Intel Core i5-4670S vs Intel Core i7-4710HQ Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more threads?

A: The Intel Core i7-4710HQ has 8 threads, while the Intel Core i5-4670S has 4 threads. Both chips feature 4 physical cores.

Q: How do the two chips compare in Cinebench R23 multi-core performance?

A: The Intel Core i7-4710HQ scores 4692 points in Cinebench R23 multi-core, while the Intel Core i5-4670S scores 4454 points. This puts the i7-4710HQ ahead by 5.1% in that test.

Q: Which processor wins in Geekbench single-core testing?

A: The Intel Core i5-4670S wins Geekbench single-core with a score of 1184, compared to 947 for the Intel Core i7-4710HQ. That represents a 25% advantage for the desktop chip.

Q: What is the TDP difference between these two CPUs?

A: The Intel Core i5-4670S has a TDP of 65 watts, while the Intel Core i7-4710HQ has a TDP of 47 watts. The mobile chip draws less power despite offering more threads.

Q: Are both processors based on the same architecture?

A: Yes, both are Haswell architecture parts built on a 22 nm process. However, the i7-4710HQ uses the Crystalwell codename while the i5-4670S uses the Haswell codename.

Q: Do both chips have the same integrated graphics?

A: Yes, both processors integrate Intel HD 4600 graphics. They also both support DDR3 memory in dual-channel configuration.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Core i5-4670S and Intel Core i7-4710HQ share the same 22 nm Haswell architecture, with both chips built on 1,400 million transistors. However, the die size differs significantly: the i5-4670S measures 177 mm², while the i7-4710HQ uses a larger 264 mm² die. This size difference reflects the mobile chip's additional features and design constraints.

The core configuration is where the biggest architectural split appears. Both processors have 4 physical cores, but the i7-4710HQ adds Hyper-Threading, bringing its thread count to 8 versus 4 on the i5-4670S. The cache hierarchy is identical on paper: 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 6 MB shared L3. Neither chip supports ECC memory.

Clock speeds favor the desktop part. The i5-4670S runs a base clock of 3.10 GHz with a boost of 3.80 GHz, while the i7-4710HQ operates at 2.50 GHz base and 3.50 GHz boost. Despite the lower clocks, the i7-4710HQ has a lower TDP of 47 watts versus 65 watts for the i5-4670S, a feat achieved through mobile-specific power management.

Socket and platform differ completely. The i5-4670S uses Intel Socket 1150 for desktop motherboards, while the i7-4710HQ is soldered to Intel BGA 1364 for laptops. PCIe support also differs: the i5-4670S offers Gen 3, while the i7-4710HQ provides Gen 3 with 16 lanes limited to the CPU only. Memory bandwidth is listed for the mobile chip at 25.6 GB/s, while the desktop part does not have a recorded figure.

The i7-4710HQ carries a Crystalwell codename, which historically indicates an enhanced version of Haswell with additional on-package cache or other mobile optimizations. The release dates also differ, with the i5-4670S launching in June 2013 and the i7-4710HQ arriving in March 2014. The i7-4710HQ is marked as end-of-life production status, while the i5-4670S has no recorded status.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data tells a split story. The Intel Core i7-4710HQ wins 6 of the 8 recorded tests, all of them in Cinebench workloads. The Intel Core i5-4670S wins the remaining 2 tests, both in Geekbench.

In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i7-4710HQ scores 472 against 448 for the i5-4670S, a 5.1% margin. The single-core R15 test shows a similar pattern: 66 for the i7 versus 63 for the i5, a 4.5% lead. Cinebench R20 multi-core repeats the 5.1% gap, with scores of 1970 and 1870 respectively. The R20 single-core test gives the i7-4710HQ a 5.4% edge, scoring 278 versus 263.

Cinebench R23 continues the trend. Multi-core results show 4692 for the i7-4710HQ and 4454 for the i5-4670S, again a 5.1% difference. Single-core R23 scores 662 versus 628, also a 5.1% gap. These consistent margins across all Cinebench versions suggest the i7-4710HQ's extra threads provide a steady advantage in rendering workloads, even with lower clock speeds.

