Core i7-2700K vs Core i7-4720HQ

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 i7-2700K vs Core i7-4720HQ 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 i7-2700K vs Core i7-4720HQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-2700K

2011

Why buy it

✅+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 3000, while Core i7-4720HQ needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Yes), unlike Core i7-4720HQ.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,689 vs 5,714).
❌Launch MSRP is still $332 MSRP, while Core i7-4720HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌9400% higher power demand at 95W vs 1W.

Core i7-4720HQ

2015

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.
✅Draws 1W instead of 95W, a 94W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-2700K can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-2700K.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4720HQ better than Core i7-2700K?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-2700K is ahead with a 1.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-4720HQ pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark. Core i7-2700K also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-4720HQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-4720HQ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-4720HQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $332 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.4% better PassMark. Core i7-2700K only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (17.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1155.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i7-4720HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-2700K vs Core i7-4720HQ Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-2700K

The Core i7-2700K is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 24 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,689 points. Launch price was $514.

Core i7-4720HQ

The Core i7-4720HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 January 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,714 points. Launch price was $378.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-2700K and Core i7-4720HQ share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-2700K versus 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-4720HQ — a 8% clock advantage for the Core i7-2700K (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i7-2700K uses the Sandy Bridge (2011−2013) architecture (32 nm), while the Core i7-4720HQ uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-2700K scores 5,689 against the Core i7-4720HQ's 5,714 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-4720HQ. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-2700K vs 6 MB on the Core i7-4720HQ.

Feature	Core i7-2700K	Core i7-4720HQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+8%	3.6 GHz
Base Clock	3.5 GHz+35%	2.6 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)+33%	6 MB
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	1 MB+300%
Process	32 nm	22 nm-31%
Architecture	Sandy Bridge (2011−2013)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	5,689	5,714
Geekbench 6 Single	701	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-2700K uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 2.0), while the Core i7-4720HQ uses BGA1364 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-2700K	Core i7-4720HQ
Socket	LGA1155	BGA1364
PCIe Generation	PCIe 2.0	PCIe 3.0+50%
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1333	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x (Core i7-2700K) / not specified (Core i7-4720HQ). The Core i7-2700K includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 3000), while the Core i7-4720HQ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-2700K targets Gaming Desktop. Direct competitor: Core i7-2700K rivals FX-8150.