Intel Core i7-7820HQ vs Intel Core i7-8709G Comparison

The Intel Core i7-8709G and the Intel Core i7-7820HQ are both 4-core, 8-thread mobile processors from Intel’s Kaby Lake generation, but the benchmark data shows a clear and consistent performance hierarchy. Across every Cinebench test recorded, the i7-8709G wins outright, with margins that are remarkably uniform. The i7-7820HQ, despite being a capable chip in its own right, trails by roughly 10-11% in all measured workloads. This is not a close contest; it is a methodical advantage for the i7-8709G, which holds a higher average benchmark score of 1950 versus 1940 for the i7-7820HQ. The percentile ranking reinforces this gap, with the i7-8709G sitting at the 44th percentile of all CPUs, slightly above the i7-7820HQ’s 43rd percentile.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking pattern in the head-to-head data is the consistency of the i7-8709G’s lead. In the Cinebench R15 multicore test, the i7-8709G scores 679 against the i7-7820HQ’s 613, a 10.8% advantage. The single-core R15 test tells the same story: 95 for the i7-8709G versus 86 for the i7-7820HQ, a 10.5% lead. This is not a case where one chip excels in multi-threaded workloads and another in single-threaded tasks; the i7-8709G wins both by nearly identical margins.

Moving to the newer Cinebench R20 suite, the pattern holds. In multicore, the i7-8709G posts 2832 points, while the i7-7820HQ manages 2555, again a 10.8% differential. The R20 single-core scores are 399 and 360 respectively, with the i7-8709G ahead by 10.8%. Cinebench R23 continues the trend: multicore scores of 6743 for the i7-8709G and 6084 for the i7-7820HQ (10.8% gap), and single-core scores of 952 versus 858, where the i7-8709G’s lead stretches to 11%.

Across all six recorded benchmarks, the i7-8709G wins every single test. The deltas range from 10.5% to 11%, but the average is a consistent 10.8% in favor of the i7-8709G. The data shows no scenario where the i7-7820HQ closes the gap or flips the result. Notably, the i7-7820HQ also has a Geekbench score in the FACT PACK, but no comparable Geekbench result exists for the i7-8709G, so that data cannot be used for a direct comparison. What is clear is that in the Cinebench family of tests, the i7-8709G is the decisive winner.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on Intel’s 14 nm process node and share the Kaby Lake architecture, but they diverge in several key specifications that explain the performance gap. The i7-8709G belongs to the Kaby Lake-G codename, while the i7-7820HQ is part of Kaby Lake-H. This distinction is more than cosmetic. The i7-8709G has a base clock of 3.10 GHz and a boost clock of 4.10 GHz, while the i7-7820HQ operates at 2.90 GHz base and 3.90 GHz boost. The i7-8709G’s higher clocks across the board are the most likely driver of its consistent 10.8% benchmark lead.

Cache configurations are identical: both have 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 8 MB of shared L3. Core and thread counts match at 4 cores and 8 threads. The socket differs, with the i7-8709G using Intel BGA 2270 and the i7-7820HQ using Intel BGA 1440, meaning they are not interchangeable in a system. The i7-8709G carries a higher TDP of 65 watts versus 45 watts for the i7-7820HQ, which aligns with its higher clock speeds and likely accounts for the performance advantage at the cost of additional power draw.

Memory support is another differentiator. The i7-8709G supports DDR4 memory, while the i7-7820HQ supports both DDR3 and DDR4. The i7-7820HQ also lists a dual-channel memory bus and PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the i7-8709G’s memory bus and PCIe specifications are not provided in the data. The integrated graphics are drastically different: the i7-8709G features a Radeon RX Vega M GH, a discrete-class GPU, while the i7-7820HQ relies on Intel HD Graphics 630. This GPU difference does not affect CPU benchmarks but is a major architectural distinction for real-world use. The i7-7820HQ also has a listed die size of 126 mm², a detail not available for the i7-8709G. Production status differs too: the i7-8709G is listed as Active, while the i7-7820HQ is End-of-life.

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the i7-8709G wins in every measured CPU workload. There is no test in the FACT PACK where the i7-7820HQ takes a victory. However, the use-case split requires looking beyond raw CPU scores. The i7-8709G’s integrated Radeon RX Vega M GH graphics gives it a significant advantage for tasks that leverage GPU compute or gaming, though no specific GPU benchmarks are provided in the data. For pure CPU-bound tasks like video encoding, 3D rendering, or software compilation, the i7-8709G’s 10.8% lead in Cinebench multicore tests translates directly to faster completion times.

