Intel Core i7-6700T vs Intel Core i7-8709G Comparison

The Intel Core i7-8709G and Intel Core i7-6700T are both 4-core, 8-thread processors from Intel, but they occupy different market segments: the 8709G is a mobile part with a Radeon RX Vega M GH integrated GPU, while the 6700T is a desktop part with HD Graphics 530. The recorded benchmark data shows a clear performance leader across all Cinebench tests, with the 8709G taking every head-to-head win. This analysis walks through the numbers, architecture differences, and what each processor is best suited for based on the database measurements.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head set includes six Cinebench tests, and the Intel Core i7-8709G wins all of them. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the 8709G scores 679 against 599 for the 6700T, a 13.4% advantage. The single-core R15 test shows 95 versus 84, a 13.1% lead. Moving to Cinebench R20, the multi-core result is 2832 for the 8709G and 2496 for the 6700T, a 13.5% gap, while the single-core test records 399 versus 352, also 13.4% ahead. In Cinebench R23, the multi-core score is 6743 against 5943, a 13.5% difference, and the single-core score is 952 versus 839, again 13.5% higher.

The consistency of these deltas is notable. Every test shows the 8709G leading by roughly 13% to 13.5%, regardless of workload type. This suggests a uniform performance advantage across both single-threaded and multi-threaded tasks, rather than a strength in one specific area. The average benchmark score for the 8709G is 1950, placing it at the 44th percentile of all CPUs in the database. The 6700T has an average score of 1918, at the 43rd percentile. The nearest rivals for the 8709G include the Intel Core i5-1035G7 (0.1% delta) and the AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 3400GE (-0.2% delta). For the 6700T, the closest competitors are the AMD Ryzen 3 7320U (0.1% delta) and the Intel Core i3-10305T (-0.2% delta). These figures place both processors in a similar overall performance tier, but the head-to-head data shows the 8709G is consistently faster.

Where Each One Wins

In every recorded Cinebench test, the Intel Core i7-8709G is the winner. There is no test in the head-to-head set where the 6700T comes out ahead. This means that for CPU-bound workloads such as rendering, video encoding, or compilation, the 8709G will deliver higher throughput. The single-core results also favor the 8709G, which is relevant for applications that rely on per-thread performance, such as many games or lightly threaded productivity tools.

However, the 6700T has its own advantages that are not captured in the Cinebench scores. Its TDP is 35W, compared to 65W for the 8709G, making it a more power-efficient option for systems where thermal or energy constraints are critical. The 6700T also supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory, while the 8709G only supports DDR4. The database records a dual-channel memory bus and 34.1 GB/s bandwidth for the 6700T, while the 8709G does not list a memory bus or bandwidth. Additionally, the 6700T has a PCIe Gen 3 interface with 16 lanes (CPU only), a specification not listed for the 8709G. The 6700T also has Geekbench results in the database (3906 multi-core, 1128 single-core), but the 8709G has no Geekbench scores, so no direct comparison is possible for that suite.

Thus, while the 8709G wins all head-to-head CPU benchmarks, the 6700T may be preferable in scenarios that prioritize low power consumption, legacy memory support, or specific PCIe configurations. The 6700T is a desktop part, while the 8709G is mobile, so the intended form factor also differs.

Architecture Differences

The two processors share the same 14 nm process node and the same cache hierarchy: 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 8 MB shared L3. Both have 4 cores and 8 threads, and neither has an unlocked multiplier. The differences begin with the architecture itself. The 8709G is based on Kaby Lake, with the codename Kaby Lake G, while the 6700T uses Skylake. The generation labels reflect this: the 8709G is listed as Core i7 (Kaby Lake-G), and the 6700T as Core i7 (Skylake).

Clock speeds differ. The 8709G has a base clock of 3.10 GHz and a boost clock of 4.10 GHz. The 6700T runs at 2.80 GHz base and 3.60 GHz boost. The higher clocks of the 8709G contribute to its benchmark lead. TDP also differs: 65W for the 8709G versus 35W for the 6700T. The socket is different as well: the 8709G uses Intel BGA 2270, while the 6700T uses Intel Socket 1151.

Memory support is another point of divergence. The 8709G supports only DDR4, while the 6700T supports both DDR3 and DDR4. The 6700T also lists a dual-channel memory bus and 34.1 GB/s bandwidth, whereas the 8709G has no such specification in the database. The integrated graphics are completely different: the 8709G includes a Radeon RX Vega M GH, while the 6700T has HD Graphics 530. The market segment differs (Mobile versus Desktop), and the production status is Active for the 8709G and End-of-life for the 6700T. The release dates are also distinct: the 8709G was released on 2018-01-31, and the 6700T on 2015-08-31. The 6700T has a launch MSRP of $303, while the 8709G has no recorded launch MSRP. The 6700T also has a part number (SR2BUSR2L3), which the 8709G does not list.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher multi-core performance?

A: The Intel Core i7-8709G leads in all multi-core Cinebench tests. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it scores 6743 against 5943 for the 6700T, a 13.5% advantage.

Q: Which processor consumes less power?

A: The Intel Core i7-6700T has a TDP of 35W, while the 8709G has a TDP of 65W.

Q: Does the 6700T support DDR3 memory?

A: Yes, the 6700T supports both DDR3 and DDR4, while the 8709G supports only DDR4.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The 8709G boosts to 4.10 GHz, while the 6700T boosts to 3.60 GHz.

Q: Are both processors unlocked?

A: No, both have multiplierUnlocked set to false.

Q: Which processor is for mobile devices?

A: The 8709G is listed as Mobile, while the 6700T is Desktop.

The Verdict

Based on the recorded data, the Intel Core i7-8709G is the clear performance winner in all measured Cinebench tests. It also has higher base and boost clocks, and a higher TDP. The 6700T offers lower power consumption, support for DDR3, and a desktop socket. The 8709G is active, while the 6700T is end-of-life. For users who prioritize raw CPU performance, the 8709G is the choice. For those who need a low-power desktop part with legacy memory support, the 6700T may be more appropriate, but it will be slower in CPU-bound tasks. The 6700T had a launch MSRP of $303, but no price is recorded for the 8709G.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i7-8709G | Intel Core i7-6700T |

|----------------|----------------------|----------------------|

| Base Clock | 3.10 GHz | 2.80 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.10 GHz | 3.60 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 35 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 2270 | Intel Socket 1151 |

| Architecture | Kaby Lake | Skylake |

| Codename | Kaby Lake G | Skylake |

| Generation | Core i7 (Kaby Lake-G) | Core i7 (Skylake) |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR3, DDR4 |

| Memory Bus | Not listed | Dual-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | Not listed | 34.1 GB/s |

| PCIe | Not listed | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | Radeon RX Vega M GH | HD Graphics 530 |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Production Status | Active | End-of-life |

| Release Date | 2018-01-31 | 2015-08-31 |

| Launch MSRP | Not listed | $303 |

| Part Number | Not listed | SR2BUSR2L3 |