The AMD Ryzen 7 8700G is a groundbreaking APU Accelerated Processing Unit that effectively bridges the gap between discrete graphics and integrated solutions, making it an excellent choice for compact builds, budget-conscious gamers, and general productivity users who want solid performance without needing a dedicated GPU.

This chip, part of AMD’s Hawk Point series, leverages the Zen 4 CPU architecture combined with RDNA 3 integrated graphics, specifically the Radeon 780M.

It’s designed to deliver a smooth 1080p gaming experience in many titles, along with robust multi-threaded CPU performance for everyday tasks and content creation.

Think of it as a highly efficient all-in-one solution that prioritizes power efficiency and value, potentially saving you the cost and power draw of a separate graphics card while still offering impressive capabilities.

Feature/Product	AMD Ryzen 7 8700G	Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX Motherboard	Corsair Vengeance DDR5 RAM	Samsung 990 Pro NVMe SSD	Noctua NH-D15 CPU Cooler	Fractal Design North Case	Corsair RM850e Power Supply
Category	APU CPU with Integrated Graphics	AM5 Motherboard	DDR5 RAM	NVMe SSD	CPU Air Cooler	PC Case	Power Supply PSU
Core Function	Processor for computing & graphics	Connects all PC components	System memory for tasks	Fast data storage	Keeps CPU cool	Houses PC components	Provides power to components
Key Benefit	Strong integrated graphics, power efficient	Modern platform, PCIe 5.0, Wi-Fi 6E	High speed, large capacity	Blazing fast load times & transfers	Excellent cooling performance	Aesthetic design, good airflow	Stable, efficient power delivery
Ideal Use Case	Compact gaming PCs, HTPCs, budget builds	High-performance AM5 systems	Gaming, content creation, multi-tasking	OS drive, game library, large files	Overclocking, silent operation	Stylish home/office builds	Gaming, high-end workstations

Table of Contents

Understanding the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G: The APU Revolution

The AMD Ryzen 7 8700G isn’t just another CPU. it’s a statement.

It’s an Accelerated Processing Unit APU that aims to redefine what’s possible in a single chip.

This isn’t about replacing high-end discrete GPUs for enthusiast gamers, but rather about providing a highly capable, power-efficient, and cost-effective solution for a massive segment of the market.

We’re talking about gamers who want solid 1080p performance without breaking the bank, users building compact Small Form Factor SFF systems, or anyone looking for a reliable daily driver that can handle productivity, content creation, and a good chunk of gaming without needing a separate graphics card.

Zen 4 CPU Architecture: Powering the Core

At its heart, the 8700G is built on AMD’s Zen 4 architecture, the same foundation as their high-performance Ryzen 7000 series desktop CPUs. This means you’re getting:

Eight Cores, Sixteen Threads: This core count provides excellent multi-threaded performance, crucial for tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and heavy multitasking. For everyday browsing, office work, and even streaming, it’s more than sufficient.
High Boost Clocks: The 8700G can boost up to 5.1 GHz, ensuring snappy single-core performance for applications that benefit from raw clock speed. This translates to a more responsive user experience in general applications and games that aren’t heavily multi-threaded.
Improved IPC Instructions Per Cycle: Zen 4 brings a significant uplift in IPC compared to previous generations, meaning each core can do more work per clock cycle. This contributes to overall system snappiness and efficiency.

RDNA 3 Integrated Graphics: The Game Changer

This is where the 8700G truly shines.

Integrated graphics have historically been a bottleneck, but AMD’s RDNA 3 architecture, specifically the Radeon 780M, changes that narrative significantly.

Radeon 780M: This is the most powerful integrated GPU AMD has ever put into a desktop chip. It boasts 12 Compute Units CUs, which translates to 768 Stream Processors. This is the same GPU found in powerful handheld gaming devices, proving its capability.
Hardware Ray Tracing: While you won’t be running Cyberpunk 2077 with maxed-out ray tracing on this APU, the inclusion of hardware ray tracing accelerators shows AMD’s commitment to future-proofing and pushing the boundaries of integrated graphics. It means some lighter ray tracing effects might be playable, or at least help with hybrid rendering techniques.
AV1 Encoding/Decoding: For streamers and content creators, the integrated AV1 codec support is a big deal. It allows for higher quality streams and smaller file sizes without sacrificing visual fidelity, reducing the load on the CPU.
Dedicated AI Engine Ryzen AI: A notable addition is the dedicated Neural Processing Unit NPU for AI workloads. This is a forward-looking feature designed to accelerate AI tasks locally on the chip, offloading them from the CPU and GPU. While its immediate impact on gaming is limited, it signifies AMD’s push into AI-powered computing, which could become increasingly relevant for applications like noise cancellation, video upscaling, and other AI-driven features in the future.

Gaming Performance: Beyond Expectations for an APU

Let’s be clear: the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G isn’t going to dethrone a dedicated GeForce RTX 4070 or Radeon RX 7800 XT. However, for an integrated solution, its gaming performance is genuinely impressive and often surpasses expectations, particularly at 1080p resolution. This chip is squarely aimed at providing a playable and enjoyable 1080p gaming experience in a wide variety of modern titles, often with respectable frame rates on medium to low settings.

1080p Gaming Benchmarks

When we look at real-world scenarios, the 8700G consistently delivers frame rates that make many popular titles quite enjoyable.

Remember that performance will vary based on the game’s optimization, graphics settings, and critically, the speed of your system’s RAM.

