Core i7-4700EQ vs Core i7-4712HQ

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 i7-4700EQ vs Core i7-4712HQ 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 i7-4700EQ vs Core i7-4712HQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4700EQ

2013

Why buy it

✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4600, while Core i7-4712HQ needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Launch MSRP is still $378 MSRP, while Core i7-4712HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌27% higher power demand at 47W vs 37W.

Core i7-4712HQ

2014

Why buy it

✅Draws 37W instead of 47W, a 10W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,350 vs 5,417).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-4700EQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4700EQ better than Core i7-4712HQ?

Yes. Core i7-4700EQ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4700EQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.3% 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 i7-4700EQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-4700EQ is the better buy right now. Core i7-4700EQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at $378 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.3% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (14.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Core i7-4712HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-4700EQ vs Core i7-4712HQ Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4700EQ

The Core i7-4700EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 May 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,417 points. Launch price was $149.

Core i7-4712HQ

The Core i7-4712HQ 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 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 3.3 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 37 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,350 points. Launch price was $378.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4700EQ and Core i7-4712HQ share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-4700EQ versus 3.3 GHz on the Core i7-4712HQ — a 3% clock advantage for the Core i7-4700EQ (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). Both are built on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-4700EQ scores 5,417 against the Core i7-4712HQ's 5,350 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i7-4700EQ. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-4700EQ vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4712HQ.

Feature	Core i7-4700EQ	Core i7-4712HQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz+3%	3.3 GHz
Base Clock	2.4 GHz+4%	2.3 GHz
L3 Cache	8192 kB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Crystalwell (2013−2014)	Crystalwell (2013−2014)
PassMark	5,417+1%	5,350

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the BGA1364 socket with PCIe 3.0.

Feature	Core i7-4700EQ	Core i7-4712HQ
Socket	BGA1364	BGA1364
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3L-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	Yes	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-4700EQ) / not specified (Core i7-4712HQ). The Core i7-4700EQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i7-4712HQ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-4700EQ targets Mobile.