Intel Core i5-5575R vs Intel Core i7-4712HQ Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data presents a split decision between these two Intel processors. The Intel Core i7-4712HQ takes the majority of the wins, securing victory in 6 out of 8 head-to-head tests, while the Intel Core i5-5575R counters with two significant wins in the Geekbench suite. The overall win count favors the i7-4712HQ, but the margin of victory in the i5-5575R's wins is substantially larger.

In the Cinebench suite, the Intel Core i7-4712HQ consistently outperforms the Intel Core i5-5575R by roughly 4% across the board. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the i7-4712HQ scores 454 against 435 for the i5-5575R, a delta of -4.2%. The single-core R15 test shows a similar pattern: 64 versus 61, a delta of -4.7%. This trend continues into Cinebench R20, where the multicore scores are 1895 for the i7-4712HQ and 1816 for the i5-5575R (-4.2%), and the single-core scores are 267 versus 256 (-4.1%). The most modern Cinebench R23 test repeats this result: the i7-4712HQ posts a multicore score of 4512 versus 4324 for the i5-5575R (-4.2%), and a single-core score of 637 versus 610 (-4.2%). These numbers indicate that in rendering workloads, the i7-4712HQ holds a consistent, albeit modest, advantage.

The picture flips dramatically in the Geekbench tests. Here, the Intel Core i5-5575R demonstrates a commanding lead. In Geekbench multicore, the i5-5575R scores 3247 against 2734 for the i7-4712HQ, a delta of 18.8% in favor of the i5-5575R. The Geekbench single-core test shows a similar story: 1072 versus 923, a delta of 16.1%. These are substantial margins, suggesting that in certain workloads, particularly those measured by Geekbench, the i5-5575R is the clear winner.

When placed in the context of their respective rival groups, both processors sit close to their nearest competitors. The i5-5575R has an average benchmark score of 1478, placing it within 0.4% of the Intel Core i5-7500T (1483) and 0.9% ahead of the Intel Xeon E3-1225 v5 (1465). It also sits just 0.4% ahead of the Intel Core i7-4710HQ (1473). The i7-4712HQ's average score of 1436 puts it within 0.2% of the Intel Core i7-2600K (1433), and 0.7% behind the Intel Xeon E3-1505L v5 (1446). The data shows both processors are competitive within their immediate performance tier, with the i5-5575R holding a slight overall edge in average score (1478 versus 1436, a difference of approximately 3%).

Architecture Differences

The architectural divide between these two processors is fundamental. The Intel Core i5-5575R is built on the Broadwell architecture, manufactured on Intel's 14 nm process node, while the Intel Core i7-4712HQ uses the older Haswell architecture on a 22 nm process node. This generational difference is significant, as the newer 14 nm process allows for greater transistor density and power efficiency, although the die size is slightly larger at 182 mm² for the i5-5575R compared to 177 mm² for the i7-4712HQ. The i7-4712HQ is documented with 1,400 million transistors, while the transistor count for the i5-5575R is not recorded.

Core and thread configurations differ notably. Both processors feature 4 physical cores, but the i7-4712HQ supports 8 threads through Intel Hyper-Threading technology, while the i5-5575R is limited to 4 threads. This explains the i7-4712HQ's consistent advantage in Cinebench multicore tests, despite having a lower base clock. The base clocks are 2.80 GHz for the i5-5575R and 2.30 GHz for the i7-4712HQ, but both processors share the same boost clock of 3.30 GHz.

Cache allocation also differs. Both have 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 256 KB of L2 cache per core, but the L3 cache is larger on the i7-4712HQ at 6 MB shared, compared to 4 MB shared on the i5-5575R. The integrated graphics are a major differentiator: the i5-5575R features Iris Pro Graphics 6200, which is Intel's premium integrated GPU solution, while the i7-4712HQ is equipped with the more modest Intel HD 4600.

Memory support is similar in type (DDR3) and configuration (dual-channel), but the bandwidth figures differ. The i5-5575R achieves a memory bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s, while the i7-4712HQ is rated at 25.6 GB/s. Both use PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes from the CPU, and neither supports ECC memory. The market segments are distinct, with the i5-5575R targeting desktops and the i7-4712HQ aimed at mobile platforms, though both use the Intel BGA 1364 socket.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i5-5575R has a higher average benchmark score of 1478, compared to 1436 for the Intel Core i7-4712HQ.

