CPU Comparison
Core i7-7700HQ vs Core i7-7820HK
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-7700HQ is a high-performance mobile processor launched in January 2017, becoming the most ubiquitous gaming laptop CPU of its generation. Based on the Kaby Lake-H architecture, this 14nm quad-core CPU features Hyper-Threading, allowing it to process 8 threads simultaneously. It operates at a base clock of 2.8 GHz and boosts up to 3.8 GHz, delivering reliable performance for gaming and multitasking. With a 45W TDP, it is designed for standard performance-oriented laptop chassis with active cooling. The processor includes 6MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR4-2400 or LPDDR3 memory. It features Intel HD Graphics 630, providing basic display capabilities and hardware video decoding. The 'HQ' suffix denotes a high-performance BGA package, meaning it is soldered to the motherboard. The i7-7700HQ was the default choice for mid-range to high-end gaming laptops in 2017, offering an excellent price-to-performance ratio that made it a staple in the mobile gaming market.
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance in 2017
- Good 3.8 GHz single-core performance
- Configurable TDP for laptop designs
- Wide compatibility with laptop GPUs
Cons
- Only 4 cores
- High 45W TDP limits battery life
- Soldered to motherboard
- 6MB L3 cache instead of 8MB
Pros
- Unlocked for overclocking
- Full 8MB L3 cache
- Good single-core performance for 2017
- Configurable TDP
Cons
- Only 4 cores
- Overclocking limited by laptop thermals
- Soldered to motherboard
- High power draw reduces battery life
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-7700HQ
- Intel Core i5-7300HQRival
Mainstream Mobile
- AMD FX-9800PRival
Mainstream Mobile
- Intel Core i7-6700HQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- AMD A12-9720PRival
Mainstream Mobile
- Intel Core i7-7700URival
Ultra-Low Power Mobile
- Intel Core i7-7820HQAlt
Higher clocks and more cache for professional apps.
Next-gen 6-core upgrade with much better multi-threading.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3550HAlt
Newer alternative with similar performance.
Core i7-7820HK
- Intel Core i7-7820HQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-7920HQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-7700HQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- AMD FX-9830PRival
Mainstream Mobile
- Intel Core i7-6820HKRival
High-Performance Mobile
Next-gen 6-core mobile upgrade.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 3750HAlt
Newer alternative with similar performance.
Our Verdict on Each
A legendary mobile CPU that powered millions of gaming laptops. Still decent for basic tasks, but its 4-core limit struggles with modern workloads.
Best for: Buying a very cheap used laptop for light gaming
Read the full reviewA unique unlocked mobile CPU that allowed laptop overclocking, though thermal limits heavily restricted how far it could be pushed.
Best for: Buying a used extreme gaming laptop cheaply
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Do Core i7-7700HQ and Core i7-7820HK use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1440 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.