CPU Comparison
Core i7-7820HQ vs Core i7-7920HQ
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-7820HQ is a high-performance mobile processor launched in January 2017 for premium laptops and mobile workstations. 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 2.9 GHz and boosts up to 3.9 GHz, offering strong single-threaded performance for a wide variety of applications. With a 45W TDP, it is intended for thicker laptop chassis capable of dissipating significant heat. The processor includes 8MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR4-2400 or LPDDR3 memory. It features Intel HD Graphics 630, providing reliable display outputs and hardware media decoding. The 'HQ' suffix denotes a high-performance BGA package, meaning it is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. The i7-7820HQ was a popular choice in 2017 for high-end business laptops and upper-mid-range gaming systems, balancing cost and performance effectively.
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- High 4.1 GHz turbo for 2017
- Full 8MB L3 cache
- Configurable TDP for laptop designs
- Includes Quick Sync for media encoding
Cons
- Only 4 cores
- High 45W TDP limits battery life
- Soldered to motherboard
- Expensive at launch ($568)
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Core i7-7920HQ
- Intel Core i7-7820HQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-7820HKRival
High-Performance Mobile
- AMD FX-9800PRival
Mainstream Mobile
- Intel Core i5-7300HQRival
Mainstream Mobile
- Intel Core i7-7700HQRival
High-Performance 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 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 reviewA top-tier mobile CPU in 2017, offering excellent speeds, but its 45W TDP and 4-core limit make it outdated for modern heavy workloads.
Best for: Buying a cheap used 2017 laptop
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Do Core i7-7820HQ and Core i7-7920HQ use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1440 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.