Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsSome links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Verdict: The Ryzen 7 8700G is the faster and more versatile choice, pairing eight Zen 4 cores with AMD’s Radeon 780M integrated graphics. The six-core Ryzen 5 8600G is the better value for affordable desktops, compact PCs and moderate gaming. Both are most compelling when the system will operate without a discrete graphics card, and both benefit substantially from fast, dual-channel DDR5 memory.
This article covers the concluding power, thermal, tuning and buying sections of HotHardware’s review, published January 29, 2024. Its benchmark and temperature figures are historical measurements from that test platform, not universal 2026 performance results.
At a glance
- Best integrated graphics: Ryzen 7 8700G
- Best lower-cost option: Ryzen 5 8600G
- Best use case: A compact or entry-level AM5 system without a discrete GPU
- Biggest caveat: Integrated graphics performance depends heavily on dual-channel, high-bandwidth DDR5
- Poor fit: A build that will immediately use a powerful discrete graphics card
Ryzen 7 8700G vs. Ryzen 5 8600G specifications
| Specification | Ryzen 7 8700G | Ryzen 5 8600G |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Zen 4 | Zen 4 |
| CPU cores/threads | 8/16 | 6/12 |
| Base clock | 4.2GHz | 4.3GHz |
| Maximum boost | Up to 5.1GHz | Up to 5.0GHz |
| Integrated GPU | Radeon 780M, 12 compute units | Radeon 760M, 8 compute units |
| Maximum graphics frequency | 2.9GHz | 2.8GHz |
| Default TDP | 65W | 65W |
| Socket | AM5 | AM5 |
| Official memory support in common two-DIMM configurations | DDR5-5200 | DDR5-5200 |
| Retail cooler | Wraith Spire | Wraith Stealth |
| Launch MSRP | $329 | $229 |
AMD lists both processors as unlocked and compatible with EXPO memory profiles, Precision Boost Overdrive, Curve Optimizer and Ryzen Master. Both also include Ryzen AI/NPU hardware, although actual NPU acceleration depends on operating-system and application support.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →What this review section actually covers
“Page 5” is not only a temperature page. It is the conclusion of the larger HotHardware review and covers total system power, behavior during PCMark 10 and 3DMark workloads, sustained temperatures and frequencies, Ryzen Master and PBO observations, and the final buying verdict. The earlier pages cover CPU, productivity, rendering and gaming performance.
#1 Best Overall
- GAME WITH THE FASTEST PC PROCESSOR GRAPHICS IN THE WORLD
- 8 Cores and 16 processing threads, with advanced AMD "Zen 4" architecture
- 5.1 GHz Max Boost, unlocked for overclocking, DDR5 support
- For the state-of-the-art Socket AM5 platform, upgradable for years to come
- Premium AMD Wraith Spire Cooler Included
Test platform and methodology
HotHardware tested the processors on an ASRock B650 Pro RS with 32GB of G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo memory, updated firmware, Windows-based benchmarks and AMD’s included air cooler for the 8700G. The review generally used official platform memory speeds unless a faster configuration was specifically identified.
Its power figures were measured at the wall, representing total system consumption rather than CPU package power. Some comparison systems used enthusiast-class X670E motherboards, while the AMD systems used B650. X670E boards generally carry more I/O and motherboard hardware, so the results demonstrate the efficiency of those tested configurations rather than providing a perfectly controlled processor-only comparison.
Power consumption: efficient, but read the chart correctly
The 8600G- and 8700G-based systems used less power at idle and under full load than the comparison systems in HotHardware’s test set. That makes the chips attractive for compact desktops, media PCs and systems that run for long periods.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11However, “low power” here means comparatively low whole-system wall power. It does not mean that every motherboard, memory kit, BIOS profile or workload will produce the same result. CPU-only power, APU package power, idle power, a full multi-core load and an integrated-GPU gaming load are different measurements and should not be treated interchangeably.
Temperatures and boost behavior
With the included cooler, HotHardware observed the 8700G staying near its boost frequencies through much of a sustained PCMark 10 run. During the final sustained multi-threaded POV-Ray workload, it reached approximately 80°C. In a looping Cinebench workload, the chip exceeded 90°C while running at approximately 4.6GHz all-core.
