Quick Verdict
A legendary mobile quad-core CPU that powered a generation of gaming laptops. Still capable for basic tasks, but shows its age in modern multi-threaded workloads.
Overview
Launch
2013
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
4th Gen
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i7-4700MQ is a high-performance mobile processor launched in May 2013. Based on the Haswell architecture, this 22nm quad-core CPU features Hyper-Threading, allowing it to process 8 threads simultaneously. It operates at a base frequency of 2.4 GHz and boosts up to 3.4 GHz, providing excellent multi-threaded performance for gaming and content creation. With a 47W TDP, it is designed for thicker, performance-oriented laptop chassis with robust cooling. The processor utilizes the Socket G3 (rPGA946B), meaning it is socketed and potentially upgradeable. It includes 6MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3-1600 memory. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4600 handles basic display outputs and media decoding. The i7-4700MQ became the standard CPU for mid-range to high-end gaming laptops in 2013, offering a perfect balance of core count, clock speed, and thermal manageability for portable computing.
The Core i7-4700MQ was the quintessential 2013 gaming laptop CPU. With 4 cores, 8 threads, and a 3.4 GHz turbo, it handled heavy multitasking and gaming with ease.
Its socketed G3 design allowed upgrades, and its 47W TDP required robust laptop cooling.
Specifications
Performance
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Haswell
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
6 MB
L3 Cache
47 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-4700MQ is built on the standard Haswell mobile microarchitecture, utilizing Intel's 22nm Tri-Gate process. The architecture features 4 physical cores with Hyper-Threading, yielding 8 concurrent threads, and 6MB of shared L3 cache. It includes the fully integrated voltage regulator (FVR), which moved power management components onto the CPU die, simplifying motherboard design. The processor integrates Intel HD Graphics 4600 with 20 Execution Units, dynamically scaling up to 1150 MHz. While competent for media playback, the HD 4600 was quickly superseded by discrete GPUs in the gaming laptops this chip powered. The memory controller supports dual-channel DDR3-1600. A key architectural benefit of the 'MQ' suffix is its socketed nature, utilizing the Socket G3 (rPGA946B) interface, allowing system builders to offer different performance tiers on the same motherboard and giving users a rare upgrade path in the laptop space.
CPU Design
4 cores, 8 threads, locked, socketed package.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3-1600.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier.
- AVX2 instruction support
- Improved HD 4600 graphics
- Integrated voltage regulator
Key Highlights
- Solid quad-core multi-threading
- Socketed design allows upgrades
- Good base clock for mobile
- Supports VT-d for virtualization
- 47W TDP requires robust cooling
- Uses obsolete DDR3 memory
- Lacks official Windows 11 support
- HD 4600 graphics are weak for modern gaming
History
Launched in May 2013, the Core i7-4700MQ became the heart of the 2013-2014 gaming laptop market. As the default quad-core processor for the Haswell mobile generation, it replaced the highly successful Ivy Bridge i7-3630QM. The 4700MQ brought significant architectural improvements, including AVX2 instructions and the integrated voltage regulator, which streamlined motherboard power delivery.
Its 47W TDP and 2.4 GHz base clock made it the perfect pairing for mid-range mobile GPUs like the GTX 765M. Crucially, the 'MQ' designation meant it utilized the Socket G3 interface, allowing users to upgrade their CPU—a feature that was highly prized by the enthusiast community.
It powered iconic gaming lines like the Lenovo Y510p and MSI GE60. While its 22nm process and DDR3 memory are obsolete today, the i7-4700MQ represents a golden era of laptop modularity, where users could easily swap components to extend the life of their portable machines.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- AVX2 instruction support
- Improved HD 4600 graphics
- Integrated voltage regulator
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Upgrading an old Socket G3 laptop for cheap
Avoid if…
- You are buying a new laptop
- You need modern single-core performance
- You want DDR4 memory
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 'MQ' suffix denotes a standard mobile quad-core processor that is socketed.
Uses the FC-PGA946 package.
Contains 1.4 billion transistors on a 177 mm² die.
Part number is SR15H.
Max Tcase is 100°C.
Commonly paired with GTX 765M or GTX 770M mobile GPUs.
Features HD 4600 graphics with a max dynamic frequency of 1150 MHz.
Supports Intel Wireless Display (WiDi).
Can be swapped for an i7-4800MQ or 4900MQ in compatible laptops.
Launched at $383.
People Also Ask
Is the i7-4700MQ good for gaming?
It can still handle older games and esports titles, but will bottleneck modern GPUs in new AAA games.
Can the i7-4700MQ be overclocked?
No, it has a locked multiplier. Only the 'XM' series could be overclocked.
Can I upgrade the i7-4700MQ in my laptop?
Yes, it uses Socket G3, so it can be upgraded to a faster i7-4800MQ or 4910MQ if cooling allows.
What is the TDP of the i7-4700MQ?
It has a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 47 Watts.
Does the i7-4700MQ have integrated graphics?
Yes, it includes Intel HD Graphics 4600.
What socket does the i7-4700MQ use?
It uses the Intel Socket G3 (rPGA946B).
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 i7-4700MQ?
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 i7-4700MQ?
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 6 MB of L3 cache.
What generation is the i7-4700MQ?
It is a 4th Generation Intel Core processor (Haswell).
What is the part number?
The part number is SR15H.
What is the max graphics dynamic frequency?
The HD 4600 graphics can boost up to 1150 MHz.
What is the max memory bandwidth?
The max memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s.
Does it support AVX2?
Yes, it supports AVX2 instructions.
Can it run Windows 11?
Officially unsupported, but workarounds exist.
Is it good for video editing?
It is decent for 1080p editing, but 4K will be slow due to the 22nm architecture.