Faster DDR5 RAM, ideally 6000MT/s or higher with tight timings, directly benefits the integrated graphics as it uses system memory for its VRAM.

Game Title	Graphics Settings 1080p	Average FPS Approx.	Notes
Cyberpunk 2077	Low	30-40	Playable, but visually scaled down
Forza Horizon 5	Medium	60+	Very smooth experience
Valorant	High	150-200+	Excellent for competitive gaming
CS2	Medium	80-120	Highly competitive
Baldur’s Gate 3	Medium	45-55	Impressive for a visually rich RPG
Elden Ring	Low-Medium	35-45	Playable for a souls-like
Red Dead Redemption 2	Low	30-40	Solid for an open-world title
Apex Legends	Medium	70-90	Smooth, competitive
God of War	Low	30-40	Playable, but compromises
League of Legends	High	150+	Effortless

Competitive Esport Titles: For games like Valorant, CS2, League of Legends, and Dota 2, the 8700G is an absolute champ. You can expect high frame rates, often well over 100 FPS, even on higher settings, making it an excellent choice for competitive gamers who don’t need a massive discrete GPU.
Demanding AAA Titles: This is where you’ll need to manage expectations and settings. While you won’t be maxing out Cyberpunk 2077 or Alan Wake 2, the 8700G can still provide a playable experience at 1080p on low to medium settings, typically targeting 30-45 FPS. This is a significant achievement for integrated graphics. Utilizing AMD’s FSR FidelityFX Super Resolution technology can further boost frame rates in supported titles, often with minimal visual degradation.

The RAM Factor: Your iGPU’s Lifeline

The performance of the Radeon 780M is heavily dependent on the speed and configuration of your system’s RAM.

Integrated graphics don’t have their own dedicated high-bandwidth memory like GDDR6 on a discrete GPU. instead, they utilize a portion of your system’s DDR5 RAM.

Dual-Channel Configuration: Always use two sticks of RAM e.g., 2x16GB to enable dual-channel mode. This effectively doubles the memory bandwidth available to the iGPU, leading to significant performance gains compared to a single stick.
High Frequency DDR5: The sweet spot for AM5 generally seems to be DDR5-6000MT/s with low CL CAS Latency timings e.g., CL30. Going higher than 6000MT/s can sometimes introduce instability without significant performance gains, but lower latency is always beneficial.
Impact on Performance: Benchmarks show that moving from DDR5-4800 to DDR5-6000 can result in a 15-25% improvement in gaming FPS with the integrated graphics. This is a critical factor to consider when building your system.

Power Efficiency and Thermals: A Cool Operator

One of the less-talked-about but highly compelling advantages of the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G is its exceptional power efficiency.

With a default TDP Thermal Design Power of just 65W, it punches well above its weight class in terms of performance per watt.

This makes it an ideal candidate for a variety of builds where power consumption, heat generation, and noise levels are key considerations.

Low Power Consumption

Default 65W TDP: This low TDP means the 8700G sips power, especially when compared to a system with a discrete CPU and GPU. For context, a mid-range discrete GPU alone can consume 150-250W.
Idle Power Draw: In idle scenarios or light productivity tasks, the entire system’s power draw can be remarkably low, making it very energy efficient for daily use.
Under Load: Even under combined CPU and GPU load e.g., gaming, the total package power of the 8700G typically stays well within its 65W envelope, sometimes boosting slightly higher but still remaining very efficient. This translates to lower electricity bills over time and less strain on your power supply.

Thermal Performance and Cooling Requirements

Thanks to its low TDP, the 8700G is relatively easy to cool.

You don’t need a monstrous liquid cooler or a massive air cooler to keep it in check, even under sustained load.

Stock Cooler Capability: While the 8700G does not come with a stock cooler unlike some lower-end Ryzen G-series APUs, a good quality entry-level tower cooler or even a more substantial Wraith Stealth/Spire equivalent if you have one lying around can handle it for everyday use.
Recommended Cooling: For optimal performance, especially if you plan on sustained gaming or heavier multi-threaded tasks, a budget-friendly tower air cooler from brands like Thermalright or Deepcool, or a slightly more capable model like the Noctua NH-D15 CPU Cooler for absolute silence and headroom, will keep temperatures well within limits. This ensures the chip can maintain its boost clocks for longer periods without thermal throttling.
Small Form Factor SFF Builds: This efficiency makes the 8700G a dream for SFF enthusiasts. You can build incredibly compact and powerful mini-ITX systems that fit almost anywhere, without having to worry about excessive heat or needing to cram in large, noisy coolers. The low power draw also means you can often get away with smaller, more compact PSUs.

Noise Levels

Lower power consumption and easier cooling directly translate to quieter operation.

Quiet Operation: With an appropriate cooler, the 8700G can run very quietly, even under load. The fans won’t need to spin as fast to dissipate heat, leading to a much more pleasant user experience, especially in a living room PC or a quiet office environment.
HTPC Potential: This makes the 8700G an excellent candidate for a Home Theater PC HTPC. It can handle 4K video playback, light gaming, and general media consumption without generating distracting fan noise.

Productivity and Content Creation: More Than Just Gaming

While the integrated graphics steal much of the spotlight, it’s crucial not to underestimate the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G’s capabilities as a robust CPU for a wide array of productivity and content creation tasks.

The Zen 4 cores are no slouch, offering significant multi-threaded muscle that can tackle demanding workloads.

Everyday Computing

For the average user, the 8700G provides a buttery-smooth experience across the board:

Web Browsing and Office Suites: Easily handles dozens of browser tabs, complex spreadsheets, and large documents without a hitch.
Multitasking: Seamlessly switch between applications, run virtual meetings, and have multiple programs open concurrently without slowdowns. The 8 cores and 16 threads provide ample headroom.
Media Consumption: Excellent for 4K video playback, streaming, and general media enjoyment, thanks to its efficient video decoding capabilities.

Content Creation Capabilities

The 8700G punches above its weight in several content creation scenarios, particularly for aspiring creators or those working with less extreme file sizes.

Video Editing Light to Moderate:
- The 8 Zen 4 cores are capable of handling 1080p and even some 4K video editing, especially for less complex projects.
- The integrated RDNA 3 graphics with its robust media engine including AV1 encoding/decoding support can accelerate specific tasks within video editing software, such as scrubbing through timelines, applying effects, and rendering.
- For example, in DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere Pro, tasks that leverage GPU acceleration will benefit.
Photo Editing:
- Excellent for photo editing in applications like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. The strong single-core performance helps with quick adjustments, while the multi-core power comes into play for batch processing and complex filters.
- The integrated GPU can accelerate certain filters and rendering tasks within these applications.
3D Modeling Entry-Level:
- For basic 3D modeling and rendering in applications like Blender or SketchUp, the 8700G can certainly get the job done. Don’t expect professional-grade render times, but for learning or hobbyist projects, it’s quite capable.
- The integrated GPU’s capabilities, while not matching discrete cards, can help with viewport performance in less complex scenes.
Streaming:
- Thanks to the efficient hardware encoders H.264, H.265, and especially AV1, the 8700G is a viable option for streaming gameplay or creative content. You can offload the encoding process to the integrated GPU, freeing up the CPU for the game or application itself. This results in cleaner streams with less performance impact.

Ryzen AI: The Future of On-Chip AI

The inclusion of a dedicated Neural Processing Unit NPU for Ryzen AI is a significant forward-looking feature.

While its immediate impact on gaming or traditional content creation might not be revolutionary today, it lays the groundwork for future advancements.

Offloading AI Workloads: The NPU is designed to efficiently handle AI-specific tasks, such as background blur in video calls, noise suppression, gesture recognition, and eventually more complex generative AI applications.
Efficiency: By offloading these tasks from the CPU and GPU, the NPU can perform them more efficiently and with lower power consumption.

The AM5 Platform: Longevity and Future-Proofing

Choosing the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G means you’re investing in the AM5 platform, which is AMD’s latest and greatest. This isn’t just about the CPU itself.

It’s about the ecosystem surrounding it, offering significant advantages in terms of future compatibility, cutting-edge technologies, and upgrade paths.

DDR5 RAM: The New Standard

Mandatory DDR5: Unlike previous generations, AM5 exclusively uses DDR5 RAM. This is a critical factor for the 8700G, as the integrated graphics rely heavily on system memory bandwidth.
Higher Frequencies: DDR5 offers significantly higher frequencies and thus bandwidth compared to DDR4, directly benefiting the Radeon 780M iGPU. As mentioned, DDR5-6000 is generally considered the sweet spot for Ryzen 7000/8000 series CPUs, balancing performance and stability.
Future Headroom: As DDR5 technology matures, we can expect even higher frequencies and tighter timings, offering potential performance uplifts for future APUs or CPU upgrades on the same platform.

PCIe Gen 5.0: Blazing Fast Connectivity

Next-Gen Bandwidth: AM5 motherboards, particularly those with B650 and X670 chipsets, support PCIe Gen 5.0. This offers double the bandwidth of PCIe Gen 4.0.
NVMe SSDs: While current Gen 4 NVMe SSDs are already incredibly fast, Gen 5 SSDs are beginning to emerge, offering transfer speeds that redefine storage performance. Having a PCIe Gen 5 slot ensures you can take advantage of these drives when they become more mainstream and affordable.
Future GPUs: While the 8700G doesn’t use a discrete GPU, if you decide to add one down the line, a PCIe Gen 5 slot provides ample bandwidth for even the most demanding future graphics cards.

Longevity and Upgrade Path

AMD’s Commitment: AMD has a strong track record of supporting their CPU sockets for multiple generations. The AM5 socket is expected to be supported until at least 2025, if not beyond, meaning you’ll have a clear upgrade path for future Ryzen processors without needing a new motherboard. This contrasts sharply with Intel’s more frequent socket changes.
Cost Savings in the Long Run: Investing in an AM5 motherboard now means that when you eventually want to upgrade your CPU, you’ll likely only need to purchase the new processor, saving you the cost of a new motherboard and potentially new RAM. This makes the initial investment more palatable and future-proof.
Modern Features: AM5 motherboards also bring modern features like USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 20Gbps, and often integrated Wi-Fi 6E or even Wi-Fi 7, providing excellent connectivity options.

Ideal Use Cases: Who is the 8700G For?

The AMD Ryzen 7 8700G isn’t for everyone, but for specific user profiles and build types, it is an absolutely outstanding choice, offering incredible value and performance in its niche.

It targets users who want a capable PC without the added cost, complexity, and power draw of a discrete graphics card.

