CPU Comparison
Core i5-7300HQ vs Core i5-7440HQ
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-7300HQ is a 7th generation mobile processor that became a staple in budget gaming laptops upon its release in early 2017. Built on the Kaby Lake-H architecture, this 14nm chip features 4 cores and 4 threads, operating at a 2.5 GHz base clock with a maximum turbo boost of 3.5 GHz. Its 45W TDP allowed it to sustain higher performance over long periods compared to thinner, lower-wattage laptops. The 7300HQ includes Intel HD Graphics 630, though laptops featuring this CPU almost always included a dedicated GPU for actual gaming workloads. It supports dual-channel DDR4 memory, ensuring sufficient bandwidth for mid-range components. As a BGA1440 chip, it is soldered directly to the motherboard, limiting upgradeability. During its peak, the 7300HQ powered millions of affordable gaming machines, offering a reliable entry point into PC gaming for users who couldn't afford premium Core i7 configurations.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No NPU or AI acceleration
- Insufficient threads for AI workloads
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Low core count restricts local LLM or inference workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Great for older games and eSports
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs in AAA titles
- 4 cores are a strict limitation today
- Adequate for 1080p medium settings in older games
- 4 cores may cause stuttering in modern CPU-heavy titles
- Requires a dedicated GPU for gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Reliable quad-core performance for its era
- Good sustained thermal performance in laptop chassis
- Supports DDR4 memory
- Includes Quick Sync Video for fast media encoding
Cons
- Only 4 cores and 4 threads
- Soldered to motherboard, not upgradeable
- Poor multi-tasking performance by modern standards
- Not supported by Windows 11 officially
Pros
- Good single-core performance for its generation
- Supports both DDR4 and DDR3L memory
- Includes VT-d and vPro features
- Adequate for 1080p gaming with a dGPU
Cons
- Only 4 cores and 4 threads
- Soldered to the motherboard, not upgradeable
- 45W TDP results in poor battery life
- Not officially supported by Windows 11
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i5-7300HQ
- AMD A10-9620PRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-7700HQRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-6300HQRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 2500URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-7200URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-9300HAlt
Modern alternative with 8 threads for better multi-threading.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3550HAlt
Better multi-threading and integrated graphics performance.
- Intel Core i5-8300HAlt
Direct successor offering 8 threads on the same tier.
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600HAlt
Vastly superior modern alternative with 6 cores and 12 threads.
Core i5-7440HQ
- AMD A12-9720PRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-7700HQRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-7300HQRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 2500URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-6300HQRival
Mobile
Modern alternative with better IPC and efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 4600HAlt
Offers 6 cores and 12 threads for vastly better multi-threading.
- Intel Core i5-8300HAlt
Direct successor offering 4 more threads.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Vastly superior modern mobile alternative with better battery life.
Our Verdict on Each
A highly popular mobile CPU that brought affordable quad-core performance to gaming laptops, though its 4-core/4-thread design is heavily outdated for modern workloads.
Best for: Buying a very cheap used laptop for basic retro gaming
Read the full reviewA dependable quad-core mobile CPU that offered a good balance of performance and thermals for 2017 gaming laptops, though it lacks modern multi-threading capabilities.
Best for: Purchasing a heavily discounted used laptop for basic tasks
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-7300HQ or Core i5-7440HQ?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i5-7440HQ comes out ahead with a score of 7/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Do Core i5-7300HQ and Core i5-7440HQ use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the BGA1440 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.