Intel Core i7-5775C vs Intel Core i7-5950HQ Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core i7-5775C sweeps every recorded benchmark against the Intel Core i7-5950HQ, winning all 8 head-to-head comparisons. The margins are narrow in Cinebench tests but widen substantially in Geekbench, revealing where the desktop part holds a clearer advantage.

In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i7-5775C scores 660 against 656 for the i7-5950HQ, a 0.6% lead. Single-core in the same test shows a 1.1% advantage (93 vs 92). Moving to Cinebench R20, the multi-core gap compresses to 0.5% (2750 vs 2736), and single-core again shows 0.5% (388 vs 386). Cinebench R23 follows the same pattern: 6549 vs 6516 in multi-core (0.5%) and 924 vs 920 in single-core (0.4%).

The Geekbench results tell a different story. The i7-5775C records 4989 in multi-core against 4601 for the i7-5950HQ, an 8.4% margin. Single-core Geekbench shows 1441 vs 1353, a 6.5% gap. These are the largest deltas in the entire comparison, indicating that the desktop chip's advantage becomes more pronounced in workloads that Geekbench stresses, while Cinebench's rendering tasks keep the two processors nearly level.

Interpreting the broader database context, the i7-5775C holds an average benchmark score of 2224, placing it at the 47th percentile of all CPUs. Its nearest rivals include the Intel Core i7-8559U with an average score of 2225 (0% delta), the Intel Xeon E5-4648 v3 at 2227 (-0.1%), the Intel Xeon D-1548 at 2231 (-0.3%), and the Intel Xeon D-1715TER at 2238 (-0.6%). The i7-5950HQ averages 2158, also at the 47th percentile, with nearest rivals including the Intel Core i5-10200H at 2154 (0.2%), the Intel Core i5-7640X at 2167 (-0.4%), the AMD Ryzen 3 3300X at 2148 (0.5%), and the Intel Core i5-1145G7E at 2174 (-0.7%). The 66-point average score gap between the two Broadwell parts is modest, but it mirrors the consistent, if small, Cinebench wins for the desktop chip.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the Broadwell architecture, with the i7-5775C using the base "Broadwell" codename and the i7-5950HQ using "Broadwell-H". Both are built on Intel's 14 nm process node at the same foundry, with identical die sizes of 182 mm². Cache hierarchies match exactly: 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. Neither supports ECC memory, and both feature integrated Iris Pro Graphics 6200.

The key architectural split is in packaging and platform. The i7-5775C uses Intel Socket 1150 and targets the desktop market segment, while the i7-5950HQ uses Intel BGA 1364 and is a mobile part. The i7-5775C has an unlocked multiplier; the i7-5950HQ does not. This means the desktop chip allows frequency tuning, whereas the mobile chip is locked to its configured clocks.

Clock behavior diverges as well. The i7-5775C runs a 3.30 GHz base clock and boosts to 3.70 GHz. The i7-5950HQ has a lower 2.90 GHz base but a higher 3.80 GHz boost. The mobile part therefore relies on a more aggressive boost state to reach its performance, while the desktop part maintains a higher sustained base frequency. Thermal design points reflect their platforms: the i7-5775C is rated at 65 W and the i7-5950HQ at 47 W.

Memory bandwidth also differs. Both support DDR3 over a dual-channel bus, but the i7-5775C delivers 25.6 GB/s while the i7-5950HQ delivers 29.9 GB/s. The mobile chip's platform allows for higher memory throughput despite its lower TDP, a notable inversion given its lower base clock.

Production status separates them further. The i7-5775C remains listed as Active, while the i7-5950HQ is marked End-of-life. Release dates are close: the i7-5775C launched on 2015-05-14 and the i7-5950HQ on 2015-06-01. The launch MSRP of the i7-5775C is $366; the launch MSRP of the i7-5950HQ is $623. Part numbers are SR2AG for the desktop chip and SR2BJ for the mobile chip.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins in multi-core Cinebench R23?

A: The Intel Core i7-5775C scores 6549 against 6516 for the Intel Core i7-5950HQ, a 0.5% advantage.

Q: Is there any benchmark where the i7-5950HQ comes out ahead?

