CPU Comparison
Core i7-4700EQ vs Intel Core i7-4700HQ
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4700EQ is a quad-core embedded mobile processor launched in May 2013. Based on the Haswell architecture, this 22nm CPU is designed for systems requiring long-term availability and high reliability, such as industrial PCs, digital signage, and medical equipment. It features 4 cores and 8 threads, operating at a base clock of 2.4 GHz with a maximum turbo frequency of 3.4 GHz. The 'EQ' suffix denotes an embedded BGA package, meaning it is soldered directly to the motherboard. With a 47W TDP, it balances robust computing power with thermal constraints typical of mobile and compact embedded environments. The processor includes 8MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3-1600 memory. It integrates Intel HD Graphics 4600, providing competent multimedia capabilities. The i7-4700EQ is well-suited for edge computing applications that require sustained multi-threaded processing and hardware virtualization without the need for discrete graphics.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Adequate for basic multitasking and office apps.
Gaming
Handles older eSports titles well, bottlenecks modern GPUs.
Virtualization
Can run lightweight VMs for development.
Efficiency
47W TDP results in poor battery life by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
No data
- No NPU or modern AI acceleration
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
No data
- Bottlenecks modern mid-range GPUs
- Great for 2013-2015 titles
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Guaranteed long-term embedded availability
- Strong quad-core multi-threading
- 8MB L3 cache
- Supports AVX2 for industrial calculations
Cons
- 47W TDP requires active cooling
- Soldered BGA package
- Uses obsolete DDR3 memory
- Hard to source for consumers
Pros
- Reliable quad-core performance
- Widely compatible laptop ecosystem
- Good turbo boost headroom
- VT-d and AES-NI support
Cons
- Soldered to motherboard
- No eDRAM for graphics
- End-of-life and unsupported
- High heat output under load
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-4700EQ
- AMD Embedded R-464LRival
Embedded Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4700HQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3610QERival
Embedded Mobile
- AMD Embedded A10-5750MRival
Embedded Mobile
- Intel Xeon E3-1265L v3Rival
Embedded Server
- Intel Core i5-4200EAlt
More budget-friendly dual-core embedded option.
- Intel Core i7-4700ECAlt
Higher 65W TDP version for better sustained clocks.
Intel Core i7-4700HQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3630QMRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-4200MRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-7500Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4702HQRival
Mobile
Slight refresh with higher clocks.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3500UAlt
Modern budget alternative with vastly better iGPU.
Modern budget gaming alternative.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Massive leap in mobile efficiency and performance.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Core i7-4720HQAlt
Better performing drop-in replacement.
Our Verdict on Each
A dependable embedded quad-core CPU that offers solid multi-threaded performance for legacy industrial systems.
Best for: Sourcing replacements for legacy industrial boards
Read the full reviewA reliable workhorse that powered countless mid-range gaming laptops, though obsolete by modern standards.
Best for: Locating an Intel Core i7-4700HQ today means searching the used market, as it has been end-of-life for several years. For consumers looking to purchase a budget-friendly used laptop, a machine equipped with this processor can still handle everyday tasks, light photo editing, and older games reasonably well. However, its 47-watt power draw and older 22nm architecture mean battery life will be subpar compared to modern ultrabooks. If you are repairing an existing laptop, this CPU remains a solid component, provided the motherboard and cooling system are in good condition. Do not invest in a system with this chip if your goal is modern AAA gaming or heavy video editing; the lack of modern instruction sets and single-core performance will be a severe bottleneck. Instead, view it as a capable retro-gaming or basic productivity companion.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-4700EQ or Intel Core i7-4700HQ?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4700HQ leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Core i7-4700EQ and Intel Core i7-4700HQ.
Do Core i7-4700EQ and Intel Core i7-4700HQ use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-4700EQ: BGA 1364, Intel Core i7-4700HQ: Intel BGA 1364), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-4700HQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-4700EQ (0), Intel Core i7-4700HQ (7,400). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.