Intel Core i7-5950HQ
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
Integrated GPUAt a Glance
IntelIntel Core i7-5950HQ Specifications
Core i7-5950HQ Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Core i7-5950HQ features 4 physical cores and 8 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.
i7-5950HQ Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i7-5950HQ benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Core i7-5950HQ by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Core i7-5950HQ Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i7-5950HQ processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Core i7-5950HQ's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
Broadwell Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The Intel Core i7-5950HQ is built on Intel's 14 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in i7-5950HQ incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Broadwell Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Core i7-5950HQ by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.
i7-5950HQ Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Core i7-5950HQ has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 47W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.
Intel BGA 1364 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Core i7-5950HQ uses the Intel BGA 1364 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.
Intel BGA 1364 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the i7-5950HQ define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Core i7-5950HQ determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.
Intel's Core i7-5950HQ Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The Intel Core i7-5950HQ includes integrated graphics, eliminating the need for a dedicated GPU in basic computing scenarios. Integrated graphics are ideal for office productivity, video playback, and light gaming. While not designed for demanding GPU benchmarks, the iGPU in the i7-5950HQ provides hardware video encoding and decoding capabilities. This makes the processor suitable for compact builds, HTPCs, and systems where power efficiency is prioritized over gaming performance.
Core i7-5950HQ Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Core i7-5950HQ is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Core i7-5950HQ by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
Core i7-5950HQ Benchmark Scores
cinebench_cinebench_r15_multicoreSource
Cinebench R15 multi-core renders a complex 3D scene using all CPU threads simultaneously. This test reveals how Intel Core i7-5950HQ performs in parallel rendering workloads.
Top 5 Performers
Top 5 PerformersNearby Performers
Nearby Performerscinebench_cinebench_r15_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R15 single-core measures the speed of one CPU thread rendering 3D geometry. This score indicates how Intel Core i7-5950HQ handles tasks that can't be parallelized.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r20_multicoreSource
Cinebench R20 multi-core uses a scene requiring 4x more computational power than R15. This test better reflects modern CPU capabilities for professional rendering on Intel Core i7-5950HQ. The more demanding workload provides better differentiation between current-generation processors. Content creators and 3D artists use this benchmark to estimate real-world render performance.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r20_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R20 single-core tests one thread against a more demanding scene than R15. This reveals the true single-thread rendering capability of Intel Core i7-5950HQ. The increased complexity provides more accurate performance differentiation between modern CPUs. Single-thread performance remains critical for gaming and applications with serial bottlenecks.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r23_multicoreSource
Cinebench R23 multi-core is the current standard for CPU rendering benchmarks with a 10-minute minimum runtime. This extended test reveals sustained performance of Intel Core i7-5950HQ after thermal limits kick in. The longer duration exposes cooling limitations that shorter benchmarks miss. Professional users rely on R23 scores to predict real-world rendering performance under sustained workloads.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Core i7-5950HQ maintains boost clocks under continuous load. The extended runtime shows whether thermal throttling affects single-core performance. This score is particularly important for understanding real-world responsiveness beyond initial boost behavior.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
geekbench_multicoreSource
Geekbench multi-core tests Intel Core i7-5950HQ across real-world workloads including image processing, machine learning, and data compression. All available threads are utilized to measure parallel performance. Higher scores indicate better capability in multitasking and content creation. The cross-platform nature of Geekbench allows direct comparison with systems running different operating systems.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
geekbench_singlecoreSource
Geekbench single-core measures how fast one thread of Intel Core i7-5950HQ can process tasks like web browsing and document editing. This score correlates with how snappy the system feels during normal use. Many applications still depend primarily on single-thread performance. Gaming performance is also heavily influenced by single-core speed in CPU-limited scenarios.
Top 5 Performers
Nearby Performers
About Intel Core i7-5950HQ
The Intel Core i7-5950HQ is a 4-core, 8-thread Broadwell-H processor with a 47W TDP, released in June 2015. Its average benchmark score of 2164 places it at the 48th percentile of all CPUs, with nearest rivals all within a 0.5% performance band. The chip is end-of-life, uses a soldered BGA 1364 socket, and targets the desktop segment despite its mobile-style package.
How It Compares
The i7-5950HQ edges out the Intel Core i5-7640X by a 0.2% margin in average benchmark score (2164 vs. 2161). This difference is negligible, placing both processors in the same performance tier for mixed workloads.
Against the Intel Core i5-9400T, the i7-5950HQ holds a 0.3% advantage (2164 vs. 2157). The gap is within run-to-run variance, meaning real-world performance is effectively identical for most applications.
