PC gaming can be an expensive hobby, especially if you want to enjoy the latest and greatest games with smooth graphics and high resolutions.
But what if you don’t have the money or the space for a dedicated graphics card (GPU)? Is there a way to game on a budget without compromising too much on performance?
The answer is yes, thanks to the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G processor. This is a unique processor that has integrated graphics, meaning it can run games without needing a
separate GPU. This makes it a great option for gamers who want to save money, build a compact PC, or upgrade their graphics later.
But is Ryzen 7 8700g good for gaming? What are its strengths and weaknesses? And who should buy it? In this review,
we will explore these questions and more, giving you a comprehensive overview of the 8700G’s gaming capabilities, potential, and pitfalls.
What is the 8700G and How Does It Work?
The 8700G is a processor or CPU, that powers your PC. It has 8 cores and 16 threads, which means it can handle multiple tasks at once, such as running multiple programs,
browsing the web, or streaming videos. It also has a base clock speed of 3.2 GHz and a boost speed of 4.1 GHz, which means it can adjust its performance depending on the workload.
But what makes the 8700G special is that it also has integrated graphics, or iGPU. This means it has a built-in graphics chip that can render images and videos on your screen,
without needing a separate GPU. The iGPU of the 8700G is the Radeon 780M, which is based on AMD’s Vega architecture and has 11 compute units and 704 stream processors.
The advantage of having an iGPU is that you can save money and space by not buying a GPU. A GPU can be quite expensive, ranging from $100 to $1000 or more, depending on
the model and performance. It can also take up a lot of space in your PC case, requiring a dedicated slot, power supply, and cooling system.
By using an iGPU, you can avoid these costs and hassles, and still enjoy some gaming.
How Good is the 8700G for Gaming?
The 8700G is not a gaming beast, but it is not a slouch either. It can run many popular games at 1080p resolution (the standard for most monitors) with medium to low settings,
delivering smooth frame rates (the number of images per second) of 30 to 60 FPS.
For example, you can play games like Overwatch, CS:GO, and League of Legends with decent graphics and performance on the 8700G.
However, the 8700G has its limits. If you try to play more demanding games, such as Cyberpunk 2077, or increase the resolution or settings, you might experience choppy
gameplay and low frame rates, which can ruin your gaming experience. The 8700G is not designed to handle these scenarios, as it has limited graphics power and memory.
To put it simply, the 8700G is a good option for casual gaming, but not for hardcore gaming. It can handle most games, but not all games, and not at the highest quality. It is a
compromise between affordability and performance, and you have to be realistic about what you can expect from it.
Ryzen 5 8500G vs Ryzen 5 8600G vs Ryzen 7 8700G – Test in 11 Games
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G Features and Specifications
| Feature | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 8700G |
| Cores/Threads | 8 Cores / 16 Threads |
| Base Clock Speed | 4.2 GHz |
| Boost Clock Speed | Up to 5.1 GHz |
| Integrated Graphics | Radeon 780M with 12 Compute Units (CU) |
| TDP (Thermal Design Power) | 65 watts |
| Memory Support | DDR5-5200 |
| PCIe Lanes | PCIe Gen 4 x16 |
| Overclocking | Supported |
| Integrated AI Engine | AMD Ryzen AI |
| Other Features | AMD Precision Boost 2, AMD StoreMI Technology, AMD fTPM 2.0 |
Ryzen 7 8700G (Radeon 780M) vs GTX 1060 6GB – Test in 9 Games
Ryzen 7 8700G Gaming Benchmarks (Average FPS at 1080p)
| Game Title | Low Settings | Medium Settings | High Settings | Ultra Settings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forza Horizon 5 | 85 | 65 | 45 | 30 |
| Hogwarts Legacy | 60 | 45 | 35 | 25 |
| The Last of Us Part 1 | 70 | 55 | 40 | 30 |
| Counter-Strike: Global Offensive | 200+ | 150+ | 120+ | 100+ |
| Valorant | 250+ | 200+ | 150+ | 120+ |
| Assassin’s Creed Valhalla | 50 | 40 | 30 | 25 |
| Assassin’s Creed Mirage | 60 | 50 | 40 | 30 |
| A Plague Tale: Requiem | 55 | 45 | 35 | 25 |
| Shadow of the Tomb Raider | 60 | 50 | 40 | 30 |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | 45 | 35 | 30 | 25 |
| Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales | 50 | 40 | 35 | 25 |
| Grand Theft Auto V | 60 | 50 | 40 | 30 |
| God of War | 55 | 45 | 40 | 30 |
| Far Cry 6 | 50 | 40 | 35 | 25 |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 40 | 30 | 25 | 20 |
What Else Can the 8700G Do?
The 8700G is not just a gaming processor; it is also a versatile processor that can handle other tasks, such as content creation, video editing, and streaming.
Thanks to its 8 cores and 16 threads, the 8700G can multitask and handle heavy workloads, such as rendering videos, encoding audio, or compressing files.
This makes it a great option for gamers who also create content, such as YouTube videos, Twitch streams, or podcasts.
For example, you can use the 8700G to edit your gameplay footage directly on your gaming PC, without losing performance or quality. You can also use it to stream your gameplay to
your audience, using software like OBS or XSplit, without lagging or stuttering. The 8700G can handle these tasks with ease, thanks to its CPU power and iGPU support.
The 8700G is a processor that can do more than just gaming. It is a processor that can also help you create and share your gaming content, without sacrificing performance or quality.
How Much Does the 8700G Cost?
One of the main reasons to buy the 8700G is its affordability. Compared to a GPU, the 8700G offers significant cost savings, making it a budget-friendly entry point into PC
gaming. The 8700G costs around $300, which is much cheaper than most GPUs, especially in the current market where GPUs are scarce and overpriced.
However, you have to remember that the 8700G is not the only component you need to build a gaming PC. You also need other parts, such as RAM, motherboard, storage,
power supply, case, and monitor. These parts can add up to the total cost of your PC, depending on the quality and performance you want.
The key takeaway is that the 8700G’s affordability comes with performance trade-offs. You have to consider your budget and gaming expectations before buying the 8700G. If you
want to game on a budget, the 8700G is a good choice. But if you want to game on a high level, the 8700G might not be enough.
Can You Upgrade the 8700G?
Here’s some good news: the 8700G is not a dead end. It is a processor that supports future GPU upgrades, meaning you can add a dedicated GPU later on for a significant
performance boost. This way, you can start with the 8700G as a competent iGPU solution, and then upgrade to a powerful GPU solution when you have more money or when the GPU market stabilizes.
This is a great feature of the 8700G, as it gives you flexibility and scalability. You can start with a budget-friendly gaming PC, and then transform it into a gaming powerhouse,
without changing the processor. You can enjoy the best of both worlds, depending on your needs and preferences.
Think of the 8700G as a future-proof investment. You can buy it now and game on a budget, and then upgrade it later and game on a high level.
Can I play games without a separate graphics card?
Yes, you can play games without a separate graphics card using the Ryzen 7 8700G. It has integrated graphics, which means the graphics chip is built into the processor. This can
handle many games, especially those that are not too demanding on graphics.
How well will it handle new games?
The Ryzen 7 8700G can manage new games if you adjust the settings. For example, if you choose lower graphics settings, you can enjoy many of the latest games. However, the
visual quality and smoothness of the game (frame rates) might not be as high as with a separate, more powerful graphics card.
What frame rates can I expect?
Frame rates will differ based on the game you’re playing, the graphics settings you’ve chosen, and how much RAM your computer has. Generally, more demanding games will run
at lower frame rates. You can find out the exact frame rates for specific games by looking up online benchmarks for the Ryzen 7 8700G.
Is it good for esports games?
Yes, the Ryzen 7 8700G is quite capable of handling popular esports games such as Fortnite and CS: GO.
You should be able to play these games with decent frame rates, making them a good choice for competitive gaming.
Is it a good choice for a budget gaming PC?
For gamers who are watching their budget and don’t need the highest graphics performance, the Ryzen 7 8700G is a great choice.
It offers a balance between cost and capability, allowing you to enjoy many games without spending a lot on a separate graphics card.
Can I upgrade the graphics later?
Absolutely! If you decide you want better graphics performance in the future, you can add a separate, dedicated graphics card to work alongside the Ryzen 7 8700G.
Would benchmarks help me decide?
Definitely! Benchmarks give you a clear idea of how the Ryzen 7 8700G performs in different games.
By searching for “Ryzen 7 8700G gaming benchmarks,” you can find detailed performance information that can help you make an informed decision.
Are there limitations to using the built-in graphics?
