Quick Verdict
An innovative processor that pushed the boundaries of integrated graphics with eDRAM, though its high cost and TDP limited its market appeal.
Overview
Launch
2015
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
5th Gen Core i7
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i7-5950HQ is a premium mobile processor introduced in mid-2015, targeting the highest tier of mobile workstations and premium laptops. Fabricated on Intel's 14nm Broadwell-H architecture, it stands out primarily due to its inclusion of Intel's Iris Pro Graphics 6200 with embedded L4 eDRAM. This unique configuration provides massive memory bandwidth for the integrated GPU, making it highly capable of gaming and rendering without a discrete graphics card. The processor features four cores and eight threads, operating at a base frequency of 2.9 GHz and boosting up to 3.8 GHz. With 6 MB of L3 cache and a 47-watt thermal design power, it balances performance and thermals. End-of-life and superseded by subsequent generations, the i7-5950HQ remains a notable example of Intel's experimentation with on-package eDRAM to overcome memory bottlenecks in compact mobile form factors architectures.
The Core i7-5950HQ combined a quad-core CPU with Iris Pro 6200 and L4 eDRAM, delivering workstation-like graphical performance in a mobile form factor.
Specifications
Performance
Strong CPU performance for professional workloads in 2015.
Adequate for light VMs, though limited by DDR3.
Iris Pro allowed for 720p/1080p medium gaming without a discrete GPU.
The eDRAM and high clocks result in significant heat output.
- •Comparable to entry-level discrete GPUs of its era
- •Capable of playing older titles at 1080p
- •eDRAM significantly reduces frame drops
- •No AI acceleration
- •eDRAM does not benefit modern AI inference significantly
Architecture
14nm
Process Node
Broadwell-H
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
6 MB
L3 Cache
47 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-5950HQ leverages the Broadwell-H microarchitecture, utilizing a 14-nanometer manufacturing process that enables higher transistor density and improved power efficiency over the prior 22nm Haswell generation. Architecturally, its most defining feature is the integration of 128 MB of embedded DRAM (eDRAM) acting as an L4 cache. This eDRAM dramatically increases the memory bandwidth available to the Iris Pro Graphics 6200, effectively eliminating the traditional bottleneck associated with integrated graphics memory sharing. The CPU core complex maintains a quad-core, eight-thread layout with support for advanced instruction sets including AVX2 and FMA3. It interfaces with dual-channel DDR3 memory at 1866 MT/s. The 47-watt TDP is designed for thicker mobile chassis that can support sustained thermal loads. This specific architecture was a niche, high-cost solution aimed at users needing strong GPU performance in thin profiles without relying on discrete graphics solutions.
CPU Design
4 cores, 8 threads with 6MB L3 cache.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3-1866 plus 128MB on-package eDRAM.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier.
- 14nm process
- Iris Pro 6200 over 5200
- Higher turbo clocks
Key Highlights
- Iris Pro 6200 is highly capable for integrated graphics
- 128MB eDRAM provides huge bandwidth
- Strong single and multi-core clocks
- Excellent for 2015 mobile workstations
- Very expensive at launch
- 47W TDP limits battery life
- Soldered to motherboard
- DDR3 memory is obsolete
- Thermal throttling is common in thin laptops
History
Launched on June 2, 2015, the Core i7-5950HQ represented the pinnacle of Intel's Broadwell mobile lineup. It was highly anticipated due to its Iris Pro Graphics with eDRAM, a feature previously reserved for desktop and BGA-only form factors. The processor found its way into premium 15-inch and 17-inch laptops, most notably serving as the CPU for Apple's 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display in mid-2015.
</br> Despite its technological advancements, the Broadwell generation suffered from prolonged production delays, resulting in a very brief market presence before being replaced by the Skylake architecture (6700HQ) just months later. The 5950HQ's legacy is defined by its role as a proof-of-concept for on-package memory, demonstrating significant gains in integrated graphics performance. Today, it is considered a historical artifact of Intel's strategy to push the boundaries of mobile iGPU performance before the industry fully embraced discrete mobile graphics ubiquitously.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- 14nm process
- Iris Pro 6200 over 5200
- Higher turbo clocks
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Buying a used MacBook Pro or mobile workstation for cheap.
Avoid if…
- Need modern battery life
- Require DDR4 memory
- Want to play modern games
- Need Windows 11 official support
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
It features a massive 128MB L4 cache (eDRAM) on the processor package.
The eDRAM acts as a victim cache for the CPU and a frame buffer for the GPU.
It was notably used in the 2015 15-inch MacBook Pro.
The Iris Pro 6200 featured 48 execution units.
It was the fastest mobile Broadwell processor available.
The die size is 182 mm², slightly larger due to the eDRAM package.
It supports Intel VT-d for directed I/O virtualization.
The eDRAM can provide up to 25.6 GB/s of bandwidth.
It was largely a stopgap before Skylake's DDR4 transition.
The 'HQ' suffix denotes high-performance quad-core BGA packaging.
People Also Ask
What makes the Core i7-5950HQ special?
Its integration of 128MB of L4 eDRAM and Iris Pro Graphics 6200 makes it unique, offering exceptional integrated graphics performance for its time.
Can the i7-5950HQ game without a discrete GPU?
Yes, the Iris Pro 6200 allows it to play many games at 720p or 1080p on low/medium settings that standard integrated graphics could not handle.
What is the L4 cache on the i7-5950HQ?
It is 128MB of embedded DRAM (eDRAM) on the processor package that provides high bandwidth to both the CPU and GPU.
Does the i7-5950HQ support DDR4?
No, it supports dual-channel DDR3 memory up to 1866 MT/s.
What is the TDP of the i7-5950HQ?
It has a 47-watt TDP, requiring robust cooling.
What generation is the i7-5950HQ?
It is a 5th generation Broadwell processor.
Can you upgrade the i7-5950HQ?
No, it uses a BGA 1364 socket and is soldered to the motherboard.
What is the max turbo frequency?
It can boost up to 3.8 GHz.
Does it support Windows 11?
No, it is not on Microsoft's official Windows 11 CPU support list.
Was the i7-5950HQ used in MacBooks?
Yes, it was featured in the 2015 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina display.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the i7-5950HQ have integrated graphics?
Yes, it features Intel Iris Pro Graphics 6200.
How much L4 cache does the i7-5950HQ have?
It has 128 MB of L4 eDRAM cache.
Is the i7-5950HQ unlocked?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What is the base clock of the i7-5950HQ?
The base clock is 2.9 GHz.
How many threads does the i7-5950HQ have?
It has 8 threads across 4 cores.
What socket does it use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1364 socket.
Does it support virtualization?
Yes, it supports VT-x and VT-d.
What is the launch price of the i7-5950HQ?
The launch price was approximately $623.
What PCIe version does it support?
It supports PCIe 3.0.
Does it support AVX2?
Yes, it supports AVX, AVX2, and FMA3.