Intel Core i7-8706G vs Intel Processor U300 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data reveals a split picture between these two mobile processors, with the Intel Processor U300 winning three of the four direct comparisons while the Intel Core i7-8706G claims one decisive victory. The U300 dominates in Cinebench R15 multicore, scoring 781 against 641 for the i7-8706G, a 21.8% advantage. This margin is substantial and indicates that for older rendering workloads, the U300 provides notably more throughput.

The single-core results are even more lopsided. In Cinebench R15 single-core, the U300 scores 222 versus just 90 for the i7-8706G, a massive 146.7% delta. The Cinebench R23 single-core test tells a similar story: the U300 posts 1616 against 899, a 79.8% lead. These figures suggest that for lightly threaded tasks, the U300 is in a different performance class entirely, likely due to its higher boost clock and newer architecture.

However, the i7-8706G strikes back in Cinebench R23 multicore, where it scores 6368 against the U300's 4905, representing a 23% deficit for the U300. This is a significant reversal. The i7-8706G manages to outperform the U300 in this modern multi-threaded benchmark despite having fewer cores, which indicates that its eight threads and higher sustained power envelope allow it to pull ahead under prolonged load. The U300's advantage in R15 multicore does not carry over to R23, suggesting that the i7-8706G scales better with the more demanding newer workload.

Looking at the average benchmark score, the two processors are remarkably close. The U300 has an average score of 1881, while the i7-8706G sits at 1842, a difference of only 39 points. The U300 sits at the 43rd percentile among all CPUs, while the i7-8706G is at the 42nd percentile. These percentile rankings place both processors in the lower-middle range of the database, though the U300 holds a slight edge in overall standing.

The nearest rivals for each chip provide additional context. The U300's closest competitor is the Intel Xeon E3-1558L v5 with an average score of 1882, essentially tied at a 0% delta. The i7-8706G's nearest rival is the Intel Core i5-7600 at 1844, with the i7 trailing by just 0.1%. These proximity figures reinforce that both processors occupy a similar performance tier, despite their divergent benchmark profiles.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural generations and manufacturing processes. The Intel Processor U300 is built on Raptor Lake architecture, specifically the Raptor Lake-U variant, and uses a 10 nm process node. The Intel Core i7-8706G employs Kaby Lake architecture, specifically Kaby Lake G, on a 14 nm node. This process difference likely contributes to the U300's power efficiency advantages.

Core and thread configurations differ notably. The U300 has 5 cores and 6 threads, while the i7-8706G has 4 cores and 8 threads. The i7-8706G uses hyper-threading across all four cores, resulting in eight threads, whereas the U300's six threads indicate a hybrid arrangement where not all cores support simultaneous multithreading. This explains why the i7-8706G can win in R23 multicore despite having fewer physical cores: it has more threads available for parallel work.

Cache hierarchies also differ. The U300 has 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, while the i7-8706G has 64 KB of L1 and 256 KB of L2 per core. Both share 8 MB of L3 cache. The U300's larger per-core L2 cache gives it an advantage in workloads that benefit from localized data access, while the shared L3 capacity is identical between the two.

Clock speeds show a clear divergence. The U300 has a base clock of 1200 MHz and a boost clock of 4400 MHz, while the i7-8706G runs at 3100 MHz base and 4100 MHz boost. The U300's much lower base clock and higher boost clock suggest it relies on aggressive turbo behavior, while the i7-8706G maintains a higher sustained base frequency. This explains the U300's single-core dominance and the i7-8706G's multicore resilience.

Thermal design power differs substantially: the U300 is rated at 15 watts, while the i7-8706G draws 65 watts. This is a four-fold difference in power envelope, which directly impacts sustained performance capabilities. The i7-8706G can maintain higher clocks across all cores for longer periods, while the U300 must manage thermals more carefully within its low-power design.

Memory support varies as well. The U300 supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the i7-8706G supports only DDR4. The U300 also has PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes for the CPU, while the i7-8706G has no PCIe information recorded in the database. The U300 integrates UHD Graphics with 48 execution units, whereas the i7-8706G features a Radeon RX Vega M GL, indicating a much more powerful integrated GPU on the older chip.

The Verdict

The data presents a clear trade-off. The Intel Processor U300 wins in three of four head-to-head benchmarks, with particularly strong showings in single-core tests where it leads by 79.8% to 146.7% depending on the workload. Its average benchmark score is higher at 1881 versus 1842, and it holds a slightly better percentile ranking at 43 versus 42. For most everyday tasks, especially those that rely on single-thread performance, the U300 is the better choice.

