CPU Comparison

Core i7-4700MQ vs Core i7-7920HQ

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4700MQ is a high-performance mobile processor launched in May 2013. Based on the Haswell architecture, this 22nm quad-core CPU features Hyper-Threading, allowing it to process 8 threads simultaneously. It operates at a base frequency of 2.4 GHz and boosts up to 3.4 GHz, providing excellent multi-threaded performance for gaming and content creation. With a 47W TDP, it is designed for thicker, performance-oriented laptop chassis with robust cooling. The processor utilizes the Socket G3 (rPGA946B), meaning it is socketed and potentially upgradeable. It includes 6MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3-1600 memory. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4600 handles basic display outputs and media decoding. The i7-4700MQ became the standard CPU for mid-range to high-end gaming laptops in 2013, offering a perfect balance of core count, clock speed, and thermal manageability for portable computing.

Intel · 4th Generation Core i7
Core i7-4700MQ
4C / 8T3.4 GHz47 W
7.5
Full review
Intel · 7th Generation Core i7
Core i7-7920HQ
4C / 8T4.1 GHz45 W
7.5
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Mobile
Segment
High-Performance Mobile
High-Performance Mobile
Generation
4th Gen
7th Gen
Launched
2013
2017
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Haswell
Kaby Lake-H
Series
4th Generation Core i7
7th Generation Core i7
Family
Haswell
Kaby Lake-H
Predecessor
Core i7-3630QM
Core i7-6820HQ
Successor
Core i7-4710MQ
Core i7-8750H

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
4
Threads
8
8
Base Clock
2.4 GHz
3.1 GHz
Boost Clock
3.4 GHz
4.1 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
6 MB
8 MB
TDP
47 W
45 W
Architecture
Architecture
Haswell
Kaby Lake-H
Process Node
22nm
14nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR3
DDR4, LPDDR3
Memory Speed
1600 MT/s
DDR4-2400, LPDDR3-2133
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
32 GB
64 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Socket G3
Intel BGA 1440
PCIe Version
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Industry Impact

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

Best CPU by Use Case

AAA Gaming (Legacy)
Good
Video Editing
Good
Very Good
AAA Gaming
Good

Target Audience

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

Strengths & Weaknesses

Core i7-4700MQ

Pros

  • Solid quad-core multi-threading
  • Socketed design allows upgrades
  • Good base clock for mobile
  • Supports VT-d for virtualization

Cons

  • 47W TDP requires robust cooling
  • Uses obsolete DDR3 memory
  • Lacks official Windows 11 support
  • HD 4600 graphics are weak for modern gaming
Core i7-7920HQ

Pros

  • High 4.1 GHz turbo for 2017
  • Full 8MB L3 cache
  • Configurable TDP for laptop designs
  • Includes Quick Sync for media encoding

Cons

  • Only 4 cores
  • High 45W TDP limits battery life
  • Soldered to motherboard
  • Expensive at launch ($568)

Competitors & Alternatives

Core i7-4700MQ

  • AMD A10-5750M

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-3630QM

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
    Compare head-to-head
  • Intel Core i7-4800MQ

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • AMD A8-5550M

    Mainstream Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i5-4200M

    Mainstream Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-4710MQ
    Alt

    Slightly faster refresh of the same chip.

  • Intel Core i7-4702MQ
    Alt

    Lower 37W TDP version for thinner laptops.

Core i7-7920HQ

  • Intel Core i7-7820HQ

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-7820HK

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • AMD FX-9800P

    Mainstream Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i5-7300HQ

    Mainstream Mobile

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-7700HQ

    High-Performance Mobile

    Rival
  • Next-gen 6-core upgrade with much better multi-threading.

    Compare head-to-head
  • AMD Ryzen 7 3750H
    Alt

    Newer alternative with similar performance.

  • Intel Core i7-7660U
    Alt

    Lower power alternative for thinner laptops.

Our Verdict on Each

Core i7-4700MQSituational

A legendary mobile quad-core CPU that powered a generation of gaming laptops. Still capable for basic tasks, but shows its age in modern multi-threaded workloads.

Best for: Upgrading an old Socket G3 laptop for cheap

Read the full review
Core i7-7920HQSituational

A top-tier mobile CPU in 2017, offering excellent speeds, but its 45W TDP and 4-core limit make it outdated for modern heavy workloads.

Best for: Buying a cheap used 2017 laptop

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which uses less power?

The Core i7-7920HQ has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-4700MQ (47 W), Core i7-7920HQ (45 W).

Do Core i7-4700MQ and Core i7-7920HQ use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Core i7-4700MQ: Socket G3, Core i7-7920HQ: Intel BGA 1440), so each needs a compatible motherboard.