CPU Comparison
Core i7-5700HQ vs Core i7-5950HQ
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-5700HQ is a high-performance mobile processor launched in the second quarter of 2015, specifically designed to power premium gaming and workstation laptops. Built on Intel's 14-nanometer Broadwell-H architecture, this chip represents a crucial transition point in Intel's roadmap, bringing improved energy efficiency and thermal performance over the previous Haswell generation. It features four physical cores and supports Hyper-Threading, allowing it to process up to eight simultaneous threads. With a base clock speed of 2.7 GHz and a maximum turbo boost frequency of 3.5 GHz, it delivers robust single-threaded and multi-threaded performance for demanding applications. The processor includes 6 MB of L3 cache and integrates Intel HD 5600 graphics. Its 47-watt thermal design power envelope strikes a balance between raw computational power and the thermal constraints of mobile form factors. Although now considered end-of-life, the i7-5700HQ remains a historically significant part of Intel's mobile CPU evolution.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Adequate for basic tasks but slow for modern multi-threaded workloads.
Strong CPU performance for professional workloads in 2015.
Gaming
Handles older eSports titles well but struggles with modern AAA games.
Iris Pro allowed for 720p/1080p medium gaming without a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Can run basic VMs but limited by DDR3 memory bandwidth.
Adequate for light VMs, though limited by DDR3.
Efficiency
47W TDP results in poor battery life compared to modern mobile chips.
The eDRAM and high clocks result in significant heat output.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- No AVX-512 support
- Unsuitable for modern AI workloads
- No AI acceleration
- eDRAM does not benefit modern AI inference significantly
Content Creation
Gaming
- Suitable for older games
- Requires discrete GPU for 3D workloads
- Bottlenecks modern graphics cards
- Comparable to entry-level discrete GPUs of its era
- Capable of playing older titles at 1080p
- eDRAM significantly reduces frame drops
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Solid quad-core performance for 2015
- Good turbo boost frequencies
- Supports AVX2 instructions
- Reliable for legacy gaming
Cons
- End-of-life platform
- Uses outdated DDR3 memory
- High power consumption by modern standards
- Integrated graphics are very weak
- BGA socket prevents upgrades
Pros
- Iris Pro 6200 is highly capable for integrated graphics
- 128MB eDRAM provides huge bandwidth
- Strong single and multi-core clocks
- Excellent for 2015 mobile workstations
Cons
- Very expensive at launch
- 47W TDP limits battery life
- Soldered to motherboard
- DDR3 memory is obsolete
- Thermal throttling is common in thin laptops
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-5700HQ
- AMD FX-8800PRival
Mobile Performance
- Intel Core i7-4720HQRival
Mobile Performance
- Intel Core i5-4210HRival
Mobile Performance
- Intel Core i7-6700HQAlt
Newer Skylake architecture with DDR4 support.
- Intel Core i7-7700HQAlt
Better performance and efficiency.
- AMD Ryzen 5 2500UAlt
Modern alternative with much better integrated graphics and battery life.
- Intel Core i5-8250UAlt
8th gen U-series outperforms it in multi-core while using less power.
- Alt
Revolutionary efficiency and performance leap over Broadwell mobile chips.
Compare head-to-head
Core i7-5950HQ
- AMD A10-8700PRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i7-5700HQRival
Mobile Performance
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4980HQRival
Mobile Workstation
- Intel Core i7-6700HQAlt
More modern Skylake architecture with DDR4.
- Alt
Vastly superior integrated graphics and efficiency.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 7 5700UAlt
Modern 8-core alternative with excellent iGPU.
Newer Coffee Lake-U with Iris Plus graphics.
Compare head-to-head10nm Ice Lake with better efficiency and modern graphics.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A reliable workhorse of the mid-2010s that provided excellent quad-core performance for gaming laptops, though it is heavily outdated by modern efficiency and speed standards.
Best for: Purchasing a heavily discounted used laptop for retro gaming or basic typing.
Read the full reviewAn innovative processor that pushed the boundaries of integrated graphics with eDRAM, though its high cost and TDP limited its market appeal.
Best for: Buying a used MacBook Pro or mobile workstation for cheap.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-5700HQ or Core i7-5950HQ?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-5950HQ comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. 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, Core i7-5700HQ or Core i7-5950HQ?
For gaming, the Core i7-5950HQ leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Core i7-5700HQ and Core i7-5950HQ.
Do Core i7-5700HQ and Core i7-5950HQ use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1364 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.