1. Compact Small Form Factor SFF Builds

The SFF Dream: This is arguably the primary target for the 8700G. Building a powerful PC in a tiny enclosure like a Mini-ITX case is challenging when you need to accommodate a large discrete GPU and its cooling.
Space-Saving: The 8700G eliminates the need for a bulky graphics card, allowing for much smaller cases, better airflow, and simpler cable management.
Example: Imagine a powerful PC the size of a game console, capable of playing modern games at 1080p and handling all your productivity needs, all while sitting discreetly in your living room or on a small desk. This is where the 8700G truly shines.

2. Budget-Conscious Gamers

Entry-Level Gaming: If your budget doesn’t stretch to a decent CPU and a discrete GPU, the 8700G offers an immediate entry point into 1080p gaming. You can build a system that plays popular games right out of the box.
Future Upgrade Path: You can start with the 8700G, enjoy gaming for a year or two, and then, if your budget allows and your gaming demands increase, easily drop in a discrete GPU later without needing to replace the CPU or motherboard. This incremental upgrade strategy is highly appealing.
Value Proposition: For the cost of the 8700G, you’re getting a powerful Zen 4 CPU and integrated graphics that perform better than many entry-level discrete GPUs.

3. Home Theater PCs HTPCs

4K Media Playback: The 8700G’s integrated graphics are more than capable of smooth 4K video playback, including HDR content.
Light Gaming in the Living Room: Beyond media, it can handle party games, indie titles, and even some AAA games at lower settings, making it a versatile entertainment hub.
Quiet Operation: Its low power consumption means it can be cooled easily and quietly, crucial for a living room environment where fan noise can be distracting.

4. General Productivity Workstations

Office and Home Use: For users who primarily work with office applications, browse the web, handle emails, and consume media, the 8700G offers overkill CPU performance, ensuring a snappy and responsive experience for years to come.
Light Content Creation: As discussed, for light video editing, photo manipulation, or even casual streaming, the 8700G provides enough horsepower to get the job done efficiently.
Professional Workplaces: For offices needing capable workstations without the expense or heat of discrete graphics, perhaps for CAD viewing, light rendering, or virtual machine work, the 8700G is a compelling choice.

5. Stop-Gap Solution for GPU Shortages/High Prices

Temporary Gaming Solution: In times of high GPU prices or limited stock, the 8700G offers a very capable stop-gap solution. You can build a fully functional gaming PC now, and then add a discrete GPU later when prices normalize or new generations are released. This allows you to get into PC gaming without waiting indefinitely.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G is a fantastic product within its niche, it’s not a silver bullet.

Like any piece of hardware, it has limitations and considerations that potential buyers should be aware of.

Understanding these can help you determine if it’s truly the right fit for your needs.

1. Integrated Graphics vs. Discrete GPU: Performance Ceiling

Not a High-End Replacement: The most important point is that the Radeon 780M, while impressive for integrated graphics, cannot compete with even mid-range dedicated graphics cards like an NVIDIA RTX 3060/4060 or AMD RX 6600/7600.
Limitations:
- VRAM: The integrated graphics rely on system RAM, which is slower than dedicated GDDR memory. This can be a bottleneck, especially with higher textures or resolutions.
- Shader Performance: While the architecture is RDNA 3, the sheer number of shaders and compute units is significantly lower than a discrete GPU.
- Resolution: Primarily a 1080p solution. While some light titles might be playable at 1440p on very low settings, it’s not designed for it.
When a Discrete GPU is Needed: If your primary goal is high refresh rate 1080p gaming in every title, 1440p gaming, 4K gaming, or professional-grade content creation heavy video editing, serious 3D rendering, you will need a discrete graphics card. The 8700G is about getting playable frames, not maxed-out settings.

2. Price Point and Value Proposition

APU Premium: APUs historically command a slight premium over pure CPUs with similar core counts, because you’re essentially getting a GPU bundled in. The 8700G is priced competitively for what it offers, but it’s not a budget CPU and a budget GPU combined.
Total System Cost: While it saves you the cost of a discrete GPU, you still need an AM5 motherboard which are generally more expensive than entry-level AM4 or Intel LGA1700 boards and DDR5 RAM also typically more expensive than DDR4. Factor in the total system cost when comparing.
Comparison to Older Generations: If you’re on a very tight budget and don’t need the latest Zen 4 cores or PCIe Gen 5, an older AM4 APU like the Ryzen 5 5600G, paired with cheaper DDR4 RAM and an AM4 motherboard, might offer better immediate cost savings, though with less future-proofing and integrated graphics performance.

3. RAM Sensitivity

DDR5 Requirement: As highlighted, the 8700G needs fast DDR5 RAM to truly shine. Skimping on RAM speed will significantly hamper the integrated graphics performance.
Sweet Spot: Targeting DDR5-6000 with low CL timings e.g., CL30 is crucial. This means you can’t just throw in the cheapest DDR5 sticks and expect optimal performance. This adds to the overall system cost.

4. Limited PCIe Lanes for Discrete GPUs

PCIe 4.0 x4 for GPU Slot: While the AM5 platform supports PCIe 5.0, the 8700G and other APUs in this generation only expose PCIe 4.0 x4 lanes for the primary GPU slot. This means if you do decide to add a discrete graphics card later, it will operate at a reduced bandwidth.
Impact on Performance: For most mid-range discrete GPUs e.g., RTX 4060, RX 7600, the impact of PCIe 4.0 x4 is negligible in real-world gaming. However, for very high-end GPUs or specific workstation workloads, it could become a bottleneck. This is less of an issue for the target audience but worth noting for future-proofing concerns.
NVMe Lanes: Similarly, the 8700G uses some of its internal PCIe lanes for storage, which can sometimes limit the number of high-speed NVMe drives you can install directly from the CPU. Motherboards often provide additional lanes via the chipset, but it’s a detail for advanced users.

