Core i7-4710HQ vs Core i5-7440HQ

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

The Core i7-4710HQ uses the BGA1364 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i5-7440HQ uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3L-1600 on the Core i7-4710HQ versus DDR4-2400 on the Core i5-7440HQ — the Core i5-7440HQ supports 28.6% 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 — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

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