When is integrated graphics enough?
The new 8000G series is interesting because it combines Zen4 and RDNA3 into a relatively cheap chip. The Ryzen 5 8600G has 6 multi-threaded Zen4 cores running at 4.3GHz and Turbo at 5.0GHz, and the Radeon 760M has 8CU running at 2.8GHz and costs $229. The more powerful Ryzen 7 8700G has 8 multi-threaded cores running at 4.2/5.1GHz, the same as the Radeon 760M, but has 12 CUs that can hit 2.9GHz and costs an extra $100, bringing it to $329. Both desktop versions of the mobile chips run at 65W, which is important if these chips are to be used in tiny systems.
We’re already very familiar with Zen 4 performance, the 8000G series performs as you’d expect, and the Ryzen 7 8700G actually outperforms the Ryzen 7 5800X. It’s a bit painful to write this on a device powered by the same chip. Graphics cards are a big deal for potential APU users, and Guru of 3D tested both the Ryzen 5 8600G and Ryzen 7 8700G in multiple tests.
In Far Cry 6, the Ryzen 5 8600G wasn’t great, as the older Ryzen 9 7950X completely destroyed it, while the Ryzen 7 5800X… delivered essentially the same results. Assassin’s Creed: Phantoms is slightly better than the 5800X, but that’s the only exception. Generally speaking, extra CUs and slight frequency boosts don’t translate into better performance. You’re better off opting for the RX 6500 XT 4GB with either chip.
If you’re not gaming, these APUs are great for easy browsing and watching videos, but if you’re hoping to play Crysis, you’ll be disappointed.