Quick Verdict
A reliable workhorse of the mid-2010s that provided excellent quad-core performance for gaming laptops, though it is heavily outdated by modern efficiency and speed standards.
Overview
Launch
2015
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
5th Gen Core i7
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i7-5700HQ is a high-performance mobile processor launched in the second quarter of 2015, specifically designed to power premium gaming and workstation laptops. Built on Intel's 14-nanometer Broadwell-H architecture, this chip represents a crucial transition point in Intel's roadmap, bringing improved energy efficiency and thermal performance over the previous Haswell generation. It features four physical cores and supports Hyper-Threading, allowing it to process up to eight simultaneous threads. With a base clock speed of 2.7 GHz and a maximum turbo boost frequency of 3.5 GHz, it delivers robust single-threaded and multi-threaded performance for demanding applications. The processor includes 6 MB of L3 cache and integrates Intel HD 5600 graphics. Its 47-watt thermal design power envelope strikes a balance between raw computational power and the thermal constraints of mobile form factors. Although now considered end-of-life, the i7-5700HQ remains a historically significant part of Intel's mobile CPU evolution.
The Core i7-5700HQ combined four cores, eight threads, and a 47W TDP to deliver desktop-class performance to mobile platforms in 2015.
Specifications
Performance
Adequate for basic tasks but slow for modern multi-threaded workloads.
Can run basic VMs but limited by DDR3 memory bandwidth.
Handles older eSports titles well but struggles with modern AAA games.
47W TDP results in poor battery life compared to modern mobile chips.
- •Suitable for older games
- •Requires discrete GPU for 3D workloads
- •Bottlenecks modern graphics cards
- •No dedicated AI hardware
- •No AVX-512 support
- •Unsuitable for modern AI workloads
Architecture
14nm
Process Node
Broadwell-H
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
6 MB
L3 Cache
47 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Broadwell-H architecture employed in the i7-5700HQ utilizes Intel's 14-nanometer manufacturing process, a significant shrink from the 22-nanometer process used in Haswell. This die shrink allows for more transistors in the same physical space, directly translating to improved power efficiency and reduced heat generation. The processor maintains the quad-core design with Hyper-Threading, ensuring eight logical threads are available for parallel processing tasks. Broadwell-H introduced refinements to the instruction set architecture, including support for AVX2 and FMA3, accelerating complex mathematical computations and media encoding workloads. The integrated memory controller supports dual-channel DDR3 memory at 1866 MT/s, providing ample memory bandwidth for its era. While the integrated Intel HD 5600 graphics offer basic display capabilities and media decoding, the architecture is heavily optimized for discrete GPU pairing in gaming laptops. The 47-watt TDP rating is a defining architectural characteristic of the H-series, enabling sustained high-clock operation in adequately cooled chassis.
CPU Design
4 cores, 8 threads via Hyper-Threading.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3-1866 controller.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes for discrete graphics and storage.
Overclocking
Multiplier locked, limited base clock tuning.
- 14nm process node
- Slightly better efficiency
- Improved integrated graphics
Key Highlights
- Solid quad-core performance for 2015
- Good turbo boost frequencies
- Supports AVX2 instructions
- Reliable for legacy gaming
- End-of-life platform
- Uses outdated DDR3 memory
- High power consumption by modern standards
- Integrated graphics are very weak
- BGA socket prevents upgrades
History
The Core i7-5700HQ was officially launched on June 2, 2015, as part of Intel's broader Broadwell rollout. Broadwell faced significant delays due to manufacturing challenges with the 14nm process node, resulting in a much shorter product cycle than originally anticipated. Despite this, the i7-5700HQ quickly became a staple in high-end gaming laptops throughout 2015 and early 2016, frequently paired with Nvidia's GTX 900M series graphics.
Its release marked a pivotal moment for mobile computing, offering desktop-class performance in portable form factors. </br> The processor was eventually superseded by the Skylake platform, specifically the Core i7-6700HQ, which introduced DDR4 memory support and a new socket architecture. Today, the i7-5700HQ is remembered as a robust workhorse that powered a generation of mobile gaming and content creation devices, solidifying Intel's dominance in the high-performance laptop market during the mid-2010s.
Many laptops featuring this chip continued to provide reliable service for budget-conscious gamers years after its discontinuation.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- 14nm process node
- Slightly better efficiency
- Improved integrated graphics
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Purchasing a heavily discounted used laptop for retro gaming or basic typing.
Avoid if…
- Building a new system
- Needing modern gaming performance
- Requiring long battery life
- Doing modern 4K video editing
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
It was one of the first 14nm mobile processors from Intel.
Broadwell's release was heavily delayed, resulting in a short market lifespan.
It powered many popular GTX 900M series gaming laptops.
The 'HQ' suffix denoted high performance optimized for mobile quad-core designs.
It features Intel VT-d for advanced virtualization support.
The integrated HD 5600 was rarely used due to mandatory discrete GPUs in gaming laptops.
It supports AES-NI for hardware-accelerated encryption.
The processor uses a BGA 1364 socket, meaning it is soldered to the motherboard.
Its die size is a compact 182 mm².
Maximum configurable TDP-down is 37W for cooler operation.
People Also Ask
Is the Core i7-5700HQ still good for gaming?
It can handle older or lightweight eSports games, but it will bottleneck modern GPUs in modern AAA titles.
Does the Core i7-5700HQ support DDR4 memory?
No, it only supports dual-channel DDR3L memory up to 1866 MT/s.
Can you overclock the Core i7-5700HQ?
No, the multiplier is locked, and it is soldered to the motherboard.
What is the TDP of the i7-5700HQ?
It has a default TDP of 47 Watts, configurable down to 37 Watts.
What graphics are integrated into the i7-5700HQ?
It features Intel HD Graphics 5600.
What socket does the i7-5700HQ use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1364 socket, meaning it cannot be upgraded.
How many cores does the Core i7-5700HQ have?
It has 4 physical cores and 8 threads.
What generation is the i7-5700HQ?
It is a 5th generation Intel Core processor (Broadwell).
Does the i7-5700HQ support Windows 11?
No, it is not officially supported by Windows 11, though workarounds exist.
What is the max turbo frequency of the i7-5700HQ?
The maximum turbo frequency is 3.5 GHz.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the i7-5700HQ have Hyper-Threading?
Yes, it supports Hyper-Threading, providing 8 logical threads on 4 physical cores.
Is the i7-5700HQ unlocked for overclocking?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What is the maximum memory supported by the i7-5700HQ?
It supports up to 32GB of DDR3 memory.
Does the i7-5700HQ support virtualization?
Yes, it supports both VT-x and VT-d.
What PCIe version does the i7-5700HQ support?
It supports PCIe 3.0 with 16 lanes.
What is the base clock speed of the i7-5700HQ?
The base clock speed is 2.7 GHz.
Does the i7-5700HQ come in a desktop version?
No, it is a BGA mobile processor designed for laptops.
Does it support AVX instructions?
Yes, it supports AVX and AVX2.
What was the launch price of the i7-5700HQ?
The launch price was approximately $378.
Does the i7-5700HQ have an L4 cache?
No, unlike the 5950HQ, it does not have eDRAM L4 cache.