Rank #2
- Processor Manufacturer: AMD
- Processor Core: Octa-core (8 Core)
- Clock Speed: 4.20 GHz
- Overclocking Speed: 5.10 GHz
- L2 Cache: 8 MB
Those are observations from one system, cooler, BIOS configuration, ambient temperature, workload version and monitoring method. They are not guaranteed temperatures for every 8700G build. AMD lists a 95°C maximum operating temperature for both processors, and HotHardware did not report a meaningful thermal-throttling problem under its test conditions.
A temperature above 90°C during an extreme, sustained all-core loop is not automatically evidence of a defective processor. Persistent throttling, crashes, unusual fan behavior or high temperatures during light workloads are different matters. Check cooler mounting, thermal paste, fan direction, case airflow, BIOS settings, background tasks and sensor-software accuracy.
Is the included cooler enough?
For stock operation, yes. HotHardware considered the included AMD cooler adequate, even though the 8700G became hot during the sustained Cinebench loop.
- Wraith Spire or Stealth: The lowest-cost option for a basic stock build.
- Larger tower cooler: Worth considering for lower noise, better sustained temperatures and long all-core workloads.
- Low-profile cooler: Useful in small cases, but cooler height, airflow and fan noise must be checked.
- Liquid cooling: Usually difficult to justify for a stock 65W APU unless space or acoustics create a specific need.
A stronger cooler does not automatically deliver a large performance increase. HotHardware tried PBO and AutoOC tuning but saw no significant uplift in its limited testing.
Memory is central to integrated-graphics performance
The Radeon 780M and 760M do not have dedicated VRAM. They share system memory with the CPU, so bandwidth is a major part of the graphics specification in practice.
Rank #3
- Play some of the most popular games at 1080p with the fastest processor graphics in the world, no graphics card required
- 8 Cores and 16 processing threads, bundled with the AMD Wraith Stealth cooler
- 4.6 GHz Max Boost, unlocked for overclocking, 20 MB cache, DDR4-3200 support
- For the advanced Socket AM4 platform. Maximum Operating Temperature (Tjmax)-95°C
Use a matched two-DIMM kit and confirm that the system is operating in dual-channel mode. A single module can substantially reduce available memory bandwidth and integrated-GPU performance. Capacity matters too: the graphics engine reserves part of system memory, making 32GB a sensible target for a new general-purpose or gaming build.
AMD’s official baseline for common two-DIMM configurations is DDR5-5200. HotHardware also tested the 8700G with DDR5-6400 using an EXPO profile and recorded a clear improvement in graphics results. That faster setting is memory overclocking, not a guarantee that every processor, motherboard and kit will be stable at DDR5-6400.
If EXPO causes crashes or boot failures, enter UEFI, disable EXPO or load optimized defaults, update the motherboard BIOS when appropriate, try a lower memory speed, and run memory diagnostics plus several hours of real workloads. Do not assume that one review sample’s memory result applies to every system.
What can the Radeon 780M and 760M do?
The 8700G’s 12-compute-unit Radeon 780M is substantially faster than the 8600G’s eight-compute-unit Radeon 760M, and faster memory widens that advantage. HotHardware found the 760M competitive with other strong integrated graphics solutions in its test set, while the 780M competed with some entry-level discrete graphics cards in selected tests.
That does not make the 8700G a replacement for every modern graphics card. The sensible expectations are:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #4
- The world’s fastest gaming processor, built on AMD ‘Zen5’ technology and Next Gen 3D V-Cache.
- 8 cores and 16 threads, delivering +~16% IPC uplift and great power efficiency
- 96MB L3 cache with better thermal performance vs. previous gen and allowing higher clock speeds, up to 5.2GHz
- Drop-in ready for proven Socket AM5 infrastructure
- Cooler not included
- Esports games: Generally the most natural fit for an iGPU system, particularly at sensible settings.
- Older games: A strong use case for both processors.
- Mainstream 1080p gaming: Often practical with reduced settings, depending on the game and memory configuration.
- Modern demanding games: Expect compromises in resolution, quality, upscaling and frame rate.
- Emulation and HTPC use: Excellent reasons to choose a capable integrated GPU in a compact system.
Results vary with the game engine, driver, resolution, texture quality, upscaling, cooling, power limits, memory speed and dual-channel operation. A claim that the 780M is equivalent to a particular discrete GPU is incomplete unless it names the game, settings, resolution, memory configuration and test source.
CPU performance: when the 8700G earns its premium
Both chips deliver competitive mainstream CPU performance, but the 8700G’s eight cores and 16 threads give it the expected advantage in heavily threaded work. It is the better choice for rendering, video encoding, compilation, virtual machines, heavy multitasking and streaming while gaming.
