Core i7-7920HQ vs Core i7-8706G

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 i7-7920HQ vs Core i7-8706G 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 i7-7920HQ vs Core i7-8706G: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-7920HQ

2017

Why buy it

✅Draws 45W instead of 65W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (7,322 vs 7,383).

Core i7-8706G

2018

Why buy it

✅+0.8% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌44.4% higher power demand at 65W vs 45W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-8706G better than Core i7-7920HQ?

Yes. Core i7-8706G is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.8% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-8706G is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-8706G still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-8706G comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i7-8706G makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2018 vs 2017) and more multi-core headroom with 4 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 i7-7920HQ vs Core i7-8706G Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-7920HQ

The Core i7-7920HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2017 (8 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake-H (2017) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 45 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,322 points. Launch price was $378.

Core i7-8706G

The Core i7-8706G is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2018 (7 years ago). It is based on the Kaby Lake G (2018) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA2270. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 7,383 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-7920HQ and Core i7-8706G share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 4.1 GHz on the Core i7-7920HQ versus 4.1 GHz on the Core i7-8706G — identical boost frequencies (base: 3.1 GHz vs 3.1 GHz). The Core i7-7920HQ uses the Kaby Lake-H (2017) architecture (14 nm), while the Core i7-8706G uses Kaby Lake G (2018) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-7920HQ scores 7,322 against the Core i7-8706G's 7,383 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-8706G. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-7920HQ	Core i7-8706G
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	4.1 GHz	4.1 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz	3.1 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Kaby Lake-H (2017)	Kaby Lake G (2018)
PassMark	7,322	7,383

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-7920HQ uses the BGA1440 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-8706G uses FCBGA2270 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.