The i7-7820HQ’s strengths are more circumstantial. Its lower TDP of 45 watts versus 65 watts suggests it is better suited for thinner, lighter laptops with less cooling headroom. It also supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory, offering more flexibility in system design. The i7-7820HQ has a Geekbench multicore score of 3748 and single-core score of 1215, which are not comparable to the i7-8709G due to missing data, but they indicate the chip is no slouch. In scenarios where the system is power-constrained or where the discrete GPU of the i7-8709G is not needed, the i7-7820HQ remains a viable option. But based strictly on CPU benchmarks, the i7-8709G is the superior performer in every category.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core workloads?

A: The Intel Core i7-8709G is faster in all multi-core tests. It scores 679 in Cinebench R15 multicore versus 613 for the i7-7820HQ, 2832 versus 2555 in R20 multicore, and 6743 versus 6084 in R23 multicore. The delta is a consistent 10.8% in favor of the i7-8709G.

Q: Is the i7-8709G also faster in single-core performance?

A: Yes. The i7-8709G wins Cinebench R15 single-core (95 versus 86), R20 single-core (399 versus 360), and R23 single-core (952 versus 858). The advantage ranges from 10.5% to 11%.

Q: Do both processors have the same core and thread counts?

A: Yes, both have 4 cores and 8 threads. They also share identical cache specifications: 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 8 MB shared L3.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two?

A: The i7-8709G has a TDP of 65 watts, while the i7-7820HQ has a TDP of 45 watts. The i7-8709G consumes more power, which is consistent with its higher clock speeds.

Q: Which processor has better integrated graphics?

A: The i7-8709G features a Radeon RX Vega M GH, whereas the i7-7820HQ has Intel HD Graphics 630. The Radeon GPU is a fundamentally more powerful graphics solution, though no GPU benchmarks are provided in the data.

Q: What is the production status of each?

A: The i7-8709G is listed as Active, while the i7-7820HQ is End-of-life. The i7-7820HQ was released earlier, on 2017-01-02, compared to the i7-8709G’s release on 2018-01-31.

The Verdict

Based strictly on the benchmark data, the Intel Core i7-8709G is the clear winner. It outperforms the i7-7820HQ in all six Cinebench tests with margins between 10.5% and 11%. The i7-8709G’s higher base and boost clocks (3.10 GHz and 4.10 GHz versus 2.90 GHz and 3.90 GHz) directly explain this advantage. It also has a higher average benchmark score (1950 versus 1940) and a slightly better percentile ranking (44th versus 43rd). For any user prioritizing CPU performance, the i7-8709G is the obvious choice.

The i7-7820HQ does have some redeeming qualities. Its lower TDP of 45 watts makes it more suitable for power-sensitive mobile designs. It also supports both DDR3 and DDR4 memory, which could be advantageous for system builders with existing memory inventory. The i7-7820HQ’s launch MSRP was $378, a fact that can be noted once. However, in terms of raw computational throughput, the i7-7820HQ loses every benchmark comparison. The i7-8709G also carries the Radeon RX Vega M GH integrated GPU, giving it a decisive edge in graphics-heavy tasks, although no GPU benchmarks are in the data. The verdict is straightforward: the i7-8709G wins on performance, while the i7-7820HQ only makes sense for those who need lower power consumption or legacy memory support.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i7-8709G | Intel Core i7-7820HQ |

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

| Base Clock | 3.10 GHz | 2.90 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.10 GHz | 3.90 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 45 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 2270 | Intel BGA 1440 |

| Codename | Kaby Lake G | Kaby Lake-H |

| Process Node | 14 nm | 14 nm |

| Die Size | Not specified | 126 mm² |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | DDR3, DDR4 |

| Memory Bus | Not specified | Dual-channel |

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

| Integrated Graphics | Radeon RX Vega M GH | Intel HD Graphics 630 |

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

| Release Date | 2018-01-31 | 2017-01-02 |

| Launch MSRP | Not specified | $378 |

| Part Number | Not specified | SR32N |

| Avg Benchmark Score | 1950 | 1940 |

| Percentile | 44 | 43 |