Building a System with the 8700G: Key Components

When you decide to build a PC around the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G, selecting the right supporting components is crucial to maximize its potential, especially given its reliance on fast system memory for the integrated graphics. Here’s a breakdown of the key parts you’ll need:

1. Motherboard AM5 Socket

Chipset Choice:
- B650 Recommended: For most users, a B650 motherboard offers the best balance of features, performance, and price. It supports DDR5, PCIe Gen 5 for at least one M.2 slot, and provides ample connectivity. Look for models with decent VRMs Voltage Regulator Modules if you plan on sustained heavy loads or minor overclocking. The Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX Motherboard is an excellent example, offering robust features and Wi-Fi 6E.
- X670 Overkill for most: X670 chipsets offer more PCIe 5.0 lanes, more USB ports, and often more robust power delivery, but they come at a significantly higher price. For an APU build, this is generally unnecessary unless you have very specific connectivity needs.
Form Factor:
- ATX: Standard size, plenty of expansion slots.
- Micro-ATX: Smaller, but still good expansion.
- Mini-ITX: Crucial for SFF builds, but often more expensive and fewer slots. This is where the 8700G truly shines.

2. RAM DDR5

Speed is Key: As emphasized, the integrated graphics performance is directly tied to RAM speed. Aim for DDR5-6000 MT/s.
Latency: Lower CAS Latency CL is better. CL30 or CL32 is ideal for DDR5-6000.
Capacity: 16GB 2x8GB is the minimum for modern gaming and productivity. 32GB 2x16GB is highly recommended for multi-tasking, content creation, and future-proofing.
Brand: Reputable brands like Corsair Vengeance DDR5 RAM, G.Skill Flare X5 or Trident Z5 Neo, or Kingston Fury are good choices. Ensure the RAM is on the motherboard’s Qualified Vendor List QVL for best compatibility.

3. Storage NVMe SSD

Primary Drive: An NVMe SSD is essential for snappy system responsiveness, fast game load times, and quick application launches.
PCIe Gen 4 Recommended: A 1TB or 2TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD like the Samsung 990 Pro NVMe SSD offers incredible performance at a good price point.
Capacity: 1TB is a good starting point, but 2TB provides much more breathing room for games and files.

4. CPU Cooler

Not Included: The 8700G does not come with a stock cooler.
Air Cooler Recommended: Given its 65W TDP, a good quality air cooler is more than sufficient.
- Budget Option: A single-tower cooler with a 120mm fan from Thermalright e.g., Peerless Assassin, Phantom Spirit or Deepcool e.g., AK400, AG400 will provide excellent cooling for a very reasonable price.
- Premium Option: For absolute silence or if you want to ensure maximum boost clocks under sustained load, larger dual-tower coolers like the Noctua NH-D15 CPU Cooler are excellent, but often overkill.
AIO Liquid Cooler Optional: While not necessary for performance, a 240mm AIO could be used for aesthetic reasons or if you want the lowest possible noise profile, but it’s an added expense.

5. Power Supply Unit PSU

Wattage: Due to the lack of a discrete GPU, your power requirements will be much lower. A 450W to 650W 80 Plus Bronze/Gold certified PSU is more than enough for an 8700G build.
Modularity: A modular or semi-modular PSU will make cable management much easier, especially in smaller cases.
Brand: Stick to reputable brands like Corsair RM850e Power Supply often excellent value even if higher wattage than needed, Seasonic, be quiet!, or Cooler Master.

6. PC Case

Form Factor: Choose a case that matches your motherboard size ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX.
Airflow: Even with low power components, good airflow is essential for component longevity and quiet operation. Look for cases with mesh fronts or good ventilation.
Aesthetics: This is subjective. Cases like the Fractal Design North Case offer excellent aesthetics and airflow, while more compact options are available for SFF builds.

Ryzen AI: The Future of On-Chip Intelligence

The AMD Ryzen 7 8700G stands out not just for its impressive integrated graphics and CPU performance, but also for being among the first desktop processors to integrate a dedicated Neural Processing Unit NPU for AI workloads.

This is what AMD calls “Ryzen AI,” and it represents a significant step towards enabling more efficient and responsive AI experiences directly on your PC.

What is a Neural Processing Unit NPU?

Specialized Hardware: Unlike traditional CPU cores or GPU shaders, an NPU is a specialized hardware accelerator designed from the ground up to handle the repetitive mathematical operations common in AI and machine learning tasks like neural networks.
Efficiency: NPUs can perform these AI calculations much more efficiently and with significantly lower power consumption than a general-purpose CPU or GPU. They are optimized for parallel processing of AI models.
Offloading: The NPU’s role is to offload specific AI tasks from the CPU and GPU. This frees up the CPU and GPU to handle their primary workloads e.g., running applications, gaming while the NPU efficiently manages AI-driven features in the background.

Current and Future Applications of Ryzen AI

While the Ryzen AI NPU is still in its early stages for desktop applications, its potential is vast.