Q: Does the i7-4712HQ support more threads?

A: Yes, the Intel Core i7-4712HQ supports 8 threads through Hyper-Threading on its 4 cores, while the Intel Core i5-5575R provides only 4 threads on its 4 cores.

Q: Which CPU has the advantage in Geekbench tests?

A: The Intel Core i5-5575R wins both Geekbench tests, with an 18.8% lead in multicore (3247 versus 2734) and a 16.1% lead in single-core (1072 versus 923).

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

A: The Intel Core i5-5575R has a TDP of 65 watts, while the Intel Core i7-4712HQ has a significantly lower TDP of 37 watts.

Q: Which processor uses a more advanced manufacturing process?

A: The Intel Core i5-5575R uses a 14 nm process node, while the Intel Core i7-4712HQ is manufactured on a 22 nm process node.

Q: Are both processors compatible with the same socket?

A: Yes, both the Intel Core i5-5575R and the Intel Core i7-4712HQ use the Intel BGA 1364 socket.

Specification Differences

The recorded specifications reveal several key differences between the Intel Core i5-5575R and the Intel Core i7-4712HQ. The most significant is thread count: the i5-5575R has 4 threads, while the i7-4712HQ has 8 threads. The base clock differs, with the i5-5575R running at 2.80 GHz and the i7-4712HQ at 2.30 GHz, though both boost to 3.30 GHz. The TDP is notably different: 65 watts for the i5-5575R versus 37 watts for the i7-4712HQ.

Architecturally, the i5-5575R is based on Broadwell with a 14 nm process node, while the i7-4712HQ uses Haswell on a 22 nm node. The die size measures 182 mm² for the i5-5575R and 177 mm² for the i7-4712HQ, with the i7-4712HQ documented at 1,400 million transistors. The L3 cache is 4 MB shared on the i5-5575R, while the i7-4712HQ offers 6 MB shared. Integrated graphics differ substantially: Iris Pro Graphics 6200 on the i5-5575R versus Intel HD 4600 on the i7-4712HQ.

Memory bandwidth is higher on the i5-5575R at 29.9 GB/s, compared to 25.6 GB/s for the i7-4712HQ. The market segments are different: the i5-5575R is classified as a desktop processor with Active production status, while the i7-4712HQ is a mobile processor with End-of-life status. The release dates are also distinct: the i5-5575R launched on 2015-05-14, and the i7-4712HQ on 2014-03-31. The launch MSRP for the i5-5575R is $265, while the i7-4712HQ has a launch MSRP of $378. Both processors are locked (multiplier unlocked: false) and support DDR3 memory with dual-channel configuration.

The Verdict

The data presents a clear trade-off between these two processors. The Intel Core i7-4712HQ is the better choice for multi-threaded rendering workloads, consistently beating the i5-5575R by about 4% in all Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 tests. This advantage is directly attributable to its 8 threads versus 4, which allows it to process more parallel tasks despite its lower base clock. Its lower TDP of 37 watts also makes it a more power-efficient option, particularly relevant for mobile platforms.

The Intel Core i5-5575R, however, is the stronger performer in Geekbench tests, where it leads by 18.8% in multicore and 16.1% in single-core. This suggests it has superior per-thread performance characteristics, likely stemming from its newer 14 nm Broadwell architecture and higher base clock of 2.80 GHz. Its Iris Pro Graphics 6200 is also a more capable integrated GPU compared to the Intel HD 4600, which could be relevant for systems without discrete graphics.

Users prioritizing Cinebench-style rendering performance should choose the Intel Core i7-4712HQ, particularly if power consumption is a concern. Users who value Geekbench performance and integrated graphics capabilities, and who can tolerate a higher TDP, will find the Intel Core i5-5575R to be the more compelling option. The i5-5575R also holds a slight overall edge in average benchmark score, 1478 versus 1436, and its Active production status suggests ongoing availability, while the i7-4712HQ is End-of-life.