A: No. Across all 8 recorded head-to-head benchmarks, the i7-5775C wins every test. The i7-5950HQ's closest result is Cinebench R23 single-core, where it trails by only 0.4% (920 vs 924).

Q: What explains the larger Geekbench delta compared to Cinebench?

A: The i7-5775C leads by 8.4% in Geekbench multi-core (4989 vs 4601) and 6.5% in single-core (1441 vs 1353). The Cinebench gaps are all under 1.1%, suggesting the desktop chip's advantage scales differently depending on the workload characteristics.

Q: Do the two chips share the same integrated graphics?

A: Yes, both integrate Iris Pro Graphics 6200.

Q: Can the i7-5950HQ be overclocked?

A: No, its multiplier is locked. The i7-5775C has an unlocked multiplier, allowing frequency adjustment.

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare?

A: The i7-5775C averages 2224, while the i7-5950HQ averages 2158. Both sit at the 47th percentile of all CPUs.

Specification Differences

| Field | Intel Core i7-5775C | Intel Core i7-5950HQ |

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

| Base clock | 3.30 GHz | 2.90 GHz |

| Boost clock | 3.70 GHz | 3.80 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 47 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1150 | Intel BGA 1364 |

| Codename | Broadwell | Broadwell-H |

| Generation | Core i7 (Broadwell) | Core i7 (Broadwell-H) |

| Memory bandwidth | 25.6 GB/s | 29.9 GB/s |

| Market segment | Desktop | Mobile |

| Production status | Active | End-of-life |

| Release date | 2015-05-14 | 2015-06-01 |

| Launch MSRP | $366 | $623 |

| Multiplier unlocked | Yes | No |

| Part number | SR2AG | SR2BJ |

Identical fields include cores (4), threads (8), process node (14 nm), foundry (Intel), die size (182 mm²), L1 cache (64 KB per core), L2 cache (256 KB per core), L3 cache (6 MB shared), memory type (DDR3), memory bus (dual-channel), ECC support (false), PCIe (Gen 3, 16 lanes CPU only), and integrated graphics (Iris Pro Graphics 6200).

Where Each One Wins

The i7-5775C wins every benchmark category recorded. Its strongest showing is in Geekbench multi-core, where the 8.4% margin over the i7-5950HQ is the largest of any test. It also wins all Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 multi-core and single-core tests, though those margins stay between 0.4% and 1.1%. The desktop chip's higher base clock of 3.30 GHz against 2.90 GHz likely contributes to its consistent edge, and its unlocked multiplier makes it the choice for users who intend to tune frequency beyond stock settings. Its Active production status also means it remains available in the current market.

The i7-5950HQ, despite losing all head-to-head tests, has its own points of strength. Its 3.80 GHz boost clock is higher than the i7-5775C's 3.70 GHz, giving it a peak frequency advantage. Its memory bandwidth is higher at 29.9 GB/s versus 25.6 GB/s. Its 47 W TDP is substantially lower than 65 W, which matters for thermal-constrained or battery-powered systems. The mobile form factor itself is the primary use case: the BGA 1364 socket integrates into laptops and compact mobile devices where the desktop Socket 1150 cannot be used.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear winner on raw performance: the Intel Core i7-5775C. It wins all 8 head-to-head benchmarks, holds a higher average benchmark score (2224 vs 2158), and offers the flexibility of an unlocked multiplier. Its greatest advantage appears in Geekbench multi-core, where it leads by 8.4%, and in Geekbench single-core at 6.5%. For a desktop user seeking the strongest measured performance between these two Broadwell parts, the i7-5775C is the choice supported by every recorded result.

The i7-5950HQ is not without reason for selection, but its justification is platform-based rather than performance-based. It is the only option for mobile systems given its BGA 1364 socket, and its 47 W TDP suits power-sensitive designs. It also offers higher boost clock and memory bandwidth. However, in every benchmark where the two are compared, the i7-5950HQ trails. Its End-of-life production status further limits its appeal for new builds. Users on a desktop platform should pick the i7-5775C; users constrained to a mobile platform will find the i7-5950HQ the only viable option in this pairing, accepting the small but consistent performance deficit.