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Intel Core i7 7820HQ Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£320
  • Avg. price in US: ~$380
  • PassMark benchmark result: 7155
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 3.9 GHz

Intel Core i7 7820HQ review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.1

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.1

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.3

Performance

18.0%

4.9

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

4.4

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.7

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.1

Platform

1.0%

6.2

Integrated Graphics

Poor
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 3.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    3.3

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    3.2

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    4.3

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    2.1

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

  • 2.2
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    2.2

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    2.8

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    2.1

    L3 cache

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £320

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-7820HQ is a high-performance quad-core mobile processor based on the 14nm Kaby Lake architecture, featuring 4 physical cores, 8 threads via Hyper-Threading, and an 8MB SmartCache. It operates at a base clock frequency of 2.9 GHz with a max turbo boost of up to 3.9 GHz, while integrating Intel HD Graphics 630 and supporting up to 64GB of DDR4-2400 memory. Its main advantages include strong multi-threaded performance for demanding professional tasks like 3D rendering or video editing and official support for Windows 11 on select devices like the Surface Studio 2. However, its relatively high 45W TDP can lead to increased heat generation and reduced battery life in laptops, and being a soldered BGA1440 chipset, it lacks any future physical upgradability.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 7820HQ

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

4.1
Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a technical score of 4.1 points, which is lower than that of 77.7% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.0
Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.1

Overall score

40.0%

8.8

Price

5.5
Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.5 points, which is lower than 85.9% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

mobile
Intel Core i7 7820HQ belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

FCBGA1440
Intel Core i7 7820HQ uses the FCBGA1440 CPU socket, which is older than that of 81.4% of processors and equal to that of 4.8% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

Intel 100 Series
Intel Core i7 7820HQ supports Intel 100 Series chipsets, which is narrower compatibility than 51% of processors and equal to that of 2.6% of processors.
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i7 7820HQ uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

4
Intel Core i7 7820HQ has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 50.7% of processors and equal to 28.5% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

8
Intel Core i7 7820HQ offers 8 CPU threads, which is more than 35.3% of processors and equal to 19% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

2
Intel Core i7 7820HQ offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

3.9 GHz
Intel Core i7 7820HQ reaches a boost clock of 3.9 GHz which is lower than that of 65% of processors and equal to that of 3.5% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

4 x 2.9 GHz
Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a base clock of 4x2.9 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

14 nm
Intel Core i7 7820HQ uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 33.7% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 14 nm
Intel Core i7 7820HQ is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 29.3% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

8 MB
Intel Core i7 7820HQ has an L3 cache of 8 MB which is larger than that of 39.7% of processors and equal to that of 11.8% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

1 MB
Intel Core i7 7820HQ has an L2 cache of 1 MB which is smaller than that of 67.1% of processors and equal to that of 17.6% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

256 KB
Intel Core i7 7820HQ has an L1 cache of 256 KB which is smaller than that of 59.4% of processors and equal to that of 18.5% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR3L/DDR4
Intel Core i7 7820HQ supports DDR DDR3L/DDR4, which is older than that of 77.7% of processors and equal to that of 5.4% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

2,400 MHz
Intel Core i7 7820HQ supports memory speeds up to 2400 MHz, which is lower than that of 63.2% of processors and equal to 12.4% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR4-2400 MHz
Intel Core i7 7820HQ supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2400 MHz, which is lower than that of 63.4% of processors and equal to 10.6% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

64 GB
Intel Core i7 7820HQ supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is more than 28.4% of processors and equal to 27.6% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i7 7820HQ includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel HD Graphics 630
Intel Core i7 7820HQ uses the Intel HD Graphics 630 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 73.9% of processors and equal to that in 2.9% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

24
Intel Core i7 7820HQ has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.2% of processors and equal to 21.6% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

350 MHz
Intel Core i7 7820HQ has an integrated GPU clock of 350 MHz which is higher than that of 43.5% of processors and equal to that of 29.6% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

VP9 (HW decode)
Intel Core i7 7820HQ supports VP9 (HW decode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 76.2% of processors and equal to 3.6% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