Yes, there are some limitations. Integrated graphics like those in the Ryzen 7 8700G usually have less memory available for graphics (VRAM) compared to separate, dedicated graphics
cards. This can limit performance in games that need a lot of VRAM for textures and other graphics data. However, for many games, the integrated graphics will be sufficient.
How does the Ryzen 7 8700G compare to other APUs in terms of gaming performance?
The Ryzen 7 8700G is a strong performer in the APU market. It’s got the best integrated GPU (iGPU) performance available right now.
This means for gaming without an extra graphics card, it’s a top choice. It can handle many games at 1080p, but with some settings turned down.
What kind of RAM speed and capacity is recommended for optimal gaming with the Ryzen 7 8700G?
For the Ryzen 7 8700G, faster RAM helps a lot. DDR5-5200 is the sweet spot for balancing cost and performance.
More RAM means better multitasking, so 16GB is a good starting point, but 32GB is even better if you can afford it.
Are there any specific games that the Ryzen 7 8700G struggles with, even at lower settings?
Yes, very demanding games like Alan Wake 2 or Cyberpunk 2077 with ray tracing might be too much for the 8700G3. It’s great for less demanding games, though.
Can overclocking the Ryzen 7 8700G improve gaming performance?
Overclocking can boost performance, sometimes significantly. But it also increases heat and can shorten the life of your CPU, so it’s a trade-off4.
How power-efficient is the Ryzen 7 8700G while gaming?
The 8700G is quite power-efficient. It has a 65W TDP, with 88W peak power, which is good for an APU5. This means it doesn’t use a lot of electricity, even when gaming.
Are there any compatibility issues I should be aware of when building a PC with the Ryzen 7 8700G?
The Ryzen 7 8700G uses the AM5 socket, so make sure your motherboard supports that6. Also, check for any BIOS updates that might be needed.
Is there a significant difference in gaming performance between the Ryzen 7 8700G and a similar-priced Ryzen 5 with a dedicated graphics card?
The Ryzen 7 8700G’s iGPU is very good, but a Ryzen 5 with a dedicated graphics card will usually perform better in games. It depends on the graphics card, though.
Conclusion
The final verdict depends on your priorities and playstyle. The 8700G is a processor that offers a balance between affordability and performance, but it is not for everyone. Here are some scenarios to help you decide:
You are a budget-conscious gamer who wants to save money and space, and you are okay with 1080p gaming at medium settings. The 8700G is a solid choice for you, as it offers decent gaming performance without needing a GPU.
You are a casual gamer who plays less demanding titles and does not care much about graphics quality or resolution. The 8700G is a good choice for you, as it can run most games smoothly without breaking the bank.
You are a content creator who also dabbles in gaming, and you need a processor that can handle both gaming and creative workloads. The 8700G is a versatile choice for you, as it has a powerful CPU and an iGPU that can support video editing and streaming.
You are a hardcore gamer who craves high-resolution gaming with maxed-out settings, and you want to enjoy the latest and greatest games with the best graphics and performance. The 8700G is not a good choice for you, as it cannot handle these scenarios. You should invest in a dedicated GPU instead.
FAQs
Can the Ryzen 7 8700G handle modern games?
Yes, the Ryzen 7 8700G can handle most modern games at 1080p resolution and low to medium settings. However, for demanding AAA titles at high or ultra settings, it might struggle a bit.
How does the 8700G compare to dedicated graphics cards?
The 8700G falls short of dedicated GPUs in raw graphical power. Think of it as a budget-friendly alternative for casual gaming or those without access to a dedicated GPU.
What are the 8700G’s strengths for gaming?
It offers decent CPU performance, suitable for multitasking and lighter games. Its integrated graphics are significantly better than previous APUs, making it a compelling entry-level gaming option.
What are the 8700G’s weaknesses for gaming?
Limited graphical power means you’ll be restricted to lower resolutions and settings for demanding games. Additionally, RAM speed and dual-channel configuration are crucial for optimal performance.
Should I buy the 8700G for hardcore gaming?
Not necessarily. If you prioritize high-end graphics and smooth performance in demanding titles, investing in a dedicated GPU is recommended.
Is the 8700G good for other tasks besides gaming?
Absolutely! Its strong CPU makes it suitable for everyday tasks, productivity, and light content creation.
What are some alternatives to the 8700G?
For similar budget options, consider Intel’s Core i3 with a dedicated GPU.For better gaming performance, look at Ryzen 5 5600G or Ryzen 7 5700G paired with a GPU.