The Intel Core i7-8706G, however, wins the most demanding modern multi-threaded test, the Cinebench R23 multicore, by a 23% margin. This suggests that for sustained, heavily threaded workloads, the i7-8706G can outperform the U300 despite its older architecture. The i7-8706G also offers eight threads compared to six, which provides better parallel scaling in thread-heavy applications.

Buyers who prioritize single-core responsiveness, newer memory support, and lower power consumption should favor the U300. Those who need maximum multi-core throughput in modern benchmarks and can tolerate higher power draw should consider the i7-8706G. The launch MSRP for the U300 is $193; the i7-8706G has no recorded launch price.

The U300's 15-watt TDP makes it suitable for thin-and-light designs, while the i7-8706G's 65-watt envelope requires a more robust cooling solution and larger chassis. The i7-8706G's Radeon RX Vega M GL integrated graphics likely provides better gaming and media performance than the U300's UHD Graphics 48EU, though the database does not include direct graphics benchmarks.

FAQ

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

A: The Intel Processor U300 wins both single-core tests. It scores 222 in Cinebench R15 single-core versus 90 for the i7-8706G, a 146.7% margin, and 1616 in Cinebench R23 single-core versus 899, a 79.8% margin.

Q: Why does the i7-8706G win the Cinebench R23 multicore test?

A: The i7-8706G has 8 threads compared to the U300's 6 threads, which allows better parallel throughput in multi-threaded workloads. It also has a 65-watt TDP versus 15 watts, enabling sustained high core clocks under load.

Q: How do the average benchmark scores compare?

A: The U300 has an average benchmark score of 1881, while the i7-8706G scores 1842. The U300 ranks at the 43rd percentile among all CPUs, while the i7-8706G ranks at the 42nd percentile.

Q: What memory types does each processor support?

A: The U300 supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, while the i7-8706G supports only DDR4. Both use dual-channel memory, though the memory bus information is only recorded for the U300.

Q: Which processor has better integrated graphics?

A: The i7-8706G features a Radeon RX Vega M GL, which is a more powerful integrated GPU solution. The U300 has UHD Graphics with 48 execution units, which is more modest in comparison.

Q: What is the core count difference?

A: The U300 has 5 cores and 6 threads, while the i7-8706G has 4 cores and 8 threads. Despite fewer physical cores, the i7-8706G offers more threads due to hyper-threading on all cores.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Processor U300 wins in legacy multi-threaded rendering and all single-core tests. Its Cinebench R15 multicore score of 781 surpasses the i7-8706G's 641 by 21.8%, making it the better choice for older rendering applications and general productivity tasks that are not fully multi-threaded. The U300's single-core dominance in both R15 and R23 makes it ideal for responsive daily use, web browsing, office applications, and any software that relies on high clock speeds.

The Intel Core i7-8706G wins the modern multi-threaded workload, as demonstrated by its Cinebench R23 multicore score of 6368, which is 23% higher than the U300's 4905. This makes it the better option for current rendering software, video encoding, and other heavily parallel workloads that can utilize all eight threads effectively. The i7-8706G also offers superior integrated graphics with its Radeon RX Vega M GL, making it more suitable for casual gaming and graphics-accelerated applications without a discrete GPU.

The U300 wins on power efficiency, with its 15-watt TDP enabling longer battery life and lighter thermal requirements in mobile devices. The i7-8706G requires a 65-watt power budget, which limits it to larger laptops with active cooling. The U300 also supports DDR5 memory, offering a path to newer, faster memory technology, while the i7-8706G is limited to DDR4.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specifications. The U300 has 5 cores and 6 threads, while the i7-8706G has 4 cores and 8 threads. Base clocks differ significantly: the U300 runs at 1200 MHz, while the i7-8706G runs at 3100 MHz. Boost clocks are closer: the U300 reaches 4400 MHz, while the i7-8706G reaches 4100 MHz.

Thermal design power shows a major gap: the U300 is rated at 15 watts, while the i7-8706G is rated at 65 watts. The socket types differ as well: the U300 uses Intel BGA 1744, while the i7-8706G uses Intel BGA 2270. Process nodes differ, with the U300 on 10 nm and the i7-8706G on 14 nm.

Cache configurations vary: the U300 has 80 KB of L1 per core and 1.25 MB of L2 per core, while the i7-8706G has 64 KB of L1 per core and 256 KB of L2 per core. Both share 8 MB of L3 cache. Memory support differs, with the U300 supporting DDR4 and DDR5, while the i7-8706G supports only DDR4.

The U300 has PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes for the CPU, while the i7-8706G has no PCIe data recorded. Integrated graphics differ: the U300 uses UHD Graphics 48EU, while the i7-8706G uses Radeon RX Vega M GL. The U300 was released on January 3, 2023, while the i7-8706G was released on January 31, 2018. The U300 has a recorded launch MSRP of $193, while the i7-8706G has none.