Geekbench flips the script entirely. In multi-core, the i5-4670S scores 3300 against 2694 for the i7-4710HQ, a massive 22.5% lead. Single-core is even more lopsided: 1184 versus 947, giving the i5-4670S a 25% advantage. This suggests that Geekbench's workload pattern favors the higher clock speeds of the desktop chip, while Cinebench scales with thread count.

The average benchmark scores reflect this split. The i5-4670S averages 1526 across all tests, while the i7-4710HQ averages 1473. Both chips sit at the 38th percentile among all CPUs in the database. The i5-4670S's nearest rival is the Intel Core i5-7440HQ with a delta of 0%, while the i7-4710HQ's closest competitor is the Intel Core i5-5575R at -0.3%.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear platform-based recommendation. For desktop builders who prioritize single-thread responsiveness and Geekbench-style workloads, the Intel Core i5-4670S is the stronger pick. Its 25% single-core Geekbench lead and 22.5% multi-core Geekbench advantage are decisive numbers that translate to snappier application behavior in lightly threaded tasks.

For laptop users or anyone running heavily threaded Cinebench-style workloads, the Intel Core i7-4710HQ is the better choice. Its consistent 5.1% lead across all Cinebench multi-core tests, combined with 8 threads versus 4, makes it the superior rendering processor. The lower 47 watt TDP also makes it the more efficient option for sustained all-core loads in a mobile chassis.

The i5-4670S's higher clock speeds (3.10 GHz base, 3.80 GHz boost) drive its wins in tests that do not scale with thread count. The i7-4710HQ compensates with Hyper-Threading despite its lower 2.50 GHz base and 3.50 GHz boost clocks. Neither processor is unlocked, so overclocking is not a factor in the comparison.

The percentile ranking is identical at 38, indicating both chips occupy the same performance tier in the broader database. The average score difference is small, with the i5-4670S at 1526 and the i7-4710HQ at 1473, a gap of about 3.6%. This reinforces that the choice comes down to workload type rather than overall capability.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i5-4670S | Intel Core i7-4710HQ |

|---|---|---|

| Threads | 4 | 8 |

| Base Clock | 3.10 GHz | 2.50 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.80 GHz | 3.50 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 47 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1150 | Intel BGA 1364 |

| Codename | Haswell | Crystalwell |

| Die Size | 177 mm² | 264 mm² |

| Memory Bandwidth | Not specified | 25.6 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 3 | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Mobile |

| Production Status | Not specified | End-of-life |

| Release Date | June 2013 | March 2014 |

| Part Number | SR14K | SR1PX |

Where Each One Wins

Intel Core i5-4670S wins in Geekbench workloads. The 25% single-core advantage and 22.5% multi-core advantage are the largest margins in the entire head-to-head comparison. This processor suits users running office applications, web browsing, light content consumption, and any software that relies on high clock speeds rather than thread parallelism. The desktop socket also means easier upgrades and cooling options, though the 65 watt TDP demands more thermal headroom than the mobile part.

Intel Core i7-4710HQ wins in Cinebench workloads and efficiency. All six Cinebench tests favor this chip, with margins between 4.5% and 5.4%. The 8 threads provide tangible benefits in video rendering, 3D modeling, batch processing, and other tasks that scale with thread count. The 47 watt TDP makes it the better choice for compact or battery-powered systems where thermal limits are strict. Its end-of-life status may matter for long-term availability, but the recorded data shows it still competes effectively in rendering tasks.

For a mixed workload that includes both single-threaded responsiveness and multi-threaded rendering, the i7-4710HQ's Cinebench wins carry more weight across the full benchmark suite. However, the i5-4670S's Geekbench dominance should not be dismissed, as those tests often better reflect everyday desktop usage patterns. Choose based on your primary applications: rendering software points to the i7-4710HQ, general desktop use points to the i5-4670S.