AMD Ryzen 7 8700G 8-Core, 16-Thread Desktop Processor
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AI Verdict
An 8-core, 16-thread Zen 4 APU with Radeon 780M graphics, it's for compact builds targeting 1080p gaming without a discrete GPU.
This 8-core, 16-thread processor with Radeon 780M graphics is a strong contender if you absolutely need a compact system without a discrete GPU and are targeting 1080p gaming. Its 65W TDP is fantastic for small builds, but the overall system cost can quickly make a CPU+dGPU combo more appealing for raw gaming performance.
If you need more raw CPU power or higher-tier gaming performance, look for a Ryzen 7000 series CPU with a larger L3 cache and pair it with a dedicated graphics card.
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Pros
- The Radeon 780M integrated graphics can run games like Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 at 74 FPS on average at 1080p.
- Features 8 cores and 16 processing threads with advanced AMD 'Zen 4' architecture.
- Offers a 5.1 GHz Max Boost clock and is unlocked for overclocking.
- Utilizes the state-of-the-art Socket AM5 platform, providing an upgrade path for future CPUs.
- Includes the AMD Wraith Spire Cooler in the box.
- Low 65W Thermal Design Power (TDP) contributes to efficient operation.
Cons
- Its price point often makes a cheaper CPU plus a budget discrete GPU (like an RX 6600) a more cost-effective option for gaming performance.
- CPU performance can be slower than other Ryzen 7000 series CPUs due to a reduced 16MB L3 cache and sometimes lower clock speeds.
- Only exposes 16 usable PCIe 4.0 lanes, a step back from the 24 usable PCIe 5.0 lanes on standard Ryzen 7000 desktop processors.
- Integrated graphics performance is highly dependent on fast DDR5 memory, requiring specific RAM choices for optimal results.
- PCMag reported stability issues during testing, particularly when attempting to use it with a discrete graphics card.
Dimension Scores
Its 5.1 GHz max boost is decent, but benchmarks show it's slower than other Zen 4 CPUs like the 7700 in single-threaded tasks due to its design.
With 8 cores and 16 threads on Zen 4 architecture, it offers strong multi-core performance, comparable to the Ryzen 7 7700.
A 65W TDP for an 8-core CPU with powerful integrated graphics is exceptionally low, making it very efficient.
Being on the AM5 socket with Zen 4 architecture means it's on a current platform with a promised upgrade path for future CPU generations.
Best For
- Small form factor PC builds where there's no space for a discrete GPU.
- Budget-conscious gamers aiming for 1080p resolution with reduced settings.
- Office PCs that need GPU-accelerated applications but don't require a dedicated graphics card.
- Users in regions where discrete GPUs are difficult to acquire or are prohibitively expensive.
Not Recommended For
- High-end gaming at 1440p or 4K resolutions.
- PC builds where you already own or plan to purchase a dedicated graphics card.
- Users whose primary need is raw CPU performance for heavily CPU-bound tasks, rather than integrated graphics.
Watch Out For
- The 16MB L3 cache is a significant reduction compared to other Ryzen 7000 series CPUs, which can impact CPU-intensive tasks.
- It only exposes 16 usable PCIe 4.0 lanes, a step back from the 24 usable PCIe 5.0 lanes on standard Ryzen 7000 desktop processors, potentially limiting future discrete GPU upgrades.
- Memory speed heavily influences iGPU performance; users report a 21-36% FPS increase with faster DDR5-6200 CL32 RAM over slower kits.
- Some users found the total cost of the CPU, fast memory, and AM5 motherboard to be cost-ineffective compared to an Intel i3/i5 with a budget discrete GPU like an RX 6600.
- Stability issues were reported by PCMag during testing, particularly when attempting to use it with a discrete graphics card.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0CQ4JBKW3 |
| Brand | AMD |
| Color | Gray |
| Language | English |
| CPU Model | Ryzen 7 |
| CPU Speed | 4.2 GHz |
| Processor | 4.2 GHz ryzen_7 |
| CPU Socket | Socket AM5 |
| Item Weight | 1.8 ounces |
| Manufacturer | AMD |
| Processor Brand | AMD |
| CPU Manufacturer | AMD |
| Item model number | AMD Ryzen™ 7 8700G |
| Product Dimensions | 1.57 x 1.57 x 0.04 inches |
| Number of Processors | 8 |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 1.57 x 1.57 x 0.04 inches |
What Buyers Say
The most surprising thing about the 8700G is how much its integrated Radeon 780M graphics can actually do, pushing playable 1080p framerates in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3 with FSR enabled. However, this comes with a catch: the CPU side, while 8-core and 16-thread, often falls behind other Ryzen 7000 series chips in raw performance due to a smaller 16MB L3 cache and slightly lower clock speeds. Many users on Reddit pointed out that for the total system cost (CPU + fast DDR5 RAM + AM5 motherboard), you could often build a system with a cheaper CPU and a budget discrete GPU (like an RX 6600) that offers better gaming performance. It's a niche product, but for that specific niche of small form factor builds without a discrete GPU, it's a game changer.
“Man, I just wanted a tiny PC for my living room that could play some games without a huge graphics card, and this 8700G actually delivers, but seriously, you gotta get that fast RAM or you're just wasting money.”
Common Praise
- The Radeon 780M integrated graphics can run games like Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 at 74 FPS on average at 1080p.
- It enables compact PC builds that don't require a separate graphics card, fitting into tiny cases.
- The 65W TDP means it runs cool and doesn't demand a huge power supply.
- AM5 socket ensures a modern platform with future upgrade potential for the CPU.
- Includes the Wraith Spire Cooler, saving you from an extra purchase.
Common Complaints
- The price point makes it hard to justify when a cheaper CPU + discrete GPU combo often offers better gaming performance for a similar total system cost.
- CPU performance is sometimes slower than other Ryzen 7000 series CPUs due to reduced L3 cache and clock speeds.
- Requires fast DDR5 memory to get the most out of the integrated graphics; slower RAM significantly reduces FPS.
- Limited PCIe 4.0 lanes (16 usable) are a downgrade from the PCIe 5.0 lanes on other AM5 CPUs, potentially bottlenecking future high-end discrete GPUs.
- Some users reported stability issues when trying to pair it with a discrete graphics card.
Ownership Tips
- The integrated graphics are super sensitive to RAM speed; upgrading from 5200MHz to 6200MHz DDR5 made a huge difference in game framerates.
- Even with the Wraith Spire, it stays pretty cool, which is awesome for a compact build.
- Windows Game Bar recording doesn't work for some users, which is a bummer if you want to capture gameplay.
- The AI NPU is there, but honestly, I haven't seen any real-world use for it yet in my daily tasks.
- Building on AM5 means I know I can drop in a newer CPU down the line, which feels good for longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G play modern games at 1080p?
Yes, it can handle many AAA games at 1080p with reduced fidelity settings, often achieving 50-60 FPS in titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3 when FSR is enabled.
Is the included AMD Wraith Spire Cooler sufficient for this processor?
Yes, the Wraith Spire Cooler is included, and with the processor's 65W TDP, it's generally sufficient to keep temperatures in check.
Does the Ryzen 7 8700G support DDR5 memory?
Yes, it supports DDR5 memory, and using faster DDR5 RAM significantly boosts the integrated graphics performance, so don't skimp on RAM speed.
Can I add a dedicated graphics card to a system with the Ryzen 7 8700G later?
While technically possible, some reviews noted performance issues when pairing it with a discrete GPU, and its limited PCIe 4.0 lanes might become a bottleneck for high-end cards.
What are the AI features of the Ryzen 7 8700G?
It includes AMD Ryzen AI with an XDNA Neural Processing Unit (NPU), designed for personal AI processing, though its practical impact on typical desktop use cases is still emerging.
How does its CPU performance compare to other Ryzen 7000 series processors?
Its 8-core, 16-thread Zen 4 CPU performance is comparable to a Ryzen 7 7700 in multi-core tasks, but single-threaded performance can be slower due to lower clock speeds and less L3 cache.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at a CPU like the 8700G, you're really deciding if you need a separate graphics card or not. This chip is designed to handle both CPU tasks and gaming graphics all in one, which is super handy for smaller computers or if you're trying to save money by not buying a discrete GPU right away. But you need to understand that while its graphics are the best integrated ones out there, they still won't match a mid-range dedicated graphics card.
Cores/Threads (8 Cores, 16 Threads)
Think of cores as individual workers and threads as tasks each worker can handle simultaneously. More cores and threads mean your computer can juggle more programs and complex tasks without slowing down, like running a game, streaming music, and having a dozen browser tabs open all at once.
Max Boost Clock (5.1 GHz)
This is how fast the CPU can run when it needs to do something quickly, like loading a game level or crunching numbers. A higher number means snappier performance for those burst workloads.
Integrated Graphics (Radeon 780M)
This is the big deal here. It's like having a small graphics card built right into the CPU. It handles everything visual, from your desktop to playing games, meaning you don't need to buy a separate, often expensive, graphics card.
Socket (AM5)
This is the type of slot on your motherboard where the CPU plugs in. AM5 is AMD's current platform, which means you'll have options to upgrade to newer, more powerful AMD CPUs in the future without needing a new motherboard.
Alternatives
If this isn't enough for your gaming, look for a CPU with fewer cores but a higher clock speed paired with a dedicated graphics card, or a CPU with a higher L3 cache for more demanding CPU-bound tasks.
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