Highlights
- The performance gap between the Intel Core i7 4720HQ and the Intel Core i9 10900X is significant, primarily due to the generational difference and the architectural advancements made by Intel over the years.
- The i9 10900X boasts a significantly higher core count, clock speed, and cache size, leading to a substantial performance advantage in multi-threaded applications.
- The i9 10900X utilizes the Comet Lake architecture, which offers improved performance and efficiency compared to the Haswell architecture used in the i7 4720HQ.
Choosing the right CPU for your computer can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a wide array of options. Today, we’re diving into a head-to-head comparison of two processors from different generations: the Intel Core i7 4720HQ and the Intel Core i9 10900X. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of each processor, allowing you to make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
The Contenders: A Quick Overview
The Intel Core i7 4720HQ is a quad-core processor released in 2014, belonging to the 4th generation Haswell family. It’s a mobile processor designed for laptops and features a base clock speed of 2.6 GHz and a Turbo Boost frequency of 3.6 GHz. The i7 4720HQ also boasts 6 MB of L3 cache and a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 47W.
On the other hand, the Intel Core i9 10900X is a desktop processor released in 2019, part of the 10th generation Comet Lake family. This processor boasts 10 cores and 20 threads, with a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz and a Turbo Boost frequency of 4.7 GHz. The i9 10900X comes with a massive 19.25 MB of L3 cache and a TDP of 165W.
Performance Comparison: A Generation Gap
The performance gap between the Intel Core i7 4720HQ and the Intel Core i9 10900X is significant, primarily due to the generational difference and the architectural advancements made by Intel over the years.
CPU Benchmarks: The i9 10900X outperforms the i7 4720HQ in every benchmark. The i9 10900X boasts a significantly higher core count, clock speed, and cache size, leading to a substantial performance advantage in multi-threaded applications. In single-threaded tasks, the i9 10900X also holds a noticeable lead due to its higher clock speed and improved architecture.
Gaming Performance: While the i9 10900X offers exceptional performance for demanding games, the i7 4720HQ is not suitable for modern gaming. The i9 10900X’s higher core count and clock speed translate to smoother gameplay and higher frame rates, especially in games that utilize multiple CPU cores.
Overall Performance: The i9 10900X is a clear winner in terms of overall performance. It excels in demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and multi-tasking, while also delivering superior gaming performance compared to the i7 4720HQ.
Features and Technology: A Leap Forward
The Intel Core i9 10900X benefits from significant advancements in technology and features compared to the Intel Core i7 4720HQ.
Architecture: The i9 10900X utilizes the Comet Lake architecture, which offers improved performance and efficiency compared to the Haswell architecture used in the i7 4720HQ. This includes enhancements in instruction set, cache hierarchy, and power management.
Cores and Threads: The i9 10900X boasts 10 cores and 20 threads, significantly more than the i7 4720HQ’s 4 cores and 4 threads. This allows the i9 10900X to handle complex tasks with greater efficiency and speed.
Cache: The i9 10900X has a massive 19.25 MB of L3 cache, compared to the i7 4720HQ’s 6 MB. This larger cache allows the i9 10900X to store more data closer to the processor, resulting in faster access and improved performance.
Overclocking: The i9 10900X supports overclocking, allowing users to push the processor beyond its default clock speed for even higher performance. However, the i7 4720HQ is not overclockable.
Power Consumption and Thermal Management
The Intel Core i9 10900X has a significantly higher TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 165W compared to the i7 4720HQ’s 47W. This means the i9 10900X consumes more power and generates more heat during operation.
Cooling: The i9 10900X requires a robust cooling solution to manage its heat output. A high-end CPU cooler or a liquid cooling system is recommended for optimal performance and stability. The i7 4720HQ, with its lower TDP, can be cooled effectively with a standard heatsink and fan.
Power Efficiency: The i9 10900X’s higher power consumption translates to a lower power efficiency compared to the i7 4720HQ. However, the i9 10900X’s superior performance can justify the increased power consumption for demanding tasks.
Price Comparison: A Significant Difference
The Intel Core i9 10900X commands a significantly higher price compared to the Intel Core i7 4720HQ. This price difference reflects the i9 10900X’s superior performance, features, and technology. The i7 4720HQ is a more budget-friendly option, making it suitable for users with limited budgets.
Choosing the Right Processor for Your Needs
The choice between the Intel Core i7 4720HQ and the Intel Core i9 10900X depends on your specific needs and budget.
Intel Core i7 4720HQ:
- Best for: Budget-conscious users, casual gaming, everyday tasks, and older laptops.
- Pros: Affordable, low power consumption, decent performance for non-demanding tasks.
- Cons: Limited performance, outdated architecture, not suitable for modern gaming.
Intel Core i9 10900X:
- Best for: Power users, content creators, gamers, demanding applications, and high-end desktop PCs.
- Pros: Exceptional performance, high core count, advanced features, support for overclocking.
- Cons: High price, high power consumption, requires robust cooling.
Stepping into the Future: Considering Alternatives
While the Intel Core i7 4720HQ and the Intel Core i9 10900X represent two distinct points in time, it’s worth exploring newer alternatives.
AMD Ryzen Processors: AMD has made significant strides in recent years, offering competitive performance and value with its Ryzen processors. For example, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X offers impressive performance at a lower price point than the i9 10900X.
Intel 12th Gen Processors: Intel’s latest 12th generation processors offer significant improvements in performance and efficiency compared to older generations. The Intel Core i5-12600K is a strong contender in the mid-range segment, offering exceptional performance for gaming and demanding tasks.
The Final Verdict: A Powerful Legacy and a Modern Champion
The Intel Core i7 4720HQ is a testament to the evolution of Intel processors, offering decent performance for its time. However, the Intel Core i9 10900X represents a significant leap forward, showcasing the power and innovation that Intel has achieved in recent years. Ultimately, the best processor for you depends on your individual needs, budget, and desired level of performance.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Can I upgrade my laptop with the Intel Core i9 10900X?
A: No, the Intel Core i9 10900X is a desktop processor designed for motherboards with the LGA 2066 socket. It is not compatible with laptops.
Q: Is the Intel Core i9 10900X good for gaming?
A: Yes, the Intel Core i9 10900X is an excellent processor for gaming. Its high core count and clock speed deliver smooth gameplay and high frame rates, especially in demanding games.
Q: What is the difference between the Intel Core i7 4720HQ and the Intel Core i9 10900X?
A: The Intel Core i9 10900X is a much newer and more powerful processor than the Intel Core i7 4720HQ. It features a higher core count, clock speed, cache size, and advanced features, resulting in significantly better performance.
Q: Should I buy the Intel Core i9 10900X or the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X?
A: The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X offers excellent performance at a lower price point than the Intel Core i9 10900X. However, the i9 10900X still offers superior performance in demanding tasks. The best choice depends on your budget and performance needs.
Q: What is the best cooling solution for the Intel Core i9 10900X?
A: The Intel Core i9 10900X requires a robust cooling solution to manage its heat output. A high-end CPU cooler or a liquid cooling system is recommended for optimal performance and stability.
