Intel Core i7-4720HQ

The Intel Core i7-4720HQ is a high-end quad-core processor for laptops. It is based on the Haswell architecture and manufactured in 22nm. Due to Hyperthreading, the four cores can handle up to eight threads in parallel leading to better utilization of the CPU. Each core offers a base speed of 2.6 GHz but can dynamically increase clock rates with Turbo Boost up to 3.4 GHz (for 4 active cores), 3.5 GHz (for 2 active cores) and 3.6 GHz (for 1 active core). Compared to the previous i7-4710HQ, the i7-4720HQ is clocked exactly 100 MHz higher.

Architecture

Haswell is the successor to the Ivy Bridge architecture with improvements on both GPU and CPU performance. The CPUs are produced in 22nm and offer an optimized branch prediction as well as additional execution ports. Furthermore, new features like AVX2 and FMA should increase the performance in future applications.

Performance

The performance of the Core i7-4720HQ is similar to the Core i7-4860HQ or the Ivy Bridge-based i7-3840QM. Even extremly demanding software or multitasking will be handled easily.

Graphics

The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4600 offers 20 Execution Units (EUs) clocked at 400 MHz up to 1200 MHz with Turbo Boost, making it about 30 % faster than the HD 4000 and comparable to a dedicated GeForce 820M.

Power Consumption

The i7-4720HQ is rated at a TDP of 47 W including graphics card, memory controller and VRMs. Therefore, the CPU is only suited for laptops 15-inches or greater.