CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4712HQ vs Core i7-1165G7
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.
Snappy application launch and multitasking due to high single-core boost.
Gaming
Severely bottlenecked by modern standards; only suitable for very old or 2D games.
Capable of playing modern titles at 1080p medium settings thanks to Iris Xe.
Virtualization
Limited by 4 cores and older architecture for modern VMs.
Adequate for light VMs, but limited by 4 cores.
Efficiency
22nm process is highly inefficient compared to modern 10nm or 14nm chips.
Excellent idle power and load efficiency on the 10nm node.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Lacks modern instruction sets for AI inference
- DL Boost for low-power AI inference
- GNA for background noise cancellation
Content Creation
Gaming
- Relies on HD 4600 or older discrete GPUs
- Cannot run modern AAA titles
- Suitable only for legacy games
- Excellent for an iGPU
- Requires dual-channel memory for best results
- Can play CS:GO and Valorant easily
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
- Excellent single-core performance
- Iris Xe graphics are class-leading for integrated
- Great power efficiency
- Supports fast PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs
- Built on Intel's 10nm process
Cons
- Only 4 cores and 8 threads
- Soldered to motherboard (BGA)
- Multi-core performance lags behind AMD's 8-core mobile chips
- Can throttle under sustained load if laptop cooling is poor
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 i7-1165G7
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1135G7Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600URival
Mobile
12th Gen offers better efficiency and more cores.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Budget-friendly with good multi-core performance.
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 landmark mobile processor that brought massive single-core and integrated graphics improvements to the ultrabook segment.
Best for: Purchasing a used or refurbished premium ultrabook for productivity and light gaming.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-4712HQ or Core i7-1165G7?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-1165G7 comes out ahead with a score of 8.8/10. 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 i7-1165G7?
For gaming, the Core i7-1165G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Intel Core i7-4712HQ and Core i7-1165G7.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-1165G7 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-4712HQ (37 W), Core i7-1165G7 (28 W).
Do Intel Core i7-4712HQ and Core i7-1165G7 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-4712HQ: Intel BGA 1364, Core i7-1165G7: Intel BGA 1449), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-1165G7 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-1165G7 (4,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.