CPU Comparison
Core i7-7920HQ vs Intel Core i7-8750H
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-7920HQ is a high-performance mobile processor launched in January 2017 for premium gaming laptops and mobile workstations. Based on the Kaby Lake-H architecture, this 14nm quad-core CPU features Hyper-Threading, delivering 8 concurrent threads. It operates at a base clock of 3.1 GHz and boosts up to 4.1 GHz, offering top-tier single-threaded performance for its generation. With a 45W TDP, it is designed for thicker, performance-oriented laptop chassis with robust cooling. The processor includes 8MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR4-2400 or LPDDR3 memory. It features Intel HD Graphics 630, providing basic display capabilities and Quick Sync media acceleration. The 'HQ' suffix denotes a soldered BGA package with high-performance integrated graphics, meaning it cannot be upgraded. The i7-7920HQ was a premium tier chip in 2017, powering high-end systems like the 15-inch MacBook Pro and top-tier gaming laptops, excelling in professional applications and high-refresh-rate gaming.
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
- 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)
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 i7-7920HQ
- 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.
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 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 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 i7-7920HQ 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 i7-7920HQ or Intel Core i7-8750H?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8750H leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Core i7-7920HQ and Intel Core i7-8750H.
Do Core i7-7920HQ 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 i7-7920HQ (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 i7-7920HQ (0), Intel Core i7-8750H (13,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.