Quick Verdict
A great low-power quad-core mobile CPU for 2014, offering excellent efficiency, but its lower clocks limit single-threaded performance.
Overview
Launch
2013
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
4th Gen
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i7-4712MQ is a high-performance mobile processor launched in April 2014 as a low-power refresh to the Haswell lineup. This 22nm quad-core CPU features Hyper-Threading, allowing it to process 8 threads concurrently. It operates at a base frequency of 2.3 GHz and boosts up to 3.3 GHz. The key differentiator of this SKU is its 37W TDP, significantly lower than the standard 47W found on the i7-4710MQ, making it ideal for thinner gaming laptops and portable workstations. 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 i7-4712MQ offered an excellent compromise for users who wanted quad-core multi-threaded performance without the extreme heat and battery drain of higher-wattage mobile chips.
The Core i7-4712MQ brought quad-core performance to the 37W thermal envelope. With 4 cores, 8 threads, and a 3.3 GHz turbo, it balanced power and heat for thinner laptops.
Its socketed G3 design allowed upgrades, making it a versatile chip for portable computing.
Specifications
Performance
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Haswell
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
6 MB
L3 Cache
37 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-4712MQ is built on the standard Haswell mobile microarchitecture, utilizing Intel's 22nm Tri-Gate process. As a refresh part, it shares the exact same die and architecture as the i7-4702MQ but is binned for slightly higher clock speeds, achieving 2.3 GHz at base and 3.3 GHz at turbo. The architecture features 4 physical cores with Hyper-Threading and 6MB of shared L3 cache. The primary architectural distinction of this SKU is its strict 37W TDP binning. To achieve this lower power envelope, Intel kept the base clock low, ensuring the chip stays within thermal limits during sustained all-core workloads. The processor integrates Intel HD Graphics 4600 with 20 Execution Units, dynamically scaling up to 1150 MHz. Utilizing the Socket G3 (rPGA946B) interface, it provided a rare upgrade path in the laptop space, allowing OEMs to offer thinner chassis that still retained quad-core capabilities without resorting to extreme cooling solutions.
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.
- 100 MHz higher base clock
- 100 MHz higher turbo boost
Key Highlights
- Lower 37W TDP for thinner designs
- Solid quad-core multi-threading
- Socketed design allows upgrades
- Good balance of power and efficiency
- Low 2.3 GHz base clock
- Uses obsolete DDR3 memory
- Lacks official Windows 11 support
- HD 4600 graphics are weak
History
Launched in 2014, the Core i7-4712MQ was a minor refresh within Intel's Haswell mobile lineup. As the industry prepared for the Broadwell transition, Intel released these slightly faster binnings to maintain competitive pressure. The 4712MQ offered a modest 100 MHz increase over the 4702MQ, pushing the base clock to 2.
3 GHz. While unremarkable in isolation, this chip served a specific niche: users who wanted quad-core performance in a 37W thermal envelope. It was a popular choice for thinner multimedia laptops and portable workstations, bridging the gap between ultra-low voltage dual-cores and heavy desktop replacements.
The 4712MQ also retained the socketed G3 interface, a feature cherished by upgraders. It demonstrated Intel's strategy of binning silicon to fit every possible market niche, ensuring that even users with thinner laptops could access workstation-class multitasking capabilities without melting their keyboards. It remains a cult favorite for budget laptop upgrades.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- 100 MHz higher base clock
- 100 MHz higher turbo boost
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Upgrading an old Socket G3 laptop for cheap
Avoid if…
- You need high single-core speeds
- You are buying a new laptop
- You want DDR4 memory
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 'MQ' suffix denotes a mobile quad-core processor, but the '2' indicates a lower TDP (37W).
Uses the FC-PGA946 package.
Contains 1.4 billion transistors on a 177 mm² die.
Part number is SR1PS.
Max Tcase is 100°C.
It is a slightly faster refresh of the i7-4702MQ.
Features HD 4600 graphics with a max dynamic frequency of 1150 MHz.
Can be swapped for an i7-4710MQ or 4800MQ if cooling allows.
Launched at $378.
Often found in thinner multimedia laptops like the Lenovo IdeaPad Y40.
People Also Ask
Is the i7-4712MQ good for gaming?
It can handle older games fine, but its lower clock speeds will bottleneck modern GPUs.
Can the i7-4712MQ be overclocked?
No, it has a locked multiplier.
What is the TDP of the i7-4712MQ?
It has a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 37 Watts, lower than the standard 47W mobile quad-cores.
Does the i7-4712MQ have integrated graphics?
Yes, it includes Intel HD Graphics 4600.
What socket does the i7-4712MQ 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 i7-4712MQ?
The maximum turbo boost is 3.3 GHz.
Can I upgrade the i7-4712MQ in my laptop?
Yes, it uses Socket G3, so it can be upgraded to a faster MQ chip if cooling allows.
Does it support vPro?
Yes, it supports Intel vPro enterprise features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the base clock of the i7-4712MQ?
The base clock is 2.3 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 i7-4712MQ?
It is a 4th Generation Intel Core processor (Haswell).
What is the part number?
The part number is SR1PS.
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 its lower clocks make it slower than the 4710MQ.