45 W
Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a TDP of 45 W which is lower than that of 39.9% of processors and equal to that of 11.4% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

45 W
Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a base power of 45 W which is lower than that of 39.7% of processors and equal to that of 11.6% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

?
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

28 seconds
Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

yes
Intel Core i7 7820HQ supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
cTDP: 35 W
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Intel Core i7 7820HQ vs the average processor

  • 29.2% smaller die size
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a lower die size than the average processor (126 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
    What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
    When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <150 mm²

    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a lower die size than the average processor (126 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².126 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • 36.5% faster Blender rendering
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (453.1 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    What it is: A Blender render result based on the BMW27 scene, used to show how quickly the processor can finish a heavy 3D rendering task.
    When it matters: When rendering speed matters for 3D work, content creation, or other workloads that behave like long multi-core renders.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >290

    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (453.1 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.453.13 vs 331.88
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2 MB/core

    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core
  • 36.5% faster Blender rendering
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (453.1 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
  • 29.2% smaller die size
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a lower die size than the average processor (126 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.

Total
Performance
Cache & Architecture
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,440 vs FP2).
  • 3 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has an older release date than the average processor (2,017 vs 2,020).
    January 2017
  • No crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 38.9% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,701 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 22.1% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,146 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 9.3% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.9 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 14.9% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,113 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 32.1% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (7,155 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 25.6% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (3,567 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 60% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • 33.3% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • Older DDR support
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3L/DDR4 vs DDR4).
  • 18.1% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (37.5 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 18.2% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (VP9 (HW decode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
  • Inferior integrated GPU
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ uses an inferior integrated GPU to the average processor (Intel HD Graphics 630 vs Intel UHD Graphics 630).
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • 38.9% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,701 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 score that reflects how well the processor handles long, heavy rendering workloads across many cores.
    When it matters: When you care about sustained multi-core performance in rendering, compiling, heavy creation work, or productivity workloads that use many threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4700

    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,701 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.1,701 vs 2,783
  • 22.1% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,146 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,146 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.1,146 vs 1,471
  • 9.3% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.9 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.9 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.9 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 14.9% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,113 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,113 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.2,113 vs 2,483
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1 MB/core

    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 60% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Intel Core i7 7820HQ has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.1 MB vs 2.5 MB
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 7820HQ and other processors

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7 7820HQ?

  • Sustained performance: Remains faster than newer U-series quad-core chips in long-running multi-core tasks due to a higher base clock.
  • Professional suitability: Capable of handling 3D modeling, CAD/CAM, and video editing for workstation use.
  • Feature-rich: Supports Hyper-Threading (8 threads), virtualization (Intel VT-x/VT-d), and modern instruction sets like AVX2.
  • Hardware decoding: Supports H.265/HEVC Main 10 and VP9 hardware decoding for improved 4K video playback.
  • Affordability: Available at budget-friendly prices on the second-hand market in laptops like the ThinkPad P51 or MacBook Pro.

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 7820HQ?

  • Outdated architecture: Based on the 14nm Kaby Lake architecture, which lacks the core count and efficiency of newer generations.
  • High heat and power: 45W TDP leads to significant heat output, often requiring bulky cooling systems and resulting in shorter battery life.
  • Weak integrated graphics: The Intel HD Graphics 630 is insufficient for modern gaming or high-end professional rendering.
  • Locked multiplier: Unlike the 'HK' variant, the HQ version is locked, preventing overclocking to boost performance.
  • Non-upgradable: Uses a soldered BGA1440 design, meaning the CPU cannot be replaced or upgraded in most laptops.
  • Windows 11 compatibility: Officially unsupported for standard Windows 11 upgrades, requiring workarounds for installation.

