CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4702HQ vs Core i7-4702MQ
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4702HQ is a fourth-generation mobile processor introduced in May 2013, optimized for thin-and-light performance laptops requiring a lower thermal footprint. As a variant of the Haswell family, it delivers four cores and eight threads, ensuring robust multitasking capabilities despite its constrained power envelope. Operating at a base clock of 2.2 GHz with a maximum turbo frequency of 3.2 GHz, it intentionally steps down from the 4700HQ to accommodate slimmer chassis designs. It features Intel HD Graphics 4600, which handles everyday multimedia tasks efficiently, though it lacks the advanced Crystalwell eDRAM found in higher-tier models. With a reduced TDP of 37 watts, it became a favorite for premium ultrabooks and portable workstations where battery life and thermals were prioritized. Though now end-of-life, it provided an excellent balance of performance and portability for users needing workstation-class multitasking in a highly mobile form factor.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles everyday office multitasking well.
Gaming
Only suitable for very old or lightweight games.
Virtualization
Capable of basic VMs but limited by clock speed.
Efficiency
Better than 47W parts, but still outdated.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration
No data
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
- HD 4600 is not for gaming
- Pairs poorly with modern GPUs
No data
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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- Outdated 22nm process
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 i7-4702HQ
- 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
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 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 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 better, Intel Core i7-4702HQ or Core i7-4702MQ?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-4702MQ 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 i7-4702HQ or Core i7-4702MQ?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4702HQ leads with a gaming performance score of 50/100 among Intel Core i7-4702HQ and Core i7-4702MQ.
Do Intel Core i7-4702HQ and Core i7-4702MQ use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-4702HQ: Intel BGA 1364, Core i7-4702MQ: Socket G3), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-4702HQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-4702HQ (7,000), Core i7-4702MQ (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.