Intel Core i7-5700HQ

Intel Core i7-5700HQ is a 4-core, 8-thread Broadwell-H processor from Intel, built on a 14 nm process and designed for the Intel BGA 1364 socket. Its benchmark data places it in the 41st percentile of all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 1636, indicating a mid-range positioning for its era. The processor supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration and includes Intel HD 5600 integrated graphics, though it is now marked as end-of-life.

Benchmark Performance

The Core i7-5700HQ delivers a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 5116 and a single-core score of 722, while its Geekbench results show 3129 multi-core and 1085 single-core. These numbers place the chip in a tight competitive cluster, as its average benchmark score of 1636 sits within 0.7% of all four nearest rivals. The data reveals a processor that is essentially tied with its closest competitors, with deltas so small they fall within typical run-to-run variance.

In Cinebench R15, the multi-core score of 515 and single-core score of 72 highlight a significant gap between parallel and serial performance, a pattern that persists across newer tests like Cinebench R20 (2148 multi-core, 303 single-core). The average score of 1636 places it just 0.1% behind the Intel Xeon E5-2623 v3 (1637), a 0.3% deficit versus the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G (1640), and 0.4% behind the AMD Opteron 6380 (1643). It edges out the Intel Pentium Gold G7400T by 0.7% (1625).

These margins are negligible in practical terms — no rival holds more than a 1% advantage or disadvantage. The percentile ranking of 41 suggests that while the chip is not a high-end performer, it sits comfortably above the majority of processors in the database, though its position is heavily influenced by the age of its architecture. The consistency across multiple benchmark suites indicates the scores are stable and representative, not outliers.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The split between single-thread and multi-thread performance is stark. In Cinebench R23, the multi-core score of 5116 is roughly 7.1 times the single-core score of 722, which is a typical ratio for a 4-core/8-thread part but reveals the limits of its threading efficiency. The Geekbench results show a similar pattern: 3129 multi-core versus 1085 single-core, a ratio of about 2.9.

This disparity suggests the processor scales reasonably well with multi-threaded workloads, but its single-core performance is the bottleneck. The 2.70 GHz base clock and 3.50 GHz boost clock are modest by modern standards, and the architecture's age shows in single-threaded tasks like Cinebench R15 single-core (72 points), which is notably low. For real workloads, this means the chip handles multi-threaded rendering or encoding tasks with decent competence — the R20 multi-core score of 2148 is respectable for its class — but it will lag in lightly-threaded applications like older games or office tasks that rely on single-core speed.

The data implies that users should prioritize multi-threaded applications over single-threaded ones. The 8 threads allow for efficient parallel processing, but the per-core performance is not competitive with newer designs, making the chip better suited for batch workloads rather than interactive responsiveness.

How It Compares

Intel Xeon E5-2623 v3: The Xeon edges out the i7-5700HQ by 0.1% in average score (1637 vs 1636). This is a statistical tie, suggesting the two chips offer nearly identical overall performance. The Xeon likely benefits from a different memory configuration, but the benchmark data shows no meaningful advantage.

AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G: The Ryzen holds a 0.3% lead (1640 vs 1636), again within noise margins. Despite being a newer architecture with integrated graphics, the Ryzen's average score is essentially the same, indicating that the i7-5700HQ's older Broadwell design still competes at parity in raw CPU benchmarks.

AMD Opteron 6380: The Opteron leads by 0.4% (1643 vs 1636), which is the largest gap among the rivals but still negligible. This comparison is notable because the Opteron is a server-class part with many more cores, yet its average score lands in the same league, suggesting the i7-5700HQ's efficiency and clock speed compensate for its lower core count.

Intel Pentium Gold G7400T: The i7-5700HQ holds a 0.7% advantage (1636 vs 1625), the only rival it clearly beats. The Pentium Gold is a budget dual-core part, so the i7's 4-core/8-thread configuration gives it a slight edge in multi-threaded tests, though the single-thread scores may be closer than the averages suggest.

