Core i7-4770HQ vs Microsoft SQ1

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 i7-4770HQ vs Microsoft SQ1 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 i7-4770HQ vs Microsoft SQ1: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4770HQ

2014

Why buy it

✅+300% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 2 MB).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Pro Graphics 5200, while Microsoft SQ1 needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Microsoft SQ1 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (6,028 vs 6,039).

Microsoft SQ1

2019

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +8.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 8 MB).
❌Launch MSRP is still $300 MSRP, while Core i7-4770HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-4770HQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Microsoft SQ1 better than Core i7-4770HQ?

Yes. Microsoft SQ1 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 8.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.2% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Microsoft SQ1 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 8.8% 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, Microsoft SQ1 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.2% better PassMark, backed by 8 cores and 8 threads.

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

Microsoft SQ1 is the better buy right now. Microsoft SQ1 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $300 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 8.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (20.1 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

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

Microsoft SQ1 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2014) and more multi-core headroom with 8 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 i7-4770HQ vs Microsoft SQ1 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4770HQ

The Core i7-4770HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 July 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 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: 6,028 points. Launch price was $434.

Microsoft SQ1

The Microsoft SQ1 is manufactured by Microsoft. It was released in 2 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. Built on 7 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): + 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 6,039 points. Launch price was $149.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-4770HQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Microsoft SQ1 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Microsoft SQ1 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-4770HQ versus 3 GHz on the Microsoft SQ1 — a 12.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-4770HQ. The Core i7-4770HQ uses the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture (22 nm), while the Microsoft SQ1 uses Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4770HQ scores 6,028 against the Microsoft SQ1's 6,039 — a 0.2% lead for the Microsoft SQ1. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4770HQ vs 2 MB on the Microsoft SQ1.

Feature	Core i7-4770HQ	Microsoft SQ1
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz+13%	3 GHz
Base Clock	2.2 GHz	—
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)+300%	2 MB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	22 nm	7 nm-68%
Architecture	Crystalwell (2013−2014)	Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019)
PassMark	6,028	6,039
Cinebench R23 Multi	3,249	—

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-4770HQ) / not specified (Microsoft SQ1). The Core i7-4770HQ includes integrated graphics (Iris Pro Graphics 5200), while the Microsoft SQ1 requires a dedicated GPU.