Real-time Video Effects:
- Background Blur/Replacement: Seamlessly apply background blur or replace your background in video conferencing apps e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams without heavily taxing your CPU.
- Eye Contact Correction: Some applications might use AI to make it appear as though you’re looking directly at the camera, even if you’re reading notes.
- Noise Suppression: Advanced noise cancellation that can intelligently filter out background distractions during calls or recordings.
Content Creation Enhancements:
- AI-Powered Upscaling: Smarter video and image upscaling beyond traditional methods, potentially improving quality in tools.
- Creative Filters and Effects: AI-driven filters in photo and video editing software that run more efficiently.
- Transcription: Faster and more accurate real-time audio transcription.
System Responsiveness:
- Adaptive Performance: AI could help operating systems and applications learn user habits to proactively optimize resource allocation, leading to a more responsive and efficient user experience.
- Security: AI-powered threat detection and prevention running locally on the NPU, reducing latency and reliance on cloud services.
Local Generative AI:
- Large Language Models LLMs: While the 8700G’s NPU isn’t designed for running massive, complex LLMs locally from scratch, it can accelerate smaller, optimized models for tasks like text summarization, code completion, or even generating short pieces of text directly on your PC.
- Image Generation: Running small, optimized AI models for image generation like Stable Diffusion could see benefits from NPU acceleration, though dedicated GPUs will still be superior for heavy lifting.

The Ecosystem and Software Support

Driver and Software Integration: For Ryzen AI to be truly impactful, software developers need to integrate support for the NPU into their applications. AMD is working with partners to expand this ecosystem.
Windows Studio Effects: Windows 11 already leverages NPUs for features like Windows Studio Effects, which include automatic framing, eye contact, and background effects for video calls. The 8700G’s NPU will accelerate these features.
AMD’s Long-Term Vision: The inclusion of Ryzen AI in desktop chips signals AMD’s long-term strategy to make AI processing a standard feature across all their computing platforms, from handhelds to desktops and servers. It’s a foundational technology that will become increasingly important as AI becomes more pervasive in our daily digital lives.

While you might not buy the 8700G solely for its NPU today, it’s a valuable forward-looking feature that ensures your system is ready for the next wave of AI-powered applications, offering a tangible benefit in efficiency and performance for tasks that are increasingly becoming commonplace.

Value Proposition: Where the 8700G Stands Out

The AMD Ryzen 7 8700G offers a unique and compelling value proposition that positions it perfectly for a specific segment of the PC market. It’s not just about raw performance numbers.

It’s about the entire package – what you get for your money, and how it simplifies the build process while offering robust capabilities.

Cost Savings on Discrete Graphics

Eliminates Immediate GPU Need: This is the most significant cost saving. A decent entry-level discrete GPU can easily cost $200-$300 or more. The 8700G effectively bundles a highly capable integrated GPU, allowing you to defer or entirely skip that expense.
Total System Cost Reduction: While AM5 motherboards and DDR5 RAM add some cost, the absence of a discrete GPU and potentially a smaller, cheaper PSU, and less robust cooling can lead to substantial overall system savings compared to building a separate CPU + GPU system.
Example: A system with an 8700G can be built for hundreds of dollars less than a comparable system with an Intel CPU and a discrete GPU that offers similar or slightly better 1080p gaming performance.

Power Efficiency and Long-Term Savings

Lower Electricity Bills: As discussed, the 8700G is incredibly power efficient. A lower wattage system translates directly to lower electricity consumption over time, which can add up to meaningful savings, especially if the PC is used for many hours a day.
Reduced Heat and Noise: Less power means less heat, which means quieter cooling. This contributes to a better user experience and can reduce the need for expensive high-performance cooling solutions.

Simplicity and Build Experience

Simpler Builds: Building a PC without a discrete GPU is inherently simpler. Fewer components to install, less cable management, and less troubleshooting. This is a big win for first-time builders or those who prefer a streamlined process.
Compact Form Factors: The 8700G is the king of small form factor SFF builds. You can create incredibly powerful, tiny PCs that fit anywhere, something that’s difficult or impossible with a discrete GPU. This opens up possibilities for living room PCs, desk-constrained setups, or portable systems.

Versatility

All-in-One Solution: It’s a powerhouse for productivity, a capable gaming machine at 1080p, and an excellent media hub, all rolled into one chip. This versatility means you don’t have to compromise heavily on any one aspect if your needs are varied.
Stop-Gap and Upgrade Path: For those uncertain about their long-term gaming needs or facing budget constraints now, the 8700G offers a perfect “stop-gap” solution. You can game now, and if you later decide you need more GPU power, you can simply add a discrete card to the existing AM5 platform. This offers excellent flexibility.

Who is it NOT for?

High-End Gamers: If you demand 1440p/4K gaming, high refresh rates in all titles, or maxed-out settings, the 8700G is not your chip. You need a powerful discrete GPU.
Professional Content Creators Heavy Users: For heavy 4K+ video editing, complex 3D rendering, or intense GPU-accelerated workloads, a dedicated CPU and a workstation-grade GPU will be far superior.
Absolute Budget Builds Sub-$500: While the 8700G saves on a GPU, the AM5 platform cost motherboard, DDR5 RAM can still push the total system price higher than very basic budget builds using older platforms or used components.

In summary, the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G offers exceptional value for those who prioritize efficiency, compact builds, and solid 1080p gaming performance without the immediate need for a discrete graphics card.

It’s a smart choice that delivers a premium integrated experience at a very compelling price point for its target audience.

