The battle between AMD and Intel has always captivated tech enthusiasts and casual users alike, becoming one of the most popular comparisons in the tech field today. Today, we dive into a compelling showdown: the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G vs the Intel Core i7 14700K. The Ryzen 7 8700G, AMD’s versatile APU, is celebrated as a compelling option for those seeking a balance between cost and capability. On the other hand, the Intel Core i7 14700K, released in Q4 of 2023, though more expensive, brings to the table enhanced specs that promise superior performance. Let’s take a look at some of the components, test results, and best value comparisons out there for these two models.
We also have an AMD Ryzen 7 8700G review round-up and an AMD Ryzen 7 8700G vs AMD Ryzen 7 5700G article just waiting for you. Be sure to check them out.
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G vs Intel Core i7 14700K – Specs
The Intel Core i7-14700K emerges as a high-end CPU engineered to tackle not just 4K gaming but also some of the most demanding tasks in productivity, content creation, and streaming that enthusiasts might throw at it. This powerhouse leverages Intel’s core architecture, combining 8 Performance-cores (P-Cores) and 12 Efficiency-cores (E-Cores), to excel in multi-threading tasks, demonstrating the nuanced balance between power efficiency and raw performance.
With boosted speeds reaching up to 5.6 GHz—500 MHz more than the AMD Ryzen 7 8700G—the 14700K asserts itself as the superior unit, spec-wise. This significant edge in clock speed is one of the strongest components and key factors that contribute to its dominance/increased performance over the 8700G. The lower TDP of the 7 8700G typically means that it consumes less power. If the CPU exceeds the maximum operating temperature then problems such as random resets can occur.
| Specs | AMD Ryzen 7 8700G | Intel Core i7 14700K |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 8/16 | 20/28 |
| Base Clock | 4.2 GHz | 3.4 GHz |
| Boost Clock | 5.1 GHz | 5.6 GHz |
| Lithography | TSMC 4 nm | Intel 10 nm |
| Cache Size L3 | 16 MB | 33 MB |
| TDP | 65 W | 125 W |
| MSRP | $329 | $409 |
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G vs Intel Core i7 1400K – Performance and benchmarks
Performance user benchmarks further underscore the 14700K’s prowess and the main differences between these two. In rendering tasks, it operates up to twice as fast as its AMD counterpart. Similarly, Cinebench R23, racks up almost double the points of the 8700G, highlighting a clear performance chasm between the two. While the 8700G holds its ground as a capable mid-range, entry-level CPU, it finds itself overshadowed by the 14700K’s sheer power.
In gaming benchmarks like 3DMark Time Spy, the 14700K’s superior cache and clock speed translate to a CPU Subscore that is twice as high as that of the 8700G. Yet, when it comes to real-world gaming scenarios, AMD’s architecture begins to show its strengths. The 8700G narrows the performance gap, delivering results that closely mirror those of the 14700K, thanks in part to its efficient design and integrated Radeon 780M iGPU, which particularly shines in tests evaluating integrated graphics performance.
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G vs Intel Core i7 14700K – Price
With the 8700G priced at $329 and the 14700K at $409, there’s an $80 difference that sets the stage for evaluating their value proposition. The 14700K’s higher price tag reflects its better performance in productivity tasks, content creation, streaming, and AI tasks, alongside its better graphics and cache results. While the gap in gaming performance between the two CPUs isn’t stark, the 14700K’s ability to pair seamlessly with high-end GPUs, without the risk of bottlenecking, gives it a distinct advantage for typical consumers.
The i7-8700 offers exceptional single-core performance and multi-core bandwidth power to the mainstream market but unfortunately, a new 300 series chipset will also need to be factored into the purchase for those seeking optimal performance for their desktop. It’s capable of leveraging the full potential of GPUs beyond the capabilities of the 8700G, which finds its match in last-gen GPUs like the 3080 or the 4070 Ti Super.
Considering these factors, the price of the Intel Core i7 14700K justifies its performance and versatility. For users seeking a CPU that excels across a broad spectrum of demanding applications and gaming, and who intend to invest in the latest GPU technology, the 14700K offers compelling value. Its higher cost is a fair trade-off for the breadth of capabilities it brings to the table, making it a worthwhile investment for those aiming for a top-tier computing experience.
Is the Intel Core i7-14700K good for gaming?
There is not a huge difference between the Intel Core i7-14700K and AMD Ryzen 7 8700G in terms of gaming. However, for those who demand a system that excels both in gaming and productivity, the Intel Core i7-14700K does stand out as the best option between these two and as a solid option in the wider APU landscape. This is thanks to its superior specs and real-world performance.
Final thoughts
When looking for the best performance of a device, it is crucial to look at specs and prices. For gaming enthusiasts looking to maximize performance without overextending their budget, the 8700G emerges as a beacon of value. It’s not just a processor; it’s a gateway to gaming excellence, offering solid performance that belies its price, perfect for those eager to dive into the gaming world with minimal fuss.
Yet, for the power users among us—those who push the boundaries of gaming, who delve into the depths of content creation, who demand versatility to switch from task to task without a hitch—the Intel Core i7 14700K stands unrivaled and one of the best upgrade options. The 14700K is about creating, streaming, and exploring the limits of AI tasks with a processor that rises to every challenge. The 14700K’s superior specs don’t just speak; they shout, making it the unequivocal choice for those who refuse to compromise on performance.
