Core i5-7440HQ vs Core i7-4710HQ

Intel

Core i5-7440HQ

4 Cores4 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2017
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-4710HQ

4 Cores8 Thrd47 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2014
Similar parts
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Core i5-7440HQ vs Core i7-4710HQ Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i5-7440HQ vs Core i7-4710HQ FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-7440HQ vs Core i7-4710HQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-7440HQ

2017

Why buy it

  • Draws 45W instead of 47W, a 2W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4710HQ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (5,490 vs 5,549).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).

Core i7-4710HQ

2014

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +9.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Trade-offs

  • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4710HQ better than Core i5-7440HQ?
Yes. Core i7-4710HQ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.1% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4710HQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-4710HQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.1% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-4710HQ still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-4710HQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i5-7440HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2017 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i5-7440HQ vs Core i7-4710HQ Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Intel

Core i5-7440HQ

The Core i5-7440HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake-H (2017) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 5,490 points. Launch price was $250.

Intel

Core i7-4710HQ

The Core i7-4710HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,549 points. Launch price was $378.

Processing Power

The Core i5-7440HQ packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-4710HQ's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i5-7440HQ versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-4710HQ — a 8.2% clock advantage for the Core i5-7440HQ (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.5 GHz). The Core i5-7440HQ uses the Kaby Lake-H (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-4710HQ uses Crystalwell (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-7440HQ scores 5,490 against the Core i7-4710HQ's 5,549 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-4710HQ. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i5-7440HQ vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4710HQ.

FeatureCore i5-7440HQCore i7-4710HQ
Cores / Threads
4 / 4
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.8 GHz+9%
3.5 GHz
Base Clock
2.8 GHz+12%
2.5 GHz
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
256K (per core)
Process
14 nm-36%
22 nm
Architecture
Kaby Lake-H (2017)
Crystalwell (2013−2014)
PassMark
5,490
5,549+1%
Geekbench 6 Single
1,277
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i5-7440HQ uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4710HQ uses BGA1364 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR4-2400 on the Core i5-7440HQ versus DDR3L-1600 on the Core i7-4710HQ — the Core i5-7440HQ supports 50% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i5-7440HQ supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

FeatureCore i5-7440HQCore i7-4710HQ
Socket
BGA1440
BGA1364
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR4-2400+50%
DDR3L-1600
Max RAM Capacity
64 GB+100%
32 GB
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i5-7440HQ) vs VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-4710HQ). Both include integrated graphics HD Graphics 630 (Core i5-7440HQ) and HD Graphics 4600 (Core i7-4710HQ) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i5-7440HQ targets High Performance Laptop, Core i7-4710HQ targets Mobile. Direct competitor: Core i5-7440HQ rivals Ryzen 5 2500U.

FeatureCore i5-7440HQCore i7-4710HQ
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
HD Graphics 630
HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d, EPT
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
High Performance Laptop
Mobile