CPU Comparison
Core i5-7300HQ vs Core i7-7700HQ
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
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Content Creation
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Gaming
- Great for older games and eSports
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs in AAA titles
- 4 cores are a strict limitation today
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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
- Excellent price-to-performance in 2017
- Good 3.8 GHz single-core performance
- Configurable TDP for laptop designs
- Wide compatibility with laptop GPUs
Cons
- Only 4 cores
- High 45W TDP limits battery life
- Soldered to motherboard
- 6MB L3 cache instead of 8MB
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 i7-7700HQ
- Intel Core i5-7300HQRival
Mainstream Mobile
- AMD FX-9800PRival
Mainstream Mobile
- Intel Core i7-6700HQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- AMD A12-9720PRival
Mainstream Mobile
- Intel Core i7-7700URival
Ultra-Low Power Mobile
- Intel Core i7-7820HQAlt
Higher clocks and more cache for professional apps.
Next-gen 6-core upgrade with much better multi-threading.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3550HAlt
Newer alternative with similar performance.
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 legendary mobile CPU that powered millions of gaming laptops. Still decent for basic tasks, but its 4-core limit struggles with modern workloads.
Best for: Buying a very cheap used laptop for light gaming
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-7300HQ or Core i7-7700HQ?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-7700HQ comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. 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 i7-7700HQ use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i5-7300HQ: BGA1440, Core i7-7700HQ: Intel BGA 1440), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-7700HQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-7700HQ (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.