides driver support for the i7-8709G?
Intel provides driver support for the entire package, including the AMD GPU.
Does the i7-8709G support Windows 11?
Yes, it is supported by Windows 11.
What devices use the i7-8709G?
It is primarily found in Intel NUC8 VR mini PCs.