Conclusion: A Game Changer for Integrated Graphics

The AMD Ryzen 7 8700G is, without a doubt, a significant product that pushes the boundaries of what integrated graphics can achieve. It’s not just a CPU with an iGPU.

It’s a highly optimized Accelerated Processing Unit that delivers a balanced punch of Zen 4 CPU performance and surprisingly capable RDNA 3 graphics.

For its intended audience, it’s nothing short of a must.

This APU shines brightest in scenarios where a discrete graphics card is either impractical, undesired, or beyond the immediate budget. It’s the undisputed champion for:

Compact Builds: Enabling powerful mini-ITX systems that can fit almost anywhere, without the bulk and heat of a dedicated GPU.
Budget-Conscious Gamers: Providing a viable entry point into 1080p gaming, often at respectable frame rates, with the option to upgrade to a discrete GPU later on the robust AM5 platform.
General Productivity and HTPCs: Offering snappy performance for everyday tasks, content creation, and excellent 4K media playback, all while being incredibly power-efficient and quiet.
Users Seeking Simplicity: For those who want to build a capable PC without the added complexity and cost of sourcing a separate graphics card.

While it won’t dethrone high-end discrete GPUs, it redefines the integrated experience, making PC gaming and demanding applications accessible to a broader audience.

Its inclusion of a dedicated Ryzen AI NPU also makes it a forward-looking chip, ready for the next wave of AI-powered applications.

If you’re embarking on a new PC build and find yourself nodding along with these use cases, the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G deserves serious consideration.

It’s a testament to AMD’s continuous innovation, delivering a versatile, efficient, and surprisingly powerful solution that genuinely offers excellent value for the money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G?

The AMD Ryzen 7 8700G is an Accelerated Processing Unit APU that combines an 8-core, 16-thread Zen 4 CPU with a powerful RDNA 3 integrated graphics processor Radeon 780M on a single chip.

It’s designed for users who want solid CPU performance and capable 1080p gaming without needing a discrete graphics card.

Is the Ryzen 7 8700G good for gaming?

Yes, the Ryzen 7 8700G is surprisingly good for gaming at 1080p.

It can deliver playable frame rates often 30-60+ FPS on medium settings in many modern AAA titles and excellent performance 100+ FPS in competitive esports games, especially when paired with fast DDR5 RAM.

Does the 8700G come with a cooler?

No, the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G does not come with a stock cooler.

You will need to purchase an aftermarket CPU cooler separately.

A good quality air cooler is generally sufficient given its 65W TDP.

What RAM speed is best for the Ryzen 7 8700G?

For optimal performance, especially for the integrated graphics, DDR5-6000 MT/s with low CAS Latency CL30 or CL32 is considered the sweet spot for the Ryzen 7 8700G.

Faster RAM directly translates to higher integrated graphics performance.

What motherboard do I need for the Ryzen 7 8700G?

The Ryzen 7 8700G uses the AM5 socket, so you will need an AM5 motherboard. Adobe Audition Review

B650 chipsets offer the best balance of features and price for most users, while X670 boards are more premium.

Can the Ryzen 7 8700G run Cyberpunk 2077?

Yes, the Ryzen 7 8700G can run Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p on low settings, typically achieving 30-40 FPS.

Utilizing AMD’s FSR FidelityFX Super Resolution can further boost frame rates.

Is the Ryzen 7 8700G good for video editing?

Yes, the Ryzen 7 8700G is good for light to moderate video editing.

Its 8 Zen 4 CPU cores provide strong multi-threaded performance, and the RDNA 3 integrated graphics accelerate tasks like scrubbing timelines and rendering in compatible software, especially with its robust media engine and AV1 support.

Does the 8700G have ray tracing?

Yes, the Radeon 780M integrated graphics within the 8700G supports hardware ray tracing.

However, running demanding games with ray tracing enabled will result in very low frame rates and is generally not recommended due to the limited compute power compared to discrete GPUs.

What is Ryzen AI on the 8700G?

Ryzen AI refers to the dedicated Neural Processing Unit NPU integrated into the 8700G.

This NPU is designed to accelerate AI-specific workloads like background blur in video calls, noise suppression, and other AI-driven features more efficiently than the CPU or GPU.

Can I upgrade my system with a discrete GPU later with the 8700G?

Yes, you can absolutely add a discrete graphics card later to a system built around the 8700G. The AM5 platform provides a direct upgrade path. Ableton Live Review

However, note that the PCIe slot for the GPU will operate at PCIe 4.0 x4 bandwidth when paired with an APU like the 8700G.

Is the Ryzen 7 8700G better than a Ryzen 5 7600?

For systems without a discrete GPU, the Ryzen 7 8700G is significantly better than the Ryzen 5 7600 for gaming and GPU-accelerated tasks due to its much more powerful integrated graphics Radeon 780M vs. Radeon 610M. For pure CPU performance, the 7600 might edge out slightly in some heavily multi-threaded workloads due to its higher TDP and clock speeds.

How much power does the Ryzen 7 8700G consume?

The Ryzen 7 8700G has a default Thermal Design Power TDP of 65W, making it very power efficient.

Even under full load, its package power consumption typically stays well within this envelope, sometimes boosting slightly higher but still remaining efficient.

Is the 8700G good for streaming?

Yes, the 8700G is a viable option for streaming, especially for lighter games or content creation.

Its integrated RDNA 3 graphics feature efficient hardware encoders H.264, H.265, and AV1, which can offload the encoding process from the CPU, resulting in higher quality streams with less performance impact.

What’s the difference between an APU and a CPU?

An APU Accelerated Processing Unit combines a central processing unit CPU and a graphics processing unit GPU on a single chip.

A CPU Central Processing Unit is a processor without integrated graphics, primarily handling general computing tasks, and typically requires a discrete GPU for display output and graphics rendering.

Is the 8700G good for Small Form Factor SFF builds?

Yes, the Ryzen 7 8700G is an excellent choice for Small Form Factor SFF builds.

Its powerful integrated graphics eliminate the need for a bulky discrete GPU, allowing for much smaller cases, better airflow, and simpler cooling solutions, making it ideal for compact PCs. Oneplus 12 Review

Can the 8700G handle 4K video playback?

Yes, the Ryzen 7 8700G is fully capable of smooth 4K video playback, including HDR content, thanks to its robust integrated media engine.

It’s well-suited for Home Theater PC HTPC setups.

What kind of performance can I expect in Valorant with the 8700G?

In Valorant, the Ryzen 7 8700G can deliver excellent performance, typically achieving well over 150-200+ FPS on high settings at 1080p, making it ideal for competitive gaming.

Is the Ryzen 7 8700G suitable for professional 3D rendering?

For professional, heavy 3D rendering, the Ryzen 7 8700G is not ideal.

While its CPU cores can handle some basic rendering, and the iGPU can assist with viewport performance, it cannot compete with dedicated CPUs and discrete workstation-grade GPUs for demanding rendering tasks.

What is the advantage of Zen 4 architecture in the 8700G?

The Zen 4 architecture provides the 8700G with improved Instructions Per Cycle IPC, higher boost clock speeds up to 5.1 GHz, and enhanced power efficiency compared to previous generations, resulting in snappy performance for both single-threaded and multi-threaded applications.

How does FSR FidelityFX Super Resolution benefit the 8700G?

AMD’s FSR technology can significantly boost frame rates in supported games by rendering at a lower resolution and then intelligently upscaling the image to your display’s native resolution.

This is especially beneficial for the 8700G’s integrated graphics to achieve more playable frame rates in demanding titles.

Will the Ryzen 7 8700G bottleneck a future discrete GPU?

The 8700G will provide PCIe 4.0 x4 lanes to a discrete GPU, which could theoretically be a bottleneck for very high-end graphics cards e.g., RTX 4080/4090 in some scenarios.

However, for most mid-range GPUs e.g., RTX 4060, RX 7600, the performance impact is usually negligible in real-world gaming. Persona 3 Reload Review

Is it worth buying the 8700G if I plan to add a GPU immediately?

If you plan to add a discrete GPU immediately, the 8700G’s value proposition diminishes slightly.

You might be better off with a pure CPU like a Ryzen 7600 or 7700X as its base cost combined with a discrete GPU might offer better overall performance for the price, though the 8700G’s NPU could still be a factor.

What is the expected lifespan of the AM5 platform?

AMD has committed to supporting the AM5 socket until at least 2025, and likely beyond.

This means you should be able to upgrade to future generations of Ryzen processors on the same motherboard, offering excellent longevity and upgrade path.

Does the 8700G support Wi-Fi 6E?

Support for Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 depends on the specific AM5 motherboard you choose.

Many modern B650 and X670 motherboards come with integrated Wi-Fi 6E or even Wi-Fi 7 capabilities.

The 8700G itself does not dictate the Wi-Fi standard.

How much VRAM does the Radeon 780M have?

The Radeon 780M integrated graphics does not have dedicated VRAM.

It utilizes a portion of your system’s DDR5 RAM as shared memory.

The amount allocated can often be adjusted in the motherboard’s BIOS, but performance is primarily tied to the speed and configuration of your system RAM. Oneplus 12R Review

Can the Ryzen 7 8700G run virtual machines?

Yes, with 8 cores and 16 threads, the Ryzen 7 8700G is perfectly capable of running multiple virtual machines VMs for development, testing, or other purposes, provided you allocate sufficient RAM to each VM.

How does the 8700G compare to Intel’s integrated graphics?

The Radeon 780M in the Ryzen 7 8700G is significantly more powerful than Intel’s integrated graphics e.g., Intel Iris Xe or UHD Graphics found in their standard desktop CPUs, offering a much superior gaming and graphics experience.

Is the 8700G good for AutoCAD or similar CAD software?

For light to moderate CAD work, the Ryzen 7 8700G can be capable.

The strong CPU performance helps with general software responsiveness, and the integrated RDNA 3 graphics can handle 2D drafting and basic 3D model viewing.

For complex 3D modeling and rendering, a discrete workstation GPU would be more beneficial.

What are the main benefits of DDR5 RAM for the 8700G?

The main benefits of DDR5 RAM for the 8700G are significantly higher bandwidth and frequencies compared to DDR4. This directly improves the performance of the integrated Radeon 780M graphics, which relies on system memory for its VRAM, leading to higher frame rates in games and faster GPU-accelerated tasks.

What is the optimal RAM configuration for the 8700G?

The optimal RAM configuration for the 8700G is a dual-channel setup e.g., two 8GB or 16GB sticks of DDR5-6000 MT/s RAM with low CAS Latency e.g., CL30 or CL32. This ensures maximum memory bandwidth for the integrated graphics and overall system performance.

Amd Ryzen 7 8700G Review