Core i7-4771 vs Core i7-6770HQ

Intel

Core i7-4771

4 Cores8 Thrd84 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-6770HQ

4 Cores8 Thrd45 WWMax: 3.5 GHz2016
Similar parts
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Core i7-4771 vs Core i7-6770HQ Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 i7-4771 vs Core i7-6770HQ 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 i7-4771 vs Core i7-6770HQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4771

2013

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +9.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i7-6770HQ.

Trade-offs

  • Launch MSRP is still $320 MSRP, while Core i7-6770HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.
  • 86.7% higher power demand at 84W vs 45W.

Core i7-6770HQ

2016

Why buy it

  • Draws 45W instead of 84W, a 39W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4771 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower Geekbench multi-core (1,769 vs 3,910).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
  • No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-4771.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4771 better than Core i7-6770HQ?
Yes. Core i7-4771 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 121% better Geekbench multi-core, and 0.8% higher PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4771 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.8% 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, Core i7-4771 is the stronger fit. You are getting 121% better Geekbench multi-core, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-4771 is the better buy right now. Core i7-4771 comes in at an unclear MSRP at $320 MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 100.0% better value on MSRP (22.3 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), 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 i7-6770HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2016 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-4771 vs Core i7-6770HQ Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-4771

The Core i7-4771 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) 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 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,141 points. Launch price was $450.

Intel

Core i7-6770HQ

The Core i7-6770HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 January 2016 (9 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.5 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR3, DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,083 points. Launch price was $434.

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4771 and Core i7-6770HQ share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4771 versus 3.5 GHz on the Core i7-6770HQ — a 10.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-4771 (base: 3.5 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). The Core i7-4771 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-6770HQ uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4771 scores 7,141 against the Core i7-6770HQ's 7,083 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-4771. Multi-core Geekbench: 3,910 vs 1,769 (75.4% advantage for the Core i7-4771). L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4771 vs 6 MB on the Core i7-6770HQ.

FeatureCore i7-4771Core i7-6770HQ
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.9 GHz+11%
3.5 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
22 nm
14 nm-36%
Architecture
Haswell (2013−2015)
Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark
7,141
7,083
Geekbench 6 Single
1,139
Geekbench 6 Multi
3,910+121%
1,769
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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4771 uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-6770HQ uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i7-4771 versus 2133 on the Core i7-6770HQ — the Core i7-6770HQ supports 33.3% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i7-6770HQ supports up to 64 GB of RAM compared to 32 GB 100% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: H81,B85,H87,Z87,H97,Z97 (Core i7-4771) and HM170,QM170,CM236 (Core i7-6770HQ).

FeatureCore i7-4771Core i7-6770HQ
Socket
LGA1150
BGA1440
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed
DDR3-1600
2133+33%
Max RAM Capacity
32 GB
64 GB+100%
RAM Channels
2
2
ECC Support
No
No
PCIe Lanes
16
16
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Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-4771) vs true (Core i7-6770HQ). Both include integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics 4600 (Core i7-4771) and Intel Iris Pro Graphics 580 (Core i7-6770HQ) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-4771 targets Desktop.

FeatureCore i7-4771Core i7-6770HQ
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 4600
Intel Iris Pro Graphics 580
Unlocked
No
No
AVX-512
No
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
true
Target Use
Desktop