Core i7-4700EQ vs Processor N97

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 Processor N97 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 Processor N97: 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

✅Better for gaming: +16.4% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅+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 4600, while Processor N97 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,417 vs 5,445).
❌Launch MSRP is still $378 MSRP, while Processor N97 mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌Older platform position on BGA1364, while Processor N97 moves to FCBGA1264 and DDR5.

Processor N97

2023

Why buy it

✅+0.5% higher PassMark.
✅Newer platform on FCBGA1264 with DDR5 support instead of BGA1364 and older memory support.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4700EQ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
❌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 Processor N97?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-4700EQ is ahead with a 16.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Processor N97 pulls ahead with 0.5% better PassMark. Core i7-4700EQ 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, Processor N97 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 4 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 $378 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 16.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Processor N97 is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.5% better PassMark. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (14.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Processor N97 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2023 vs 2013), a healthier platform with FCBGA1264 and DDR5 instead of BGA1364, and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 4 threads instead of 4/8. That gives you a healthier platform runway for motherboard, RAM, and later CPU upgrades.

Core i7-4700EQ vs Processor N97 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.

Processor N97

The Processor N97 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): + 6 MB. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 4800 MHz Single-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 5,445 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-4700EQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, matching the Processor N97's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-4700EQ versus 3.6 GHz on the Processor N97 — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Processor N97 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2 GHz). The Core i7-4700EQ uses the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture (22 nm), while the Processor N97 uses Alder Lake-N (2023) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4700EQ scores 5,417 against the Processor N97's 5,445 — a 0.5% lead for the Processor N97. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-4700EQ vs 6 MB (total) on the Processor N97.

Feature	Core i7-4700EQ	Processor N97
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 4
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz	3.6 GHz+6%
Base Clock	2.4 GHz+20%	2 GHz
L3 Cache	8192 kB (total)+33%	6 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	2 MB (total)+700%
Process	22 nm	10 nm-55%
Architecture	Crystalwell (2013−2014)	Alder Lake-N (2023)
PassMark	5,417	5,445

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4700EQ uses the BGA1364 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Processor N97 uses FCBGA1264 (PCIe 5.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-4700EQ	Processor N97
Socket	BGA1364	FCBGA1264
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 5.0+67%
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 (Processor N97). The Core i7-4700EQ includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4600), while the Processor N97 requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-4700EQ targets Mobile.

Feature	Core i7-4700EQ	Processor N97
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4600	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	Mobile	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4700EQ was priced at $378, while the Processor N97 came in at $0. On launch pricing ($378 vs $0), Processor N97 was $378 cheaper.

Feature	Core i7-4700EQ	Processor N97
MSRP	$378	$0-100%
Performance per Dollar	14.3	—
Release Date	2013	2023

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