Quick Verdict
A dependable embedded quad-core CPU that offers solid multi-threaded performance for legacy industrial systems.
Overview
Launch
2013
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
4th Gen
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i7-4700EQ is a quad-core embedded mobile processor launched in May 2013. Based on the Haswell architecture, this 22nm CPU is designed for systems requiring long-term availability and high reliability, such as industrial PCs, digital signage, and medical equipment. It features 4 cores and 8 threads, operating at a base clock of 2.4 GHz with a maximum turbo frequency of 3.4 GHz. The 'EQ' suffix denotes an embedded BGA package, meaning it is soldered directly to the motherboard. With a 47W TDP, it balances robust computing power with thermal constraints typical of mobile and compact embedded environments. The processor includes 8MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3-1600 memory. It integrates Intel HD Graphics 4600, providing competent multimedia capabilities. The i7-4700EQ is well-suited for edge computing applications that require sustained multi-threaded processing and hardware virtualization without the need for discrete graphics.
The Core i7-4700EQ brings Haswell quad-core performance to the embedded sector. With 8MB of cache and a 3.4 GHz turbo, it handles industrial workloads efficiently.
Its BGA 1364 socket ensures permanence, while HD 4600 graphics provide reliable display outputs for medical and signage applications.
Specifications
Performance
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Haswell
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
8 MB
L3 Cache
47 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-4700EQ is built on the standard Haswell mobile microarchitecture, utilizing Intel's 22nm Tri-Gate process. Unlike the ULT variants, this chip utilizes a larger die featuring a fully integrated voltage regulator (FVR) alongside 4 physical cores and 8MB of shared L3 cache. The architecture reintroduces AVX2 and FMA3 instruction sets, accelerating floating-point calculations and multimedia processing, which is crucial for industrial image processing and signal analysis. The processor integrates Intel HD Graphics 4600, featuring 20 Execution Units operating between 400 MHz and 1000 MHz. This provides sufficient graphical horsepower for multi-display digital signage and medical imaging without requiring discrete GPUs. The memory controller supports dual-channel DDR3-1600, offering up to 25.6 GB/s of bandwidth. Built for the BGA 1364 socket, it is permanently soldered, ensuring mechanical stability in high-vibration environments typical of factory deployments.
CPU Design
4 cores, 8 threads, locked, integrated voltage regulator.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3-1600.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier.
- Higher clock speeds
- AVX2 instruction support
- Improved HD 4600 graphics
Key Highlights
- Guaranteed long-term embedded availability
- Strong quad-core multi-threading
- 8MB L3 cache
- Supports AVX2 for industrial calculations
- 47W TDP requires active cooling
- Soldered BGA package
- Uses obsolete DDR3 memory
- Hard to source for consumers
History
Launched in May 2013, the Core i7-4700EQ was Intel's premier embedded mobile processor at the start of the Haswell era. As industries increasingly relied on localized computing for automation and data acquisition, the demand for powerful, reliable embedded chips surged. The 4700EQ filled this niche by offering full quad-core, 8-thread performance in a 47W BGA package.
Unlike consumer parts that cycle out quickly, the EQ series was guaranteed for a 7-year lifecycle, assuring industrial manufacturers of long-term availability for medical devices, ruggedized servers, and factory controllers. It brought AVX2 instructions to the embedded space, allowing for significant performance gains in floating-point heavy industrial software. While it lacked ECC memory support, its vPro integration allowed IT administrators to remotely manage factory floor terminals.
The 4700EQ represents Intel's strategy of adapting its mainstream mobile silicon for the embedded sector, providing a bridge between consumer performance and industrial reliability during a critical period of IoT expansion.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Higher clock speeds
- AVX2 instruction support
- Improved HD 4600 graphics
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Sourcing replacements for legacy industrial boards
Avoid if…
- Building a modern consumer laptop
- You need high single-thread burst performance
- You want DDR4 memory
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 'EQ' suffix denotes an embedded quad-core BGA processor.
It shares the same 177 mm² die as the mobile MQ series.
Contains 1.4 billion transistors.
Part number is SR17L.
Max Tcase is 100°C.
Often used in ruggedized military laptops and medical carts.
Supports Intel vPro for remote management.
Features HD 4600 graphics with a max dynamic frequency of 1000 MHz.
Launched at $378.
Despite being embedded, it lacks ECC memory support.
People Also Ask
What does EQ mean in Intel processors?
EQ denotes an embedded quad-core processor in a BGA package, designed for industrial use.
Is the i7-4700EQ good for gaming?
It can run older games fine, but its 47W TDP and HD 4600 graphics are not meant for modern gaming.
Can the i7-4700EQ be overclocked?
No, it has a locked multiplier for predictable industrial performance.
Does the i7-4700EQ support ECC memory?
No, the Core i7 series does not support ECC memory; that is reserved for Xeon.
What is the TDP of the i7-4700EQ?
It has a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 47 Watts.
What socket does the i7-4700EQ use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1364 socket and is soldered.
Does it support Hyper-Threading?
Yes, it has 4 cores and 8 threads.
What memory does it support?
It supports dual-channel DDR3-1600 memory.
What is the max turbo of the i7-4700EQ?
The maximum turbo boost is 3.4 GHz.
Does it support vPro?
Yes, it supports Intel vPro enterprise features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the base clock of the i7-4700EQ?
The base clock is 2.4 GHz.
Does it support PCIe 3.0?
Yes, it supports 16 lanes of PCIe 3.0.
What is the L3 cache size?
It has 8 MB of L3 cache.
What generation is the i7-4700EQ?
It is a 4th Generation Intel Core processor (Haswell).
What is the part number?
The part number is SR17L.
Is the i7-4700EQ unlocked?
No, it has a locked multiplier.
What is the max memory bandwidth?
The max memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s.
Does it support AVX2?
Yes, it supports AVX2 instructions.
What is the max graphics dynamic frequency?
The HD 4600 graphics can boost up to 1000 MHz.
Can it run Windows 11?
Officially unsupported, but workarounds exist.