Quick Verdict
A dependable quad-core mobile CPU that offered a good balance of performance and thermals for 2017 gaming laptops, though it lacks modern multi-threading capabilities.
Overview
Launch
2017
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
7th Gen (Kaby Lake)
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i5-7440HQ is a 7th generation mobile processor designed for high-performance laptops. Released in early 2017, it belongs to the Kaby Lake-H family, characterized by a 45W TDP tailored for thicker gaming and workstation laptops. Featuring 4 cores and 4 threads, it operates at a base frequency of 2.8 GHz and can boost up to 3.8 GHz. The processor is built on Intel's 14nm process and integrates the Intel HD Graphics 630, handling everyday display tasks and light media decoding. Unlike its desktop counterparts, the 7440HQ is soldered onto BGA1440 motherboards, meaning it cannot be upgraded. It supports both DDR4 and DDR3L memory, offering flexibility for manufacturers. Positioned as a mid-range mobile chip, it provided a solid balance between power and thermal output, making it a common choice in budget gaming laptops and mobile workstations where dedicated graphics handled the heavy lifting.
The Intel Core i5-7440HQ brought Kaby Lake architecture to mobile platforms, offering 4 cores operating up to 3.8 GHz. With support for DDR4 memory and Intel HD 630 graphics, it served as a workhorse for budget gaming laptops.
While it lacks Hyper-Threading, its 45W TDP allowed for sustained performance, making it a solid choice for users needing portable compute power without stepping up to more expensive Core i7 variants.
Specifications
Performance
Strong single-thread performance makes it great for office tasks and general computing.
Can handle light virtualization tasks, though lacking 8 threads limits heavy VM usage.
Performs well in eSports and older titles when paired with a dedicated mobile GPU, but bottlenecks modern AAA games.
14nm process and 45W TDP are inefficient by modern standards, leading to shorter battery life.
- •Adequate for 1080p medium settings in older games
- •4 cores may cause stuttering in modern CPU-heavy titles
- •Requires a dedicated GPU for gaming
- •No dedicated AI hardware
- •Low core count restricts local LLM or inference workloads
Architecture
14nm
Process Node
Kaby Lake-H
Codename
4C / 4T
Core Config
6 MB
L3 Cache
45 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i5-7440HQ leverages the Kaby Lake-H microarchitecture, an optimized refresh of the Skylake design for mobile platforms.
CPU Design
Features 4 physical cores and 4 threads, utilizing Turbo Boost 2.0 to reach 3.8 GHz on active cores.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel memory controller supporting both DDR4-2400 and LPDDR3-2133 for manufacturer flexibility.
PCIe & I/O
Provides 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes directly from the CPU, ensuring dedicated bandwidth for mobile GPUs and NVMe SSDs.
Overclocking
The multiplier is locked, though BGA1440 soldering prevents upgrading anyway.
- Higher base and boost clock speeds
- Refined 14nm+ process for better efficiency
- Improved media engine in HD 630 graphics
Key Highlights
- Good single-core performance for its generation
- Supports both DDR4 and DDR3L memory
- Includes VT-d and vPro features
- Adequate for 1080p gaming with a dGPU
- Only 4 cores and 4 threads
- Soldered to the motherboard, not upgradeable
- 45W TDP results in poor battery life
- Not officially supported by Windows 11
History
Launched in January 2017, the Core i5-7440HQ arrived during a pivotal era for mobile computing. Laptop manufacturers were increasingly pushing gaming and creative professionals on the go, requiring CPUs that could handle sustained loads without throttling. The 7440HQ served as a workhorse for many 15-inch and 17-inch gaming laptops, offering a cost-effective alternative to the more expensive Core i7 quad-cores.
It bridged the gap before Intel introduced hexa-core processors to the mobile space in the 8th generation. During its lifespan, it powered thousands of mid-range mobile workstations and gaming rigs, providing reliable performance for eSports titles and content consumption. As the industry shifted towards thinner designs with lower TDPs and higher core counts, the 7440HQ eventually became obsolete.
Today, laptops featuring this processor are largely confined to the used market.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Higher base and boost clock speeds
- Refined 14nm+ process for better efficiency
- Improved media engine in HD 630 graphics
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Purchasing a heavily discounted used laptop for basic tasks
Avoid if…
- Buying a new laptop
- Needing modern multi-threaded performance
- Requiring long battery life
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The i5-7440HQ was often paired with GTX 1050 or 1050 Ti graphics in budget gaming laptops.
It supports Intel vPro technology, making it suitable for enterprise mobile workstations.
The processor can dynamically lower its TDP to 35W to save battery life during light use.
It was built on the 14nm+ process node, an optimization over the original Skylake 14nm.
The integrated HD Graphics 630 can drive up to three independent displays.
It features a 100 MHz base clock, a standard design choice for Intel mobile platforms of that era.
The BGA1440 socket means the CPU is permanently attached, a standard practice for mobile processors since the 4th generation.
It supports advanced instructions like AVX2 and F16C for specialized computing tasks.
The die size is approximately 126 mm².
It lacks Intel Iris Plus graphics, relying on the more basic HD Graphics 630.
People Also Ask
Is Intel Core i5-7440HQ still good in 2024?
It is showing its age, suitable only for basic tasks, retro gaming, and light programming.
Can the i5-7440HQ run Windows 11?
Officially no, but it can run via workarounds, though without official support.
Does the i5-7440HQ support NVMe SSDs?
Yes, through the motherboard's PCIe lanes, it supports fast NVMe storage.
How does the i5-7440HQ compare to the i7-7700HQ?
The i7-7700HQ features hyper-threading (8 threads) and higher clocks, making it significantly faster.
What is the base clock of the i5-7440HQ?
The base clock is 2.8 GHz.
Does the i5-7440HQ support Optane memory?
Yes, 7th Gen Intel processors support Intel Optane Memory.
Can I undervolt the i5-7440HQ?
Yes, undervolting is often possible on Kaby Lake mobile chips to reduce heat.
What is the die size of the i5-7440HQ?
The die size is approximately 126 mm².
Is the i5-7440HQ good for video editing?
It can handle basic 1080p editing, but 4K editing will be very slow.
Is the i5-7440HQ good for programming?
Yes, for general programming it is still adequate, though compiling large projects will be slower.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does HQ mean in Intel processors?
HQ stands for High performance graphics and Quad-core, indicating a mobile processor with a 45W TDP.
Can I upgrade the Core i5-7440HQ?
No, it is soldered to the motherboard using the BGA1440 package and cannot be upgraded.
Does the Core i5-7440HQ have hyper-threading?
No, it features 4 physical cores and 4 threads without hyper-threading.
What is the maximum turbo frequency of the i5-7440HQ?
The maximum turbo frequency is 3.8 GHz.
What kind of memory does the i5-7440HQ support?
It supports both DDR4-2400 and LPDDR3-2133 memory in dual-channel configurations.
Does the i5-7440HQ have integrated graphics?
Yes, it includes Intel HD Graphics 630.
Is the i5-7440HQ good for gaming?
It can handle light gaming and older titles, but modern gaming requires a dedicated GPU.
What is the TDP of the i5-7440HQ?
It has a default TDP of 45W, with a configurable TDP down to 35W.
Can the i5-7440HQ be overclocked?
No, mobile HQ processors typically have locked multipliers.
What socket does the i5-7440HQ use?
It uses the Intel BGA1440 socket.