CPU Comparison

Intel Core i7-4700HQ vs Intel Core i7-4760HQ

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.

Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-4700HQ
4C / 8T3.4 GHz47 W
7
Full review
Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-4760HQ
4C / 8T3.3 GHz47 W
7.5
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Mobile
Segment
Mobile
Mobile
Generation
4th Gen
4th Gen
Launched
2013
2014
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Crystalwell
Crystalwell
Series
Core i7
Core i7
Family
4th Generation (Haswell)
4th Generation (Haswell/Crystalwell)
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-3630QM
Intel Core i7-4750HQ
Successor
Intel Core i7-4710HQ
Intel Core i7-4770HQ

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
4
Threads
8
8
Base Clock
2.4 GHz
2.1 GHz
Boost Clock
3.4 GHz
3.3 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
6 MB
6 MB
TDP
47 W
47 W
Architecture
Architecture
Haswell
Haswell
Process Node
22nm
22nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR3
DDR3
Memory Speed
DDR3-1600
DDR3-1600
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
32 GB
32 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel BGA 1364
Intel BGA 1364
PCIe Version
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i7-4700HQ70

Adequate for basic multitasking and office apps.

Intel Core i7-4760HQBest75

Better CPU clocks than 4750HQ improve responsiveness.

Gaming

Intel Core i7-4700HQ65

Handles older eSports titles well, bottlenecks modern GPUs.

Intel Core i7-4760HQBest72

Excellent integrated graphics for 2014 titles.

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-4700HQ65

Can run lightweight VMs for development.

Intel Core i7-4760HQBest70

Capable of running standard VMs.

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-4700HQ50

47W TDP results in poor battery life by modern standards.

Intel Core i7-4760HQBest55

47W TDP is standard for its class.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-4700HQPoor
  • No NPU or modern AI acceleration
Intel Core i7-4760HQPoor
  • No AI hardware

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-4700HQFair
PhotoshopLight 1080p Editing
Intel Core i7-4760HQGood
Premiere ProPhotoshopIllustrator

Gaming

Intel Core i7-4700HQFair
  • Bottlenecks modern mid-range GPUs
  • Great for 2013-2015 titles
Intel Core i7-4760HQGood
  • Iris Pro handles older games well
  • Comparable to GT 740M

Industry Impact

Gaming
High
Moderate
Workstations
Moderate
High
Content Creation
Moderate
High
Virtualization
Low
Moderate

Best CPU by Use Case

Gaming (Legacy)
Very Good
Coding
Good
Very Good
Office Work
Excellent
Video Editing (1080p)
Fair
1080p Gaming (Legacy)
Very Good
Video Editing
Good
3D Rendering
Fair

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Targeted
Content Creators
Targeted
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Targeted
Streamers
Office / Productivity
Targeted
Students
Targeted

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i7-4700HQ

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
Intel Core i7-4760HQ

Pros

  • Iris Pro 5200 graphics
  • 128MB L4 eDRAM
  • Good 3.3GHz turbo boost
  • Solid quad-core performance

Cons

  • Soldered BGA package
  • 47W TDP runs warm
  • Outdated 22nm process
  • Low availability

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core i7-4700HQ

Intel Core i7-4760HQ

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 review

A well-balanced mobile processor offering a slight clock bump over the 4750HQ while retaining excellent Iris Pro graphics.

Best for: An Intel Core i7-4760HQ is a rare find today, typically only encountered when repairing older premium ultrabooks or all-in-one systems. If you are considering a purchase, the primary value lies in its Iris Pro graphics. For retro gaming or running older creative suites, the HD 5200 combined with the quad-core CPU still provides a surprisingly capable experience. However, the 47-watt TDP means battery life in older laptops will be poor, and thermals can be an issue if the machine hasn't been cleaned and repasted. If you are sourcing this chip for a board-level repair, ensure you have the correct BGA reballing equipment, as it is permanently soldered. For everyday use, modern budget laptops will outperform this chip in efficiency and single-core tasks. Only invest in a system with this CPU if it is exceptionally cheap, serving as a secondary device for light media creation or nostalgic gaming sessions.

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Intel Core i7-4700HQ or Intel Core i7-4760HQ?

Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-4760HQ 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, Intel Core i7-4700HQ or Intel Core i7-4760HQ?

For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4760HQ leads with a gaming performance score of 72/100 among Intel Core i7-4700HQ and Intel Core i7-4760HQ.

Do Intel Core i7-4700HQ and Intel Core i7-4760HQ 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 i7-4760HQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-4700HQ (7,400), Intel Core i7-4760HQ (8,100). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.