The i7-5950HQ leads the Intel Core i5-10200H by 0.4% (2164 vs. 2155). Again, this is a near-tie, and the two CPUs would be indistinguishable in day-to-day use.
The AMD Ryzen 5 3400GE is the only rival to beat the i7-5950HQ, with a 0.5% higher average score (2175 vs. 2164). The difference is minuscule, keeping the i7-5950HQ competitive within its immediate peer group.
Power and Thermals
The i7-5950HQ carries a 47W TDP, a moderate power envelope for a desktop processor. Built on Intel's 14nm process with a 182mm² die size, it balances performance and efficiency. The TDP class suggests that a standard air cooler is sufficient; no exotic liquid or oversized cooling is required. As an end-of-life product, its thermal profile remains typical of mid-range Broadwell parts, and the 47W rating allows for compact system designs without aggressive thermal solutions.
Platform and Compatibility
The i7-5950HQ uses the Intel BGA 1364 socket, a soldered package that prevents CPU upgrades. Memory support is limited to DDR3 in dual-channel configuration, with a peak bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s; ECC memory is not supported. PCIe Gen 3 provides 16 lanes from the CPU, sufficient for a single discrete graphics card or other high-bandwidth devices. The integrated Iris Pro 6200 graphics offer display output without a separate GPU, though the multiplier is locked, limiting overclocking. The platform is end-of-life, and the soldered nature means the entire board must be replaced to upgrade the processor.
FAQ
Q: What is the launch MSRP?
A: The launch MSRP was $623.
Q: How many cores and threads does the i7-5950HQ have?
A: It has 4 cores and 8 threads.
Q: What memory type does it support?
A: It supports DDR3 memory in dual-channel configuration with a bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s, and it does not support ECC.
Q: Is the multiplier unlocked?
A: No, the multiplier is locked, so overclocking is not supported.
Q: What socket does the i7-5950HQ use?
A: It uses Intel BGA 1364, a soldered ball-grid-array package.
Q: What is the production status?
A: The processor is end-of-life, having been released in June 2015.
Benchmark Performance
The i7-5950HQ's average benchmark score of 2164 places it at the 48th percentile of all CPUs, meaning it outperforms roughly half of the tested processors. In Cinebench R23, it scores 6545 in multi-core and 924 in single-core. The multi-core result is far above the single-core figure, demonstrating strong scaling across the 8 threads. In Geekbench, the multi-core score of 4601 dwarfs the single-core 1353, again highlighting the multi-threaded advantage. Older Cinebench versions follow the same pattern: R15 multi-core 659 vs. single-core 93, and R20 multi-core 2748 vs. single-core 388.
Relative to its nearest rivals, the i7-5950HQ is within 0.5% of all four—the i5-7640X, i5-9400T, i5-10200H, and Ryzen 5 3400GE. This tight clustering confirms that the i7-5950HQ sits in a performance tier where no single chip has a decisive lead. The 48th percentile ranking indicates it is a mid-range part, neither a budget option nor a high-end contender.
Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior
The i7-5950HQ shows a pronounced multi-thread advantage across every benchmark. In Cinebench R23, the multi-core score of 6545 is roughly seven times the single-core 924, reflecting the benefit of 8 threads across 4 physical cores. The same ratio appears in Geekbench (4601 vs. 1353) and in the older Cinebench R15 and R20 results. This split suggests that workloads capable of using multiple threads—such as video encoding, 3D rendering, or compilation—will see substantial gains. Single-threaded tasks, however, rely on the 3.80 GHz boost clock, which is modest by modern standards. The base clock of 2.90 GHz further tempers single-thread performance, though it remains adequate for everyday productivity and light gaming. The i7-5950HQ is clearly optimized for multi-threaded throughput rather than raw single-core speed.
Who Should Consider It
The i7-5950HQ is best suited for users whose workloads benefit from multi-threading. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 6545 indicates capable throughput for video editing, 3D modeling, and software compilation. The single-core score of 924 is sufficient for general office tasks, web browsing, and older games, but the 48th percentile overall ranking shows it is not a top-tier gaming CPU. The integrated Iris Pro 6200 graphics provide a basic display solution, eliminating the need for a discrete GPU in office or light media environments. However, the soldered BGA socket and end-of-life status mean the processor is only relevant for existing systems or used builds. Users seeking high single-core performance or a clear upgrade path should look elsewhere, as the i7-5950HQ is locked into its platform and cannot be overclocked. For multi-threaded productivity within a modest power envelope, it remains a competent choice, but its performance class is firmly mid-range.
The AMD Equivalent of Core i7-5950HQ
Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 7 1700 offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.
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