Quick Verdict
A powerful late-cycle Haswell chip that balanced high CPU clocks with class-leading Iris Pro integrated graphics.
Overview
Launch
2014
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
4th Gen
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i7-4770HQ is a high-performance mobile processor launched in July 2014, representing one of the final iterations of the Haswell Crystalwell family. Designed for premium mobile workstations and high-end laptops, it features four cores and eight threads, delivering robust computational power. Operating at a base clock of 2.2 GHz with a maximum turbo frequency of 3.4 GHz, it provides a noticeable CPU speed improvement over earlier Crystalwell models. The defining feature remains the inclusion of Intel HD Graphics 5200, supported by 128MB of integrated L4 eDRAM, ensuring exceptional graphics performance without a discrete GPU. This combination made it a favorite for creative professionals who needed portable machines capable of handling 1080p video editing and 3D rendering. With a 47-watt TDP, it demanded active cooling but packed immense capability into a mobile form factor. Though end-of-life, it was a premier choice for power users during the mid-2010s.
The Core i7-4770HQ pushes the Crystalwell architecture further with a 3.4GHz turbo. It retains the 128MB eDRAM and Iris Pro 5200 graphics, making it ideal for 1080p video editing and legacy gaming.
It was a premier mobile chip for power users in 2014.
Specifications
Performance
High turbo clocks ensure smooth application performance.
Handles standard VMs well.
Strong integrated graphics performance for older titles.
47W TDP is standard but outdated.
- •Iris Pro 5200 handles 1080p low settings well
- •Rivals entry-level discrete GPUs
- •No AI hardware
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Crystalwell
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
6 MB
L3 Cache
47 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-4770HQ utilizes the 22-nanometer Haswell microarchitecture paired with the Crystalwell die configuration. The processor package contains 1.4 billion transistors on a 264 mm² die, paired with a 128MB embedded DRAM (eDRAM) cache. This L4 eDRAM provides massive memory bandwidth to the Intel HD Graphics 5200, drastically improving frame rates in games and accelerating compute tasks. The CPU features 6MB of shared L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3-1600 memory. It is soldered to the motherboard using the BGA 1364 socket, ensuring a low profile for thin chassis designs. The chip provides 16 lanes of PCIe 3.0 for connecting external GPUs or fast storage. The 47-watt TDP reflects the power required to sustain a 3.4 GHz turbo on four cores while simultaneously feeding the powerful integrated graphics array. The architecture dynamically allocates power between the CPU and GPU, optimizing performance based on the specific demands of the active workload.
CPU Design
4 physical cores with Hyper-Threading.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3 support.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes directly from the CPU.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier.
- 100MHz higher base clock
- 100MHz higher turbo
Key Highlights
- High 3.4GHz turbo boost
- Iris Pro 5200 graphics
- 128MB L4 eDRAM
- Strong quad-core performance
- Soldered BGA package
- 47W TDP requires good cooling
- Outdated 22nm process
- End-of-life
History
Released in July 2014, the Core i7-4770HQ served as a late-cycle performance bump for the Haswell mobile lineup before the transition to Broadwell. It addressed user feedback requesting higher CPU clock speeds alongside the impressive Iris Pro graphics. By pushing the turbo frequency to 3.
4 GHz, Intel created a chip that excelled in both CPU-bound tasks like compiling code and GPU-bound tasks like video rendering. It was widely adopted in the top-tier 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display, as well as premium Windows workstations from HP and Dell. The 4770HQ represented the zenith of Intel's 22nm mobile architecture, offering a level of raw power and integrated graphical fidelity that wouldn't be matched until the release of quad-core Skylake parts years later.
As Intel shifted focus to lower power consumption with 14nm dies, the 4770HQ was phased out, leaving behind a legacy as a powerhouse mobile processor for its generation.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- 100MHz higher base clock
- 100MHz higher turbo
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Encountering a laptop with an Intel Core i7-4770HQ usually means looking at a used MacBook Pro or a premium Windows laptop from 2014. If you are buying, inspect the battery and cooling system first, as the 47-watt TDP often degrades these components over a decade of use. The processor itself remains surprisingly capable for 1080p video editing, running older creative software, and casual gaming, thanks to the potent HD 5200 graphics with eDRAM. However, single-core performance lags significantly behind modern chips. If you are performing a board-level repair, this chip is a direct replacement for failed 47-watt BGA 1364 processors, but it requires professional soldering equipment. Do not purchase a machine with this CPU for modern, heavy workloads; it will struggle with 4K rendering or modern AAA gaming. Treat it as a solid, budget-friendly machine for retro computing, light productivity, or as a media server, pricing it accordingly.
Avoid if…
- 4K video editing
- Modern gaming
- Need modern I/O
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
Part number is SR1ZW.
Features a 22x multiplier.
Has 128MB of L4 eDRAM on package.
Supports TSX-NI instructions.
Max Tcase is 100°C.
Uses the FC-BGA1364 package.
Marketed as Iris Pro graphics.
Memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s.
Supports AVX2 and FMA3.
Released in July 2014.
People Also Ask
Is i7-4770HQ good for gaming?
Yes, for older 1080p games via Iris Pro.
What is the TDP of i7-4770HQ?
47 watts.
Does i7-4770HQ have eDRAM?
Yes, 128MB.
Can you overclock i7-4770HQ?
No, it is locked.
What socket is i7-4770HQ?
BGA 1364.
When was i7-4770HQ released?
July 1st, 2014.
Does it have Iris graphics?
Yes, HD 5200 (Iris Pro).
Does it support DDR4?
No, DDR3.
How many cores?
4 cores, 8 threads.
Can it run Windows 11?
Not officially.
Frequently Asked Questions
What generation is i7-4770HQ?
4th Gen Haswell/Crystalwell.
Is it unlocked?
No.
L3 cache size?
6 MB.
What is the base clock?
2.2 GHz.
Max turbo frequency?
3.4 GHz.
Does it support VT-x?
Yes.
Max memory?
32 GB.
Is it good for video editing?
Yes, for 1080p workflows.
Does it support AES-NI?
Yes.
What graphics model?
Intel HD 5200.