CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4700HQ vs Intel Core i7-4910MQ
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.
8 threads and 8MB cache make quick work of office and compiling tasks.
Gaming
Handles older eSports titles well, bottlenecks modern GPUs.
Handles older games easily and provides good frame rates with a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Can run lightweight VMs for development.
Good for running light VMs on the go.
Efficiency
47W TDP results in poor battery life by modern standards.
22nm Haswell is less efficient than modern mobile chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No NPU or modern AI acceleration
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
Content Creation
Gaming
- Bottlenecks modern mid-range GPUs
- Great for 2013-2015 titles
- Excellent for 2014-era games
- Won't bottleneck mid-range mobile GPUs
- Needs discrete graphics for serious gaming
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
- Full 8MB L3 cache
- Good quad-core performance
- Removable PGA socket
- High turbo boost frequencies
Cons
- High 47W TDP
- Older 22nm process
- DDR3 only
- Runs hot under load
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 i7-4910MQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4700MQRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4800MQRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4930MXRival
Mobile Extreme
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
Slightly slower version of the same chip.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-5700HQAlt
Newer Broadwell architecture.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500UAlt
Modern mobile alternative with vastly superior efficiency.
- Intel Core i5-8300HAlt
Much faster and more efficient for budget gaming.
- Alt
Incredible performance per watt.
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 high-end mobile CPU for its time, offering excellent multi-threaded performance and a large cache for demanding applications.
Best for: Buying a cheap, used laptop for retro gaming or basic coding.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-4700HQ or Intel Core i7-4910MQ?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-4910MQ 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 i7-4910MQ?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4700HQ leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Intel Core i7-4700HQ and Intel Core i7-4910MQ.
Do Intel Core i7-4700HQ and Intel Core i7-4910MQ use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-4700HQ: Intel BGA 1364, Intel Core i7-4910MQ: Intel 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), Intel Core i7-4910MQ (5,700). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.