Intel Core i7-4760HQ
Intel Core i7-4760HQ: Retrospective and Relevance in 2025
Let's examine whether the legendary processor is worth considering a decade later.
Architecture and Process Technology: The Legacy of Crystalwell
Released in 2014, the Core i7-4760HQ belongs to the fourth generation of Intel Core processors (codename Haswell). Its architecture represented a significant advancement during an era when multi-core processors were just beginning to capture the mobile market.
- Cores and Threads: 4 cores, 8 threads thanks to Hyper-Threading. Base frequency is 2.1 GHz, with a maximum turbo frequency of 3.3 GHz. For its time, it was a top option for gaming laptops and workstations.
- Integrated Graphics: Iris Pro Graphics 5200 was a revolution for integrated GPUs. With 40 execution units and built-in eDRAM (128 MB), it surpassed standard HD graphics and approached entry-level discrete graphics cards.
- Cache and Process Technology: 6 MB of L3 cache and a 22-nm process technology. Crystalwell was one of Intel's first solutions with eDRAM, improving graphics performance and reducing latency.
Power Consumption and TDP: Balancing Power and Heat
The TDP of 47 W is characteristic of powerful laptops from the 2010s. In comparison, modern processors with similar performance (like the Intel Core i5-1340P) have a TDP of 28-35 W.
- Heat Dissipation: Required an effective cooling system. It was not used in ultrabooks — only in bulky gaming and workstation platforms.
- Energy Efficiency: The absence of modern technologies like Intel 7 (10 nm) or hybrid architecture (P- and E-cores) made it power-hungry by 2025 standards.
Performance: How Does It Handle Tasks in 2025?
Results from Geekbench 6 (998 Single-Core, 3028 Multi-Core) show that the processor lags behind even budget newcomers of 2025. For example, the Intel Core i3-1315U scores around ~1500/4500 points.
- Office Tasks: Documents and a browser with 10+ tabs — no problem, but heavy Excel or PowerPoint with macros may lag.
- Multimedia: Converting video to 1080p will take 2-3 times longer than on a Ryzen 5 7640U. 4K videos in Premiere Pro will load with delays.
- Gaming: The Iris Pro 5200 ran Battlefield 4 on low settings in 2014. In 2025, it can only handle indie projects (Hollow Knight, Stardew Valley) or older AAA titles (Skyrim, GTA V) at 720p.
- Turbo Mode: Under load, the frequency rises to 3.3 GHz, but due to heating, it doesn't last long. In laptops with poor cooling, throttling begins after 5-10 minutes.
Use Cases: Who Is It Suitable for in 2025?
- Budget Users: If a laptop with the i7-4760HQ is sold for $200-300 (used), it can serve as a temporary solution for study or basic tasks.
- Retro Tech Enthusiasts: For running old games and software that are not optimized for modern OS.
- Office Parks: In corporations where there is no requirement to update software and hardware.
Important! On Windows 11, the processor is officially unsupported — the use of "workarounds" or Linux will be necessary.
Battery Life: How Long Will It Last Without a Socket?
Even in 2014, laptops with this CPU rarely lasted longer than 4-5 hours. By 2025, due to battery wear, this time shrinks to 1.5-3 hours.
- Power-Saving Technologies: Intel SpeedStep (dynamic frequency scaling), C-states to turn off unused cores.
- Tips: Replacing HDD with SSD, upgrading RAM to 16 GB, and disabling turbo mode can extend battery life by 20-30%.
Comparison with Competitors: Then and Now
- 2014:
- AMD FX-7600P (4 cores, 35 W): Lagged 30% behind in Single-Core performance but was cheaper.
- Apple MacBook Pro 15 (Core i7-4850HQ): An equivalent with similar graphics but in a premium chassis.
- 2025:
- Apple M3 (8 cores): Three times faster in Multi-Core, TDP 15 W.
- AMD Ryzen 5 7640U (Zen 4): Supports DDR5 and PCIe 5.0, consumes half the power.
- Intel Core Ultra 5 125U: Features an NPU for AI tasks, integrated Arc graphics equivalent to a GTX 1650.
Prices for new laptops in 2025 with modern CPUs start at $600 (Acer Swift 3 with Ryzen 5), while used devices with the i7-4760HQ start at $200.
Pros and Cons: Is It Worth Buying?
Pros:
- Affordable price on the secondary market.
- Iris Pro 5200 still handles basic graphic tasks.
- Repairability: Spare parts are easily found.
Cons:
- No support for AVX2, PCIe 3.0 instead of 5.0, maximum 32 GB DDR3L.
- High power consumption.
- Risk of buying a device with a worn-out battery and overheating issues.
Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop
If you decide to buy a device with the i7-4760HQ:
1. Type of Device: Only workstations or old gaming models (e.g., Dell Precision M4800 or MSI GT70).
2. Cooling: Check if the fans are clean and replace the thermal paste.
3. Upgrade: SSD (SATA III) and 16 GB RAM are mandatory.
4. Battery: Check charge cycles. If over 500, plan for a replacement immediately.
Tip: For $400-500, you can find a laptop from 2022-2023 with a Ryzen 5 5500U or Core i5-1135G7 — they are more reliable and offer better performance.
Final Conclusion: Who Is the i7-4760HQ Suitable for in 2025?
This processor is an artifact of an era when Intel dominated the market. Today it is relevant only:
- As a temporary solution under a tight budget.
- For specific tasks (like running legacy software).
- As a "donor" for repairing older systems.
Key Benefit: Price. But for the same $300-400, you could purchase a used laptop from 2021-2022 with a more modern CPU that will last longer. Choose the i7-4760HQ only if you're a collector or are extremely constrained financially.