CPU Comparison
Apple M2 Pro vs Intel Core i7-4860HQ
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Apple M2 Pro is a high-performance ARM-based system-on-chip (SoC) with up to a 12-core CPU and 19-core GPU, built on a second‑generation 5 nm process. It powers the 2023 MacBook Pro 14/16 and Mac mini, offering up to 32 GB of unified memory with 200 GB/s bandwidth and strong efficiency for creative and pro workloads.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Very strong multi‑threaded performance for compile, encode, and heavy multitasking workloads, with excellent responsiveness in pro apps.
High base and turbo clocks ensure top-tier responsiveness.
Gaming
Capable of playable to smooth frame rates in modern titles at 1440p–4K with medium–high settings, but not a replacement for a high‑end discrete GPU in the most demanding AAA games.
Best-in-class integrated graphics for 2014 titles.
Virtualization
Good for running multiple VMs and containers, though memory is capped at 32 GB and Apple’s virtualization stack is still evolving.
Handles standard VMs well.
Efficiency
Outstanding performance per watt; MacBook Pro 14/16 with M2 Pro deliver long battery life and sustained performance under load.
47W TDP is standard but outdated.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 16‑core Neural Engine 提供约 15.8 TOPS INT8 算力，适合本地推理和轻量训练
- 没有专用的超大矩阵加速器，大规模训练仍需外接 GPU/云
- Core ML 和 ONNX 推理在 M2 Pro 上表现良好
- No AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- Iris Pro handles older 1080p games flawlessly
- Rivals mid-range discrete GPUs
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Strong CPU performance per core and per watt
- Up to 19‑core integrated GPU with ProRes acceleration
- 200 GB/s unified memory with up to 32 GB capacity
- Excellent efficiency and battery life in MacBook Pro designs
- Hardware‑accelerated ProRes, HEVC, H.264 media engines
- Robust Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 connectivity
Cons
- Max unified memory limited to 32 GB
- No support for external discrete GPUs on Macs (only eGPU via Thunderbolt)
- No traditional PCIe slot or CPU socket – SoC is soldered and not user‑upgradable
- GPU still not competitive with high‑end discrete laptop GPUs for heavy 3D/ML
- Limited low‑level control over power and clocking compared to x86 platforms
Pros
- Highest clocks in Crystalwell mobile family
- Iris Pro 5200 graphics
- 128MB L4 eDRAM
- Exceptional single-threaded performance for 2014
Cons
- Soldered BGA package
- 47W TDP requires robust cooling
- Outdated 22nm process
- End-of-life
Competitors & Alternatives
Apple M2 Pro
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7‑13700HRival
High‑Performance Laptop CPU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9‑13900HRival
High‑Performance Laptop CPU
- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HSRival
High‑Performance Laptop CPU
- AMD Ryzen 9 7845HXRival
High‑Performance Laptop CPU
- Compare head-to-headApple M1 ProRival
Previous‑Gen Pro SoC
- Alt
If you need more GPU cores and up to 96 GB unified memory for heavy 3D or large models.
Compare head-to-head - Alt
Newer architecture with better efficiency and some architectural improvements, though with a different core mix.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Core i7‑13700H / i9‑13900H laptopAlt
For users who prefer x86 Windows laptops with strong multi‑core performance and more traditional PCIe layout.
- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS / 7845HX laptopAlt
Good alternative in Windows laptops with high multi‑thread performance and more flexible memory/GPU options.
- Mac Studio (M1 Max / M2 Max)Alt
If you want a desktop form factor with more GPU performance and memory, and don’t need portability.
Intel Core i7-4860HQ
- AMD A10-7300MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4850HQRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4770HQRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4960HQRival
Mobile
Slightly faster Crystalwell refresh.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXAlt
Modern mobile flagship alternative.
Modern alternative with massive multi-core gains.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Modern creator laptop alternative.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
M2 Pro delivers a meaningful generational leap over M1 Pro in CPU and GPU performance, with much better efficiency and media engines, making it one of the best choices for creators and developers who don’t need the full M2 Max.
Best for: Creators and developers who want a power‑efficient, high‑performance laptop or mini desktop with strong CPU/GPU and unified memory, but don’t need the extreme GPU or 64–96 GB memory of M2 Max.
Read the full reviewThe peak of Haswell mobile architecture, combining high 3.6GHz turbo clocks with the formidable Iris Pro 5200 graphics.
Best for: Finding a laptop with an Intel Core i7-4860HQ today usually means browsing the used market for a high-end 2014 MacBook Pro or a premium Windows ultrabook. The chip remains surprisingly competent for 1080p video editing, software development, and retro gaming, thanks to its 3.6 GHz turