Intel Core i7-8705G socket: BGA 2270

What the Core i7-8705G is

The Core i7-8705G is a four core, eight thread mobile processor with a 3.1 GHz base and up to 4.1 GHz boost. It carries 8 MB of Smart Cache and a 65 W package TDP on the 14 nm process. Intel announced it in January 2018 beside the i5 GL part for thin performance laptops.

The package joins a Kaby Lake-H quad core with a Radeon RX Vega M GL die of 20 compute units and 4 GB of HBM2. The GL graphics run 931 MHz base to 1011 MHz max with 179.2 GB per sec of HBM2 bandwidth. Four cores with Hyper-Threading cover play beside creation at 1080p.

Intel HD Graphics 630 from 350 MHz to 1.10 GHz covers setup displays and quick sync video. The multiplier is locked. It carries no vPro management features, which is what separates it from the 8706G twin.

Memory for the CPU side runs as DDR4-2400 in two channels up to 64 GB.

Socket and motherboard compatibility

The 8705G is soldered to the board in the BGA 2270 package and cannot be replaced. Upgrading means replacing the board or the whole system, so buyers should choose the GL or GH tier at order time. Fleet buyers who need remote management should pick the vPro eligible 8706G instead.

Intel ARK lists Sockets Supported as FCBGA2270 with a 31 by 58.5 mm package. Boards pair the 65 W GL package with compact dual fan cooling. The CPU to graphics traffic stays inside the package, leaving 8 PCIe 3.0 lanes visible for NVMe storage.

There is no socket retention and no graphics card to swap. The [[cpu:intel-core-i5-8305G]] is the i5 GL sibling on the same package with less cache and lower clocks.

Memory, PCIe and cooling

Memory support covers DDR4-2400 SODIMM modules in two channels up to 64 GB for the CPU side. The graphics side uses 4 GB of HBM2 on the package. ECC is not supported. Two matched sticks give dual channel speed for play and creation.

PCI Express shows 8 user visible version 3.0 lanes for a fast NVMe SSD plus board devices. Cooling follows the 65 W package rating with maker tuned dual fan designs.

Upgrade paths

There is no CPU or GPU upgrade path on BGA 2270. The only moves are more DDR4 where SODIMM slots allow it, a larger SSD, or a whole system replacement. Buyers who want faster play should choose GH parts at order time.

Staying on this board, dual channel DDR4 and updated Radeon drivers help more than chasing clocks. The locked multiplier removes overclocking as a tuning option.