CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4712HQ vs Core i7-2820QM (BGA)
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.
8MB cache helps, but 4 cores limit modern productivity suites.
Gaming
Severely bottlenecked by modern standards; only suitable for very old or 2D games.
Not suitable for modern gaming; handles old casual games fine.
Virtualization
Limited by 4 cores and older architecture for modern VMs.
VT-x and VT-d support basic VM tasks.
Efficiency
22nm process is highly inefficient compared to modern 10nm or 14nm chips.
45W TDP is high for thin laptops, leading to heat.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Lacks modern instruction sets for AI inference
- No NPU or AI acceleration
- Lacks modern instruction sets
Content Creation
Gaming
- Relies on HD 4600 or older discrete GPUs
- Cannot run modern AAA titles
- Suitable only for legacy games
- HD 3000 is obsolete
- Cannot run modern 3D titles
- Fine for 2D indie games
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
- 8MB L3 cache
- Good performance for 2011
- Hyper-Threading
- Turbo Boost
Cons
- Soldered BGA socket
- 45W TDP
- Obsolete integrated graphics
- No Windows 11 support
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 i7-2820QM (BGA)
- AMD A8-3530MXRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2720QMRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-2630QMRival
Mobile
- AMD Phenom II X4 N970Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-2540MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-2860QMAlt
Higher clock speeds for better performance.
Slightly cheaper but with less cache.
Compare head-to-headIvy Bridge successor with better efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-2920XMAlt
Unlocked Extreme Edition for overclocking.
- AMD A10-4600MAlt
Better integrated graphics for light gaming.
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 strong mobile CPU in 2011 with a large cache, but limited by its soldered design and age.
Best for: Maintaining a legacy laptop
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-4712HQ or Core i7-2820QM (BGA)?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-2820QM (BGA) comes out ahead with a score of 6.2/10. 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 i7-2820QM (BGA)?
For gaming, the Core i7-2820QM (BGA) leads with a gaming performance score of 22/100 among Intel Core i7-4712HQ and Core i7-2820QM (BGA).
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-4712HQ has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-4712HQ (37 W), Core i7-2820QM (BGA) (45 W).
Do Intel Core i7-4712HQ and Core i7-2820QM (BGA) use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-4712HQ: Intel BGA 1364, Core i7-2820QM (BGA): Intel BGA 1224), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-2820QM (BGA) posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-2820QM (BGA) (5,400). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.