CPU Comparison
Core i7-5700HQ vs Intel Core i7-4980HQ
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.
4.0 GHz turbo helps single-threaded productivity tasks.
Gaming
Handles older eSports titles well but struggles with modern AAA games.
Strong for 2013 games, but shows its age in modern titles.
Virtualization
Can run basic VMs but limited by DDR3 memory bandwidth.
Capable of running multiple VMs efficiently.
Efficiency
47W TDP results in poor battery life compared to modern mobile chips.
High clock speeds result in high heat and power draw.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- No AVX-512 support
- Unsuitable for modern AI workloads
- No AI acceleration hardware
- High clocks don't compensate for lack of modern matrix math support
Content Creation
Gaming
- Suitable for older games
- Requires discrete GPU for 3D workloads
- Bottlenecks modern graphics cards
- 4.0 GHz turbo helps CPU-heavy games
- Iris Pro eDRAM smooths textures
- Still struggles with modern AAA games
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- Uses outdated DDR3 memory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
- Hits 4.0 GHz turbo
- Strong Iris Pro graphics
- Excellent single-threaded performance for its era
Cons
- End-of-life
- Runs hot under load
- Poor power efficiency
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
Intel Core i7-4980HQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4800MQRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-8800PRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3840QMRival
Mobile
- NVIDIA Tegra K1Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXAlt
Modern mobile powerhouse with vastly better efficiency.
8 cores and modern architecture obliterate this old flagship.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Incredible performance per watt for content creation.
Compare head-to-head 14 cores provide massive multi-threading gains.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 6800HAlt
Superior integrated graphics and modern DDR5 support.
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 reviewThe fastest Crystalwell mobile CPU, hitting 4.0 GHz, offering top-tier 2013 performance but now outclassed by modern efficiency.
Best for: Always-plugged-in secondary machine. Purchasing a system featuring the Core i7-4980HQ today is generally not recommended for new builds or primary workstations. While it was a top-tier performer in 2013, its 22nm architecture and 47W TDP mean it is significantly less efficient than modern processors. A used laptop containing this chip might still handle basic productivity, web browsing, and older games, but it will struggle with modern, demanding applications and its battery life will likely be poor due to its age. If you are considering it for a low-cost, always-plugged-in secondary machine, it may suffice. Otherwise, investing in a modern system will provide vastly superior performance, efficiency, and security features.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-5700HQ or Intel Core i7-4980HQ?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-4980HQ 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.
Do Core i7-5700HQ and Intel Core i7-4980HQ use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1364 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-4980HQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-4980HQ (8,900). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.