CPU Comparison
Core i7-7700HQ vs Core i7-7820HQ
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
- Good 3.9 GHz single-core performance
- Full 8MB L3 cache
- Configurable TDP for laptop designs
- Includes Quick Sync for media
Cons
- Only 4 cores
- High 45W TDP limits battery life
- Soldered to motherboard
- Cannot be overclocked
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 i7-7820HQ
- Intel Core i7-7700HQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-7920HQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-7820HKRival
High-Performance Mobile
- AMD FX-9800PRival
Mainstream Mobile
- Intel Core i5-7300HQRival
Mainstream Mobile
Next-gen 6-core upgrade with much better multi-threading.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 3750HAlt
Newer alternative with similar performance.
- Intel Core i7-7660UAlt
Lower power alternative for thinner laptops.
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 solid and popular mobile CPU in 2017, offering great performance for gaming and professional apps, though 4 cores show their age today.
Best for: Buying a used 2017 laptop for cheap
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Do Core i7-7700HQ and Core i7-7820HQ use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1440 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.