CPU Comparison
Core i7-7700HQ vs Intel Core i7-8750H
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.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
12 threads make quick work of rendering and compiling.
Gaming
Handles modern mid-range GPUs (up to RTX 2070) without bottlenecking.
Virtualization
Good for running VMs on a laptop.
Efficiency
45W TDP can get hot and loud in thin laptops.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
No data
- No AI hardware
- 12 threads provide decent CPU inference
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
No data
- Pairs perfectly with GTX 1660 Ti to RTX 2070
- Can struggle to maintain 4.1 GHz in poorly cooled laptops
- Excellent for 1080p high-refresh gaming
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
- 6 cores / 12 threads
- Excellent gaming performance
- Good multi-threaded capability
- Widely supported in laptops
Cons
- Runs hot in thin laptops
- Soldered to motherboard
- 45W TDP limits battery life
- Older 14nm process
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.
Intel Core i7-8750H
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700HRival
Mobile High Performance
- AMD Ryzen 7 2800HRival
Mobile High Performance
- Intel Core i5-8300HRival
Mobile High Performance
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-8950HKRival
Mobile High Performance
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600HRival
Mobile High Performance
- Intel Core i7-9750HAlt
Successor with higher clocks and better optimization.
- Intel Core i7-10750HAlt
10th Gen alternative with similar core count.
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800HAlt
Vastly superior efficiency and 8 cores.
Slightly slower but runs cooler in budget laptops.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 4600HAlt
Better budget alternative with modern architecture.
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 legendary mobile CPU that brought real desktop-class hexa-core performance to laptops, remaining viable for modern gaming.
Best for: Buying a budget used gaming laptop for 1080p gaming.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-7700HQ or Intel Core i7-8750H?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-8750H comes out ahead with a score of 9/10. 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 i7-7700HQ or Intel Core i7-8750H?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8750H leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Core i7-7700HQ and Intel Core i7-8750H.
Do Core i7-7700HQ and Intel Core i7-8750H use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1440 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-8750H has the most cores. Core counts: Core i7-7700HQ (4 cores), Intel Core i7-8750H (6 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-8750H posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-7700HQ (0), Intel Core i7-8750H (13,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.