CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4700HQ vs Core i7-4702MQ
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.
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 NPU or modern AI acceleration
No data
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
- Bottlenecks modern mid-range GPUs
- Great for 2013-2015 titles
No data
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 thinner designs
- Solid quad-core multi-threading
- Socketed design allows upgrades
- Good balance of power and efficiency
Cons
- Low 2.2 GHz base clock
- Uses obsolete DDR3 memory
- Lacks official Windows 11 support
- HD 4600 graphics are weak
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.
Core i7-4702MQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3632QMRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4700MQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4700HQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- AMD A8-5550MRival
Mainstream Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4712MQAlt
Slightly faster refresh of the same low-power chip.
- Intel Core i5-4200MAlt
Dual-core alternative for much lower power.
Soldered BGA version of the same chip.
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 great low-power quad-core mobile CPU for 2013, offering excellent efficiency, but its lower clocks limit single-threaded performance.
Best for: Upgrading an old Socket G3 laptop for cheap
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-4700HQ or Core i7-4702MQ?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4700HQ leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Intel Core i7-4700HQ and Core i7-4702MQ.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-4702MQ has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-4700HQ (47 W), Core i7-4702MQ (37 W).
Do Intel Core i7-4700HQ and Core i7-4702MQ use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-4700HQ: Intel BGA 1364, Core i7-4702MQ: Socket G3), 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: Intel Core i7-4700HQ (7,400), Core i7-4702MQ (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.