CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-12700H vs Intel Core i7-4980HQ
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-12700H is a high-performance mobile processor from the Alder Lake-H series, launched in early 2022. Designed for gaming and creator laptops, it features 14 cores and 20 threads, combining six Performance-cores and eight Efficient-cores. Built on the Intel 7 process, it operates at a 45W base TDP, scaling up to 115W under turbo loads. This processor is engineered to deliver desktop-class performance in portable form factors. It supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, along with 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes for high-speed storage and peripherals. The inclusion of Iris Xe Graphics with 96 Execution Units provides solid graphical output when the discrete GPU is inactive, saving battery life. The i7-12700H became a staple in mid-to-high-end gaming laptops, offering an excellent balance of single-threaded speed for gaming and multi-threaded power for content creation and streaming.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Excellent multi-threaded performance for heavy rendering tasks.
4.0 GHz turbo helps single-threaded productivity tasks.
Gaming
Pushes high framerates in modern games when paired with an RTX 30/40 series mobile GPU.
Strong for 2013 games, but shows its age in modern titles.
Virtualization
Handles local development VMs well.
Capable of running multiple VMs efficiently.
Efficiency
Good power scaling, though 115W turbo can drain batteries quickly.
High clock speeds result in high heat and power draw.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Good for local inference
- Typically paired with Nvidia GPUs for AI workloads
- No AI acceleration hardware
- High clocks don't compensate for lack of modern matrix math support
Content Creation
Gaming
- Scales well with high-end mobile GPUs
- Single-core speed is top-tier
- 4.0 GHz turbo helps CPU-heavy games
- Iris Pro eDRAM smooths textures
- Still struggles with modern AAA games
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Incredible 14-core mobile performance
- Excellent single-core boost speeds
- Iris Xe graphics save battery when gaming is not needed
- Supports fast DDR5 memory
- Good balance of power and efficiency
Cons
- Soldered to the motherboard
- Can run hot in poorly cooled laptop chassis
- High turbo power draw limits battery life under load
Pros
- Hits 4.0 GHz turbo
- Strong Iris Pro graphics
- Excellent single-threaded performance for its era
Cons
- End-of-life
- Runs hot under load
- Poor power efficiency
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-12700H
- AMD Ryzen 9 6900HXRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i9-12900HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M2 ProRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXRival
Mobile
Newer generation with better performance and efficiency.
Compare head-to-headBetter budget option for mid-range gaming laptops.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-4980HQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4800MQRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-8800PRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3840QMRival
Mobile
- NVIDIA Tegra K1Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXAlt
Modern mobile powerhouse with vastly better efficiency.
8 cores and modern architecture obliterate this old flagship.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Incredible performance per watt for content creation.
Compare head-to-head 14 cores provide massive multi-threading gains.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 6800HAlt
Superior integrated graphics and modern DDR5 support.
Our Verdict on Each
A phenomenal mobile CPU that balances gaming speeds with heavy multi-core rendering power, making it the heart of premium laptops.
Best for: Buying a high-end gaming or creator laptop that needs to balance heavy workloads with portability.
Read the full reviewThe fastest Crystalwell mobile CPU, hitting 4.0 GHz, offering top-tier 2013 performance but now outclassed by modern efficiency.
Best for: Always-plugged-in secondary machine. Purchasing a system featuring the Core i7-4980HQ today is generally not recommended for new builds or primary workstations. While it was a top-tier performer in 2013, its 22nm architecture and 47W TDP mean it is significantly less efficient than modern processors. A used laptop containing this chip might still handle basic productivity, web browsing, and older games, but it will struggle with modern, demanding applications and its battery life will likely be poor due to its age. If you are considering it for a low-cost, always-plugged-in secondary machine, it may suffice. Otherwise, investing in a modern system will provide vastly superior performance, efficiency, and security features.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-12700H or Intel Core i7-4980HQ?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-12700H 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, Intel Core i7-12700H or Intel Core i7-4980HQ?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-12700H leads with a gaming performance score of 90/100 among Intel Core i7-12700H and Intel Core i7-4980HQ.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-12700H has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-12700H (45 W), Intel Core i7-4980HQ (47 W).
Do Intel Core i7-12700H and Intel Core i7-4980HQ use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-12700H: Intel BGA 1744, Intel Core i7-4980HQ: Intel BGA 1364), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-12700H has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-12700H (14 cores), Intel Core i7-4980HQ (4 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-12700H posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-12700H (26,000), Intel Core i7-4980HQ (8,900). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.