The Ultimate Showdown: Intel Core i7 4720HQ vs Intel Core i9 10900K in CPU Performance

What To Know

  • The Intel Core i7 4720HQ boasts 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Intel Core i9 10900K offers a significant jump with 10 cores and 20 threads.
  • The Intel Core i7 4720HQ has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 47W, while the Intel Core i9 10900K has a TDP of 125W.
  • The Intel Core i7 4720HQ is a significantly older processor and is no longer readily available as a new purchase.

Choosing the right CPU for your needs can be a daunting task, especially with the vast array of options available. Today, we’ll be diving deep into a comparison between two popular processors: the Intel Core i7 4720HQ and the Intel Core i9 10900K. This comprehensive analysis will help you understand their strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.
The Intel Core i7 4720HQ and Intel Core i9 10900K represent two distinct generations of Intel processors, each catering to different needs. The i7 4720HQ is a mobile processor from the Haswell architecture, designed for laptops and thin-and-light devices. In contrast, the i9 10900K is a desktop processor from the Comet Lake architecture, built for high-performance desktop PCs. This comparison will help you understand which processor is better suited for your specific needs, whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or a professional working with demanding applications.

Architecture and Release Date: A Look Back and Forward

The Intel Core i7 4720HQ, released in early 2014, belongs to the Haswell architecture, which introduced significant improvements in power efficiency and performance compared to its predecessors. The i9 10900K, on the other hand, is part of the Comet Lake architecture, released in 2020, representing a final iteration of Intel’s 14nm process technology. This processor offers improved performance compared to its predecessors but falls behind the newer 10nm and 7nm architectures in power efficiency.

Core Count and Thread Count: A Multitasking Showdown

The Intel Core i7 4720HQ boasts 4 cores and 8 threads, while the Intel Core i9 10900K offers a significant jump with 10 cores and 20 threads. This difference in core and thread count translates directly to performance, especially in multi-threaded tasks. The i9 10900K excels in demanding applications like video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking, while the i7 4720HQ performs adequately in general use and light gaming.

Clock Speed and Turbo Boost: Clocking Up the Performance

The Intel Core i7 4720HQ has a base clock speed of 2.4 GHz and a Turbo Boost frequency of 3.6 GHz. The Intel Core i9 10900K, on the other hand, boasts a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz and a Turbo Boost frequency of 5.3 GHz. This significantly higher clock speed allows the i9 10900K to deliver faster performance in single-threaded applications and games.

Cache Memory: Storing Data for Faster Access

The Intel Core i7 4720HQ features 6 MB of L3 cache, while the Intel Core i9 10900K offers a much larger 20 MB of L3 cache. This additional cache allows the i9 10900K to store more frequently accessed data, resulting in faster data retrieval and overall improved performance.

Integrated Graphics: Visual Powerhouse or Basic Functionality?

The Intel Core i7 4720HQ integrates Intel HD Graphics 4600, while the Intel Core i9 10900K features Intel UHD Graphics 630. While both offer basic graphics capabilities, they are not intended for demanding gaming. For serious gaming, dedicated graphics cards are highly recommended.

Performance: Benchmarking the Powerhouses

In benchmark tests, the Intel Core i9 10900K consistently outperforms the Intel Core i7 4720HQ in various applications. The i9 10900K achieves significantly higher scores in multi-core benchmarks, reflecting its superior performance in demanding tasks. In single-core benchmarks, the i9 10900K also outperforms the i7 4720HQ due to its higher clock speed.

Power Consumption: Balancing Performance and Efficiency

The Intel Core i7 4720HQ has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 47W, while the Intel Core i9 10900K has a TDP of 125W. This difference in power consumption reflects the i9 10900K’s higher performance and more cores. It requires a more robust cooling solution to prevent overheating.

Price and Availability: Weighing Cost and Value

The Intel Core i7 4720HQ is a significantly older processor and is no longer readily available as a new purchase. However, you might find it in refurbished or used devices at a lower price. The Intel Core i9 10900K is still available for purchase, but its price is significantly higher than the i7 4720HQ.

Key Points: Choosing the Right Processor for Your Needs

Choosing between the Intel Core i7 4720HQ and the Intel Core i9 10900K depends entirely on your specific needs and budget. The i7 4720HQ is a suitable option for basic tasks, light gaming, and users on a tight budget. However, if you require high performance for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, or heavy multitasking, the i9 10900K is the clear winner.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q1: Is the Intel Core i9 10900K worth the price?
A1: The Intel Core i9 10900K offers significant performance gains compared to the i7 4720HQ, especially for demanding tasks. However, its higher price tag might not be justifiable for users who primarily engage in light tasks or casual gaming.
Q2: Can I upgrade the Intel Core i7 4720HQ to an Intel Core i9 10900K?
A2: Upgrading from an i7 4720HQ to an i9 10900K is not possible due to the different socket types and motherboard compatibility.
Q3: Is the Intel Core i9 10900K good for gaming?
A3: Yes, the Intel Core i9 10900K is a powerful processor for gaming, offering high frame rates and smooth gameplay. However, the performance difference between it and lower-end processors might not be noticeable in less demanding games.
Q4: What are the alternatives to the Intel Core i9 10900K?
A4: Several alternatives to the Intel Core i9 10900K are available, including the Intel Core i9 11900K, Intel Core i7 12700K, and AMD Ryzen 9 5900X. These processors offer comparable or even better performance at different price points.
Q5: Should I buy a laptop with the Intel Core i7 4720HQ?
A5: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop for basic tasks and light gaming, the Intel Core i7 4720HQ might be a decent option. However, newer laptops with more powerful processors offer better performance and value for your money.