FAQ

Q: What is the average benchmark score for the Intel Core i7-5700HQ?

A: The average benchmark score is 1636, placing it in the 41st percentile of all CPUs.

Q: How does the i7-5700HQ compare to the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G?

A: The Ryzen 3 PRO 2200G has an average score of 1640, which is 0.3% higher than the i7-5700HQ's 1636.

Q: What are the Cinebench R23 scores for this processor?

A: The Cinebench R23 multi-core score is 5116, and the single-core score is 722.

Q: Does the i7-5700HQ support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported; it uses dual-channel DDR3 memory with a bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s.

Q: What is the launch MSRP of the i7-5700HQ?

A: The launch MSRP is $378.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked, so the processor cannot be overclocked through the multiplier.

Who Should Consider It

The benchmark data points to specific use cases. The multi-core score of 5116 in Cinebench R23 suggests the chip is capable for 3D rendering or video encoding tasks that utilize all 8 threads — users running such workloads would see reasonable performance, though not class-leading. The single-core score of 722 in R23 indicates it is less suited for gaming, where per-core performance is critical; modern games would likely bottleneck on this chip.

For office productivity, the Geekbench single-core score of 1085 is adequate for basic tasks like spreadsheets and web browsing, but the low single-thread performance means it will feel sluggish in applications that are not well-optimized for multi-threading. The 41st percentile ranking reinforces that this is a mid-range part — suitable for budget-minded workstation builds or as a temporary solution, but not for high-end gaming or heavy professional workloads. The dual-channel DDR3 memory support and 29.9 GB/s bandwidth further limit its appeal for memory-intensive applications.

Users with multi-threaded batch jobs, such as compiling code or batch photo processing, would find the 8 threads beneficial. However, anyone prioritizing single-threaded responsiveness should look elsewhere, as the data shows clear weakness in that area.

Platform and Compatibility

The i7-5700HQ uses the Intel BGA 1364 socket, which is a ball-grid-array package that is soldered to the motherboard, meaning it is not upgradeable — the processor is permanently attached. This is a critical consideration, as there is no upgrade path for the CPU itself; users are tied to the motherboard it comes with. The chip supports dual-channel DDR3 memory with a maximum bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s, and ECC memory is not supported, so it relies on standard consumer DDR3 modules.

PCIe support is Gen 3 with 16 lanes available from the CPU, which is sufficient for a single discrete GPU or a couple of NVMe drives, though the lane count is limited. The integrated Intel HD 5600 graphics provides a fallback for display output without a dedicated GPU, but its performance is not detailed in the data. The processor was released on June 1, 2015, and is now end-of-life, so new motherboards are not being produced. The Broadwell-H architecture is the final iteration of Intel's 14 nm process for this generation, and the chip is part of the Core i7 (Broadwell-H) generation. The lack of an unlocked multiplier means no overclocking, and the part number is SR2BP.

Power and Thermals

The i7-5700HQ has a TDP of 47 watts, which classifies it as a mid-range power envelope for a mobile-oriented processor, despite being listed as a desktop segment part. This TDP level implies that a capable air cooler or a modest laptop cooling solution would suffice — the 14 nm process helps keep thermals in check, but the 47W rating means it generates noticeable heat under sustained multi-threaded loads. The base clock of 2.70 GHz and boost clock of 3.50 GHz are modest, and the processor's die size is 182 mm², which is relatively small for a 4-core part, indicating efficient use of the 14 nm node.

For desktop users, a tower-style air cooler or a low-profile cooler would be more than adequate, as the chip does not require high-end liquid cooling. The locked multiplier prevents voltage or frequency increases, so thermal loads remain predictable. In a laptop or small-form-factor system, the 47W TDP requires adequate ventilation but does not demand exotic cooling solutions. The power characteristics are balanced — not as efficient as newer low-power chips, but not as demanding as high-core-count desktop parts. Users should ensure their chassis has reasonable airflow, especially when running Cinebench R23 multi-core tests, which push all 8 threads and generate the highest thermal output.