CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4700HQ vs Intel Core i7-4702HQ
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4700HQ is a fourth-generation mobile processor launched in May 2013, designed to power high-performance laptops and mobile workstations. Built on the Haswell microarchitecture, it features four physical cores and eight threads, providing substantial parallel processing capabilities for demanding applications. Operating at a base frequency of 2.4 GHz, it can dynamically boost up to 3.4 GHz when thermal headroom permits. Unlike the premium Crystalwell variants, this model utilizes Intel HD Graphics 4600 rather than the eDRAM-enabled HD 5200, making it a more standard offering for gaming laptops paired with discrete GPUs. With a 47-watt TDP, it strikes a balance between raw performance and power consumption, fitting comfortably within thick-and-light gaming chassis. Although end-of-life, it served as a workhorse CPU during a crucial transition period in mobile computing, delivering reliable frame rates and multitasking efficiency for a generation of laptop users.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Adequate for basic multitasking and office apps.
Handles everyday office multitasking well.
Gaming
Handles older eSports titles well, bottlenecks modern GPUs.
Only suitable for very old or lightweight games.
Virtualization
Can run lightweight VMs for development.
Capable of basic VMs but limited by clock speed.
Efficiency
47W TDP results in poor battery life by modern standards.
Better than 47W parts, but still outdated.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No NPU or modern AI acceleration
- No AI acceleration
Content Creation
Gaming
- Bottlenecks modern mid-range GPUs
- Great for 2013-2015 titles
- HD 4600 is not for gaming
- Pairs poorly with modern GPUs
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Lower 37W TDP for slim laptops
- Quad-core multitasking
- Good battery life for its era
- Supports VT-d and AES-NI
Cons
- Lower clock speeds
- Soldered BGA package
- No eDRAM
- Outdated 22nm process
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Intel Core i7-4702HQ
- AMD A10-5745MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4500URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4200URival
Mobile
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3612QMRival
Mobile
Slightly faster low-TDP alternative.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Modern alternative with massive efficiency gains.
- Intel Core i5-8250UAlt
Modern quad-core alternative with much better battery life.
If higher TDP and cooling is available.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Vastly superior thin-and-light performance.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA lower-power Haswell variant that brought quad-core capabilities to thinner laptops, though easily outclassed by modern chips.
Best for: If you encounter a laptop with an Intel Core i7-4702HQ today, it should be viewed strictly as a budget-friendly secondary device. The processor is end-of-life, meaning it will not receive modern optimization updates, and its 22nm process is inherently less efficient than current offerings. For basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption, this CPU still has enough life left to provide a smooth experience. However, its lower clock speeds mean it will struggle with modern multitasking or heavy workloads. If you are repairing a legacy system, this chip is a drop-in replacement for BGA 1364 motherboards, but you must ensure your cooling solution is pristine, as even 37 watts can throttle aggressively in a degraded laptop chassis. Avoid paying premium prices for this outdated hardware; only pursue it if the price reflects its retro capability and limited futureproofing.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-4700HQ or Intel Core i7-4702HQ?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-4700HQ 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.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-4700HQ or Intel Core i7-4702HQ?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4700HQ leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Intel Core i7-4700HQ and Intel Core i7-4702HQ.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-4702HQ has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-4700HQ (47 W), Intel Core i7-4702HQ (37 W).
Do Intel Core i7-4700HQ and Intel Core i7-4702HQ use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1364 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-4700HQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-4700HQ (7,400), Intel Core i7-4702HQ (7,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.