Core i7-1180G7 vs Core i7-8709G

Intel

Core i7-1180G7

4 Cores8 Thrd9 WWMax: 4.6 GHz2021
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-8709G

4 Cores8 Thrd100 WWMax: 4.1 GHz2018
Similar parts
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Core i7-1180G7 vs Core i7-8709G Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i7-1180G7 vs Core i7-8709G FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i7-1180G7 vs Core i7-8709G: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-1180G7

2021

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +3.9% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Draws 9W instead of 100W, a 91W reduction.
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (4 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
  • Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Xe Graphics 96EU, while Core i7-8709G needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

  • Lower PassMark (7,788 vs 7,934).

Core i7-8709G

2018

Why buy it

  • +1.9% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-1180G7 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Smaller total L3 cache (8 MB vs 12 MB).
  • Launch MSRP is still $338 MSRP, while Core i7-1180G7 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 1011.1% higher power demand at 100W vs 9W.
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-1180G7 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-1180G7 better than Core i7-8709G?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-1180G7 is ahead with a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-8709G pulls ahead with 1.9% better PassMark. Core i7-1180G7 also has the bigger cache pool with 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-8709G is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.9% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-1180G7 is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i7-1180G7 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $338 MSRP, and it still gives you a 3.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-8709G only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 3.9% in the shared gaming data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-1180G7 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2021 vs 2018) and 50% larger total L3 cache (12 MB vs 8 MB). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-1180G7 vs Core i7-8709G Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Intel

Core i7-1180G7

The Core i7-1180G7 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 31 March 2021 (4 years ago). It is based on the Tiger Lake-UP4 (2020−2021) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.3 GHz, with boost up to 4.6 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on 10 nm SuperFin process technology. Socket: FCBGA1598. Thermal design power (TDP): 9 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,788 points. Launch price was $426.

Intel

Core i7-8709G

The Core i7-8709G is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake G (2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2270. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2400. Passmark benchmark score: 7,934 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-1180G7 and Core i7-8709G share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.6 GHz on the Core i7-1180G7 versus 4.1 GHz on the Core i7-8709G — a 11.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-1180G7 (base: 1.3 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i7-1180G7 uses the Tiger Lake-UP4 (2020−2021) architecture (10 nm SuperFin), while the Core i7-8709G uses Kaby Lake G (2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-1180G7 scores 7,788 against the Core i7-8709G's 7,934 — a 1.9% lead for the Core i7-8709G. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-1180G7 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-8709G.

FeatureCore i7-1180G7Core i7-8709G
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
4 / 8
Boost Clock
4.6 GHz+12%
4.1 GHz
Base Clock
1.3 GHz
3.1 GHz+138%
L3 Cache
12 MB (total)+50%
8 MB (total)
L2 Cache
1.25 MB (per core)
256K (per core)+20380%
Process
10 nm SuperFin-29%
14 nm
Architecture
Tiger Lake-UP4 (2020−2021)
Kaby Lake G (2018)
PassMark
7,788
7,934+2%
Geekbench 6 Single
1,845
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-1180G7 uses the FCBGA1598 socket (PCIe 4.0), while the Core i7-8709G uses FCBGA2270 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-1180G7Core i7-8709G
Socket
FCBGA1598
FCBGA2270
PCIe Generation
PCIe 4.0+33%
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
LPDDR4x-4267
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
ECC Support
No
PCIe Lanes
4
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-1180G7) / not specified (Core i7-8709G). The Core i7-1180G7 includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe Graphics 96EU), while the Core i7-8709G requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-1180G7 targets Premium Ultra-Thin Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-1180G7 rivals Ryzen 7 5800U.

FeatureCore i7-1180G7Core i7-8709G
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Iris Xe Graphics 96EU
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
Yes
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
Target Use
Premium Ultra-Thin Laptop