CPU Comparison
Core i7-7700HQ vs Intel Core i7-11390H
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
The 4.6 GHz all-core boost makes it feel exceptionally snappy in daily tasks.
Gaming
High frame rates in CPU-bound esports titles, limited in modern AAA by 4 cores.
Virtualization
4 cores restrict heavy VM usage, but fine for light containerization.
Efficiency
28W TDP is well-optimized, though sustaining 5.0 GHz requires good cooling.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
No data
- Includes Intel DL Boost
- 4 cores limit local AI inference performance
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
No data
- 5.0 GHz boost is excellent for CS:GO and Valorant
- Higher all-core turbo helps maintain frame pacing
- 4 cores will bottleneck in highly threaded games
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
- 5.0 GHz single-core boost
- 4.6 GHz all-core turbo is excellent for a 4-core chip
- Iris Xe graphics with 1400 MHz boost
- 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes
Cons
- Only 4 cores and 8 threads
- Locked multiplier
- Niche availability in laptops
- Base clock slightly lower than 11375H
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 i7-11390H
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Thin-and-Light Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11375HRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
ARM Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600URival
Thin-and-Light Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11800HRival
High-Performance Mobile
Newer 12th Gen architecture with better multi-core performance.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-11320HAlt
A budget-friendly 4-core alternative with very close single-core performance.
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Better power efficiency for purely ultraportable use.
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 reviewEssentially a slightly tuned i7-11375H, offering excellent single-threaded performance but showing its age with only 4 cores.
Best for: Finding a thin-and-light laptop with excellent single-core snappiness
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-7700HQ or Intel Core i7-11390H?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-11390H comes out ahead with a score of 8.2/10. 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 i7-11390H?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-11390H leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Core i7-7700HQ and Intel Core i7-11390H.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-11390H has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-7700HQ (45 W), Intel Core i7-11390H (28 W).
Do Core i7-7700HQ and Intel Core i7-11390H use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-7700HQ: Intel BGA 1440, Intel Core i7-11390H: Intel BGA 1449), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-11390H posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-7700HQ (0), Intel Core i7-11390H (11,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.