Intel Core i7-7820HQ
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
Intel Core i7-7820HQ Specifications
Core i7-7820HQ Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Core i7-7820HQ 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.
i7-7820HQ Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i7-7820HQ 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 i7-7820HQ by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Core i7-7820HQ Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i7-7820HQ 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 i7-7820HQ's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
Kaby Lake Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The Intel Core i7-7820HQ 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 i7-7820HQ incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Kaby Lake Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Core i7-7820HQ 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.
i7-7820HQ Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Core i7-7820HQ has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 45W, 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 1440 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Core i7-7820HQ uses the Intel BGA 1440 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 1440 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the i7-7820HQ 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 i7-7820HQ 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 i7-7820HQ Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The Intel Core i7-7820HQ 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 i7-7820HQ 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 i7-7820HQ Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Core i7-7820HQ 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 i7-7820HQ by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
Core i7-7820HQ 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 i7-7820HQ performs in parallel rendering workloads like video production and 3D animation. Higher scores mean faster render times in professional applications.
cinebench_cinebench_r15_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R15 single-core measures the speed of one CPU thread rendering 3D geometry. This score indicates how Intel Core i7-7820HQ handles tasks that can't be parallelized across multiple cores. Games and many desktop applications still rely heavily on single-thread performance.
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 i7-7820HQ.
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 i7-7820HQ.
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 i7-7820HQ after thermal limits kick in.
cinebench_cinebench_r23_singlecoreSource
Cinebench R23 single-core measures sustained single-thread performance over 10 minutes. This reveals how Intel Core i7-7820HQ maintains boost clocks under continuous load.
geekbench_multicoreSource
Geekbench multi-core tests Intel Core i7-7820HQ across real-world workloads including image processing, machine learning, and data compression. All available threads are utilized to measure parallel performance.
geekbench_singlecoreSource
Geekbench single-core measures how fast one thread of Intel Core i7-7820HQ can process tasks like web browsing and document editing. This score correlates with how snappy the system feels during normal use.
About Intel Core i7-7820HQ
The Intel Core i7-7820HQ, a quad-core processor with Hyper-Threading enabling eight simultaneous threads, represents a capable mobile computing solution from the Kaby Lake generation. This thread configuration provides significant multitasking headroom, allowing the chip to handle numerous applications concurrently without severe performance degradation. Its base clock of 2.90 GHz offers a solid foundation for everyday tasks, ensuring responsive system behavior under light to moderate loads. The ability to boost up to 3.90 GHz on a single core provides a burst of speed for latency-sensitive operations, enhancing the user experience in applications that are not fully parallelized. The four-core design was considered a high-end configuration for laptops at its release, targeting power users who required more than basic performance. This particular Intel processor effectively balanced core count with per-core performance for its time, making it a popular choice in premium notebooks.
Clock speeds are a critical performance determinant, and this CPU leverages Intel's Turbo Boost 2.0 technology to dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom. The 2.90 GHz base clock ensures consistent performance within its 45W Thermal Design Power (TDP) envelope, which is a key constraint in mobile designs. The turbo frequency of up to 3.90 GHz demonstrates a substantial performance uplift for single-threaded tasks, which remain common in many professional and consumer applications. This Kaby Lake-H chip must carefully manage these clock speeds to avoid exceeding its power budget, a challenge for laptop cooling systems. The TDP rating of 45W positions it as a part of the high-performance mobile segment, demanding more robust thermal solutions than lower-power U-series processors. This power consumption profile makes the processor suitable for larger laptops and mobile workstations where cooling performance is less compromised.
The cache hierarchy of the i7-7820HQ, featuring 8 MB of shared L3 cache, plays a vital role in feeding data to its four cores efficiently. This shared cache allows for faster data access between cores, reducing latency and improving performance in multi-threaded scenarios where cores work on related tasks. The 14nm manufacturing process used for this Intel Core i7 chip enables the integration of this cache and the cores onto a single die with reasonable power characteristics. A larger L3 cache helps minimize the number of times the processor must access slower system RAM, which is a common bottleneck. This architectural feature is particularly beneficial for data-intensive applications like content creation and scientific computing. The cache design of this component contributes significantly to its overall responsiveness and computational throughput.
This processor excels in applications that can leverage its multi-threading capability, such as video editing, 3D rendering, and software compilation, where its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 6,098 points is relevant. Its strong single-core performance, evidenced by a Geekbench single-core score of 1,188, ensures snappy performance in everyday productivity tasks, web browsing, and light gaming. The 7820HQ is well-suited for a mobile workstation environment where a balance of battery life, contained power draw, and computational muscle is required. Professionals using software like Adobe Premiere Pro or AutoCAD would have found this CPU to be a competent partner in a portable form factor. While surpassed by newer architectures, this specific Intel CPU remains a dependable workhorse for many legacy systems still in operation today.
The AMD Equivalent of Core i7-7820HQ
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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