CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4712HQ vs Core i7-4712MQ
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4712HQ is a high-performance mobile processor launched in Q2 2014 based on the 22nm Haswell microarchitecture. Designed for premium laptops and mobile workstations, it features 4 physical cores and 8 threads thanks to Intel's Hyper-Threading technology. Operating at a base clock of 2.3 GHz and capable of turbo boosting up to 3.3 GHz, it delivers robust multi-threaded performance for its generation. The processor includes 6MB of shared L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory at 1600 MT/s. With a thermal design power of 37 watts, it strikes a balance between performance and power consumption, making it suitable for thicker gaming laptops and portable workstations. It integrates Intel HD Graphics 4600, which handles basic multimedia tasks and display output. While it has been succeeded by numerous generations of newer architectures, the i7-4712HQ was a capable chip in its era, providing ample power for video editing, 3D rendering, and heavy multitasking on the go. Today, it is considered end-of-life but remains a functional option for legacy computing.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Can handle basic office tasks but struggles with heavy multitasking.
Gaming
Severely bottlenecked by modern standards; only suitable for very old or 2D games.
Virtualization
Limited by 4 cores and older architecture for modern VMs.
Efficiency
22nm process is highly inefficient compared to modern 10nm or 14nm chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Lacks modern instruction sets for AI inference
No data
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
- Relies on HD 4600 or older discrete GPUs
- Cannot run modern AAA titles
- Suitable only for legacy games
No data
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Was a strong performer in 2014
- 4 physical cores
- Supports AVX2
- Includes VT-x for virtualization
Cons
- End-of-life and unsupported
- 22nm process is inefficient
- Soldered to motherboard
- Lacks Windows 11 official support
Pros
- Lower 37W TDP for thinner designs
- Solid quad-core multi-threading
- Socketed design allows upgrades
- Good balance of power and efficiency
Cons
- Low 2.3 GHz base clock
- Uses obsolete DDR3 memory
- Lacks official Windows 11 support
- HD 4600 graphics are weak
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-4712HQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4700MQRival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5557MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-4200MRival
Mobile
- AMD A10-5745MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Vastly superior efficiency and performance.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Budget modern alternative with 6 cores.
Modern budget laptop chip.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Unmatched battery life for basic use.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 7 5700UAlt
Excellent multi-core performance for the price.
Core i7-4712MQ
- AMD FX-7600PRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4702MQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4710MQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4712HQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- AMD A10-5745MRival
Ultra-Low Power Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4720HQAlt
Next-gen Broadwell soldered alternative.
Our Verdict on Each
A reliable 4th Gen mobile CPU that was great for its time, but now shows its age in efficiency and single-core performance.
Best for: When considering the Core i7-4712HQ today, it is crucial to recognize its age. This processor should only be sought in the used market for extremely budget-conscious buyers. It remains capable of basic web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. However, its 22nm architecture and 37W TDP mean it runs warm and drains battery faster than modern alternatives. Avoid this CPU if you plan to do modern gaming, heavy video editing, or need long battery life. If you find a used laptop with this chip for a very low price, it can serve as a capable secondary machine for light tasks. But for any primary computing needs, investing in a newer platform is strongly recommended for better efficiency, security, and performance.
Read the full reviewA great low-power quad-core mobile CPU for 2014, 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 i7-4712HQ or Core i7-4712MQ?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-4712MQ 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 i7-4712HQ or Core i7-4712MQ?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4712HQ leads with a gaming performance score of 20/100 among Intel Core i7-4712HQ and Core i7-4712MQ.
Do Intel Core i7-4712HQ and Core i7-4712MQ use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-4712HQ: Intel BGA 1364, Core i7-4712MQ: Socket G3), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-4712MQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-4712MQ (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.