CPU Comparison
Core i5-7300HQ vs Intel Core i5-6350HQ
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
Performance Compared
Productivity
Smooth performance for everyday office applications and web browsing.
Quad-core performance handles everyday applications and moderate content creation well.
Gaming
Handles older eSports titles like CS:GO and LoL perfectly, but struggles with modern CPU-demanding games.
Capable of playing older or well-optimized titles at 1080p thanks to the Iris Pro 580 graphics.
Virtualization
Not recommended for virtualization due to lack of Hyper-Threading.
Adequate for light virtual machine workloads but limited by 4 threads.
Efficiency
High power draw relative to performance by modern mobile standards.
The 14nm process and 45W TDP run warm compared to modern mobile chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No NPU or AI acceleration
- Insufficient threads for AI workloads
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- Iris Pro execution units can handle very basic inference workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Great for older games and eSports
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs in AAA titles
- 4 cores are a strict limitation today
- Iris Pro 580 provides playable framerates in older esports titles
- Lacks the horsepower of modern integrated solutions
- Benefited from 128MB eDRAM buffer for texture caching
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
- Powerful Iris Pro 580 integrated graphics for its time
- True quad-core design for solid multitasking
- Configurable TDP for mobile flexibility
- Supports fast DDR4 memory
- Includes 128MB eDRAM cache
Cons
- End-of-life and outdated architecture
- Locked multiplier prevents overclocking
- 45W TDP is inefficient by modern standards
- Soldered to the motherboard (BGA)
- Only 4 threads limits modern multitasking
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.
Intel Core i5-6350HQ
- AMD A10-8700PRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-8800PRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-6700HQRival
Mobile
- NVIDIA GTX 950M (paired with standard CPU)Rival
Mobile Graphics
- AMD A12-9720PRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-7700HQAlt
Offers 8 threads and better overall performance in the same form factor.
- AMD Ryzen 5 2500UAlt
A more modern alternative with Vega graphics and better efficiency.
- Intel Core i5-8250UAlt
A quad-core low-power alternative with much better battery life.
- Alt
A revolutionary leap in mobile CPU and GPU efficiency and performance.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 7 3750HAlt
A newer mobile quad-core with superior integrated graphics 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 unique mobile processor that combined capable quad-core CPU performance with Intel's best integrated graphics of its era, though it is now outdated.
Best for: Purchasing a heavily discounted used laptop for basic retro gaming.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i5-7300HQ or Intel Core i5-6350HQ?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-6350HQ 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.
Which is faster for gaming, Core i5-7300HQ or Intel Core i5-6350HQ?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-6350HQ leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Core i5-7300HQ and Intel Core i5-6350HQ.
Do Core i5-7300HQ and Intel Core i5-6350HQ use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i5-7300HQ: BGA1440, Intel Core i5-6350HQ: Intel BGA 1440), so each needs a compatible motherboard.