The 8600G’s six cores and 12 threads are sufficient for office applications, browsing, media playback, general desktop work, moderate gaming and light content creation. If the integrated GPU is the main limit in a game, paying for the 8700G’s additional CPU resources may not improve the experience proportionally.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What happens when you add a discrete GPU?
Both processors can be paired with a discrete graphics card. HotHardware’s configurations with and without a discrete GPU showed how adding a card changes comparative PCMark results, particularly when the graphics portion is no longer limited by the integrated GPU.
The question is whether the APU is still the best starting point. The main reason to pay for an 8700G is its unusually capable integrated graphics together with its eight-core CPU. If a powerful discrete GPU will be installed immediately, much of that integrated-graphics value remains unused. A conventional AM5 CPU with stronger gaming characteristics or a cheaper processor paired with a discrete card may make more sense, depending on total local pricing.
Best Value
- Processor provides dependable and fast execution of tasks with maximum efficiency.Graphics Frequency : 2200 MHZ.Number of CPU Cores : 8. Maximum Operating Temperature (Tjmax) : 89°C.
- Ryzen 7 product line processor for better usability and increased efficiency
- 5 nm process technology for reliable performance with maximum productivity
- Octa-core (8 Core) processor core allows multitasking with great reliability and fast processing speed
- 8 MB L2 plus 96 MB L3 cache memory provides excellent hit rate in short access time enabling improved system performance
Platform requirements
You need an AM5 motherboard. If the PC will run without a discrete graphics card, the motherboard must also have a suitable HDMI or DisplayPort output; an APU’s integrated GPU cannot be used through a board that provides no display connector.
AMD lists support across chipset families including A620, B650/B650E, X670/X670E, B850, B840 and X870/X870E, subject to the features and BIOS of the individual board. A chipset-support list does not guarantee that every board in circulation ships ready for the processor. Check the manufacturer’s CPU-support list and BIOS notes, especially with older inventory. Features such as BIOS flashback, Wi-Fi, USB connectivity, M.2 slots and memory layout may matter more than the chipset name.
Which processor should you buy?
Choose the Ryzen 7 8700G if:
- You will rely on integrated graphics for a substantial period.
- You want the fastest iGPU of these two chips.
- You regularly multitask, render, encode, compile or use virtual machines.
- You want an eight-core, 16-thread AM5 system in a compact case.
- The price difference is small enough to justify the extra cores and larger GPU.
Choose the Ryzen 5 8600G if:
- Your budget is constrained.
- The PC is mainly for office work, browsing, media and moderate gaming.
- You want a capable iGPU but do not need four additional threads.
- A discrete GPU is planned later and the integrated GPU is a stopgap.
- The savings can fund 32GB of dual-channel DDR5, a better motherboard, storage or case airflow.
Avoid both when:
- You already own a discrete graphics card and have no need for a powerful iGPU.
- Maximum CPU gaming performance is the priority.
- A high-end discrete GPU will be installed immediately.
- Your workload requires substantially more CPU cache or high-end multi-core throughput.
- The complete AM5 build costs more than a better CPU-plus-GPU alternative.
Price and availability context
AMD’s launch MSRPs were $329 for the 8700G and $229 for the 8600G. On August 18, 2026, AMD’s U.S. store pages displayed $281 and $191 respectively, but both pages showed the products as out of stock. Treat those figures as dated price signals, not guaranteed retail prices. Compare the delivered price, warranty, return policy and complete platform cost before buying.
Final verdict
The Ryzen 7 8700G remains the performance choice for an integrated-graphics desktop. Its Radeon 780M, eight Zen 4 cores and 16 threads make it particularly attractive for compact gaming PCs, emulation systems, HTPCs and small workstations that will not have a discrete GPU immediately.
The Ryzen 5 8600G is the more economical option. It preserves the same basic appeal—Zen 4 CPU performance and a useful Radeon iGPU—while giving up CPU cores and graphics resources. For everyday computing and moderate gaming, the money saved may be better spent on dual-channel memory, storage, motherboard features or a better case.
Both APUs are efficient and practical, but the recommendation depends on the complete build. Fast, stable dual-channel DDR5 is not an optional detail, and a conventional CPU-plus-discrete-GPU system may be better value for a PC built around a powerful graphics card.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Recommended Free Tools
