R7 8700G vs RTX 1650: Which Is Better for Gaming?
- GPU
- 1 Radeon 780M=1, RTX 1650=2
- You entered
- Game preset
- 1 Cyberpunk 1080p Low=1, Fortnite 1080p Low=2, CS2 1080p Low=3
- You entered
The AMD Ryzen 7 8700G integrated graphics (Radeon 780M) and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 1650 are close in raw performance, but the 8700G wins in most modern games thanks to newer architecture and faster memory bandwidth. This article compares their real-world gaming performance, explains the key specs that matter, and helps you decide which is right for your build.
Formula
The estimated FPS is a rough baseline: FPS = 45 + (GPU factor × 20) + (game factor × 10). The GPU factor is 0 for the Radeon 780M and 1 for the RTX 1650. The game factor is 0 for Cyberpunk, 1 for Fortnite, and 2 for CS2. This gives a starting point, not a guarantee – real performance varies with resolution, driver, and game version.
Worked Example
Using the defaults: Radeon 780M, Cyberpunk 1080p Low. FPS = 45 + (0 × 20) + (0 × 10) = 45 FPS. If you select the RTX 1650 and Fortnite, FPS = 45 + (1 × 20) + (1 × 10) = 75 FPS. These numbers are illustrative; actual results differ by 10–20% depending on the game and system.
Background: Why the 8700G’s iGPU Is a Big Deal
The Ryzen 7 8700G is a desktop APU with 8 Zen 4 CPU cores and a Radeon 780M integrated GPU based on RDNA 3. It has 12 compute units running up to 2.9 GHz. The RTX 1650 is a dedicated entry-level GPU from 2019 with 4 GB GDDR5 memory and 896 CUDA cores. The 8700G’s iGPU shares system memory (DDR5), while the RTX 1650 has its own dedicated VRAM.
How the Comparison Works
Performance depends on three things: raw GPU compute, memory bandwidth, and driver optimization. The RTX 1650 has more raw compute power on paper, but the 780M benefits from fast DDR5-6000 memory and modern RDNA 3 features like mesh shaders. In many esports titles, the 780M matches or beats the RTX 1650. In heavy AAA games, the RTX 1650 often pulls ahead by 10–20%.
How to Choose: What Matters for Your Build
- If you already have a motherboard and DDR4 RAM – the RTX 1650 is a drop-in upgrade for any PCIe slot.
- If you’re building a new mini PC or SFF system – the 8700G avoids a separate GPU, saving space and power.
- If you play esports at 1080p – the 780M is enough for 60+ FPS in most titles.
- If you want to play AAA games at high settings – the RTX 1650’s dedicated VRAM helps with textures.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
A common mistake is assuming the 8700G’s iGPU performs like a dedicated card. It doesn’t – it depends heavily on RAM speed. With DDR5-4800, the 780M loses 15–20% performance. Another issue: the RTX 1650 is often paired with older CPUs, causing bottlenecking. Also, the 8700G’s iGPU uses system RAM for VRAM, so 16 GB total is the minimum for modern games.
Comparisons: 780M vs. RTX 1650 in Specific Games
- Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p Low) – 780M: ~40–50 FPS, RTX 1650: ~50–60 FPS.
- Fortnite (1080p Low, DX12) – 780M: ~70–90 FPS, RTX 1650: ~80–100 FPS.
- CS2 (1080p Low) – 780M: ~100–130 FPS, RTX 1650: ~120–150 FPS.
- Red Dead Redemption 2 (1080p Low) – 780M: ~30–40 FPS, RTX 1650: ~40–50 FPS.
Costs and Power Considerations
The 8700G costs more than a budget CPU + RTX 1650 combo, but it saves on the GPU cost and power. The 8700G has a 65W TDP, while the RTX 1650 alone draws 75W. Over a year, the 8700G system uses less electricity. However, if you already have a dedicated GPU, the 8700G’s iGPU is redundant.
Alternatives to Consider
If you need better performance than both, look at the RTX 3050 or RX 6600. If you want a cheaper APU, the Ryzen 5 8600G has a slightly weaker iGPU. For pure CPU work, the Ryzen 7 7700X is better value. The 8700G is only worth it if you plan to skip a discrete GPU entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 8700G better than an RTX 1650?
In most modern games at 1080p low settings, the 8700G’s iGPU is roughly equal to the RTX 1650, often beating it in esports titles due to newer architecture. In older or VRAM-heavy games, the RTX 1650 wins.
Can the 8700G run 4K games?
No. The 780M is not powerful enough for 4K gaming. At 4K, even the RTX 1650 struggles. Stick to 1080p for playable frame rates.
Do I need fast RAM for the 8700G?
Yes. Use DDR5-6000 or faster. Slower RAM (DDR5-4800) cuts iGPU performance by up to 20%. For the RTX 1650, RAM speed matters less.
Can I use the 8700G with a dedicated GPU later?
Yes. The 8700G has PCIe 4.0 lanes for a discrete GPU. You can start with the iGPU and add an RTX 1650 or better later.
Which is better for streaming or video editing?
The 8700G’s CPU is much stronger than the typical CPU paired with an RTX 1650. For video encoding, the 8700G’s iGPU supports AV1, which the RTX 1650 does not.
Related
Formula used
in gpu | GPU | Radeon 780M=1, RTX 1650=2 | 1 | 0 in game | Game preset | Cyberpunk 1080p Low=1, Fortnite 1080p Low=2, CS2 1080p Low=3 | 1 | 0 out fps | Estimated FPS | fps | 45 + (gpu - 1) * 20 + (game - 1) * 10 | 0
Each line is one input (in, sel, list) or one result (out: label, unit, formula, decimals). How the calculators work
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.