Expert reviews

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cpubenchmark.net
30/03/2026
Intel Core i7-7820HQ @ 2.90GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i7-7820HQ is a 2017 high-end, 14nm Kaby Lake mobile processor designed for workstations, featuring a 2.90 GHz base clock, 3.90 GHz boost, and integrated HD Graphics 630. Pros include strong single-thread performance (approx. 19% faster than the i7-4710HQ) and a configurable 45W TDP, making it suitable for demanding tasks like 3D rendering. However, it is restricted to...Read more

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openbenchmarking.org
01/07/2017
Intel Core i7-7820HQ Benchmarks, Linux Performance - OpenBenchmarking.org

The Intel Core i7-7820HQ is a 7th-generation "Kaby Lake" quad-core processor designed for high-performance laptops and mobile workstations, featuring 4 cores, 8 threads, and a base clock speed of 2.9GHz. Benchmarks indicate strong support for modern instruction sets like AVX2, AES, and FMA. Pros include high-performance for its era, an integrated Intel HD Graphics 630 GPU for video...Read more

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cpu.userbenchmark.com
23/03/2026
Intel Core i7-7820HQ - CPU UserBenchmarks

The Intel Core i7-7820HQ is a 7th-gen Kaby Lake quad-core mobile processor, offering 2.9 GHz base speeds and 3.9 GHz turbo for workstations, with an "Effective Speed" ranked in the mid-range "Destroyer" class, according to UserBenchmark. Pros include reliable multi-core performance for professional work via Hyper-Threading, integrated HD 630 graphics, and sustained usability for...Read more

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notebooks-und-mobiles.de
25/10/2017
Kaby Lake - Intel Core i7-7820HQ Review

The Intel Core i7-7820HQ is a high-performance 7th-gen Kaby Lake H-series processor, utilizing a 14nm+ process to achieve 2.9 GHz base and 3.9 GHz boost speeds with 8 threads. It offers superior performance for demanding tasks like 3D rendering, video editing, and improved 4K playback via the Intel HD Graphics 630, while utilizing Intel Speed Shift for improved responsiveness. The...Read more

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lesnumeriques.com
14/07/2017
Apple 15-inch MacBook Pro 2017 review: still just as attractive

The 2017 15-inch MacBook Pro, as tested by Les Numériques, delivers a notable performance boost over its predecessor through Intel Kaby Lake processors and AMD Radeon Pro 500 series GPUs, while maintaining the same premium, slim design. It shines with an exceptional, highly accurate Retina display and a top-tier trackpad, though it remains restricted by a lack of traditional ports....Read more

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id.nl
18/12/2019
Eight luxury computers for the connoisseur compared

This 2019 review from ID.nl compares eight premium, high-end computers designed for power users, such as photo editors and gamers, focusing on superior performance and build quality over budget. The machines feature powerful processors, ample RAM, and high-resolution displays to ensure high productivity and accuracy for demanding creative work. However, the primary drawback is the...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
26/10/2017
Dell Precision 5520 review - the XPS 15 for professionals

The Dell Precision 5520, as reviewed by LaptopMedia, is a workstation-grade, premium, all-aluminum, and carbon fiber laptop tailored for professionals needing high performance in a portable package. It features the thin-bezel InfinityEdge display and is highly portable, though the soft-touch finish is noted as a massive fingerprint magnet. The display is a major strength, featuring...Read more

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notebookcheck.nl
01/06/2017
Dell Precision 3520 (i7-7820HQ, M620M Workstation) short review

The Dell Precision 3520 is a robust, entry-level 15.6-inch mobile workstation featuring a sturdy, business-grade chassis with excellent input devices, including a highly regarded keyboard and responsive touchpad. While offering reliable performance with Intel Core i7-7820HQ and NVIDIA Quadro M620 components suitable for CAD and ISV applications, it suffers from a notable con...Read more

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notebookcheck.nl
16/01/2018
Quick Review: HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G4 (FHD, 7820HQ Laptop)

The HP EliteBook Folio 1040 G4 is a premium 14-inch business laptop featuring a high-performance Intel Core i7-7820HQ quad-core processor, which offers significantly higher, workstation-level power compared to typical ultrabooks, though it relies on Intel HD Graphics 630. The device boasts an exceptional, rigid all-aluminum chassis, a remarkably bright 700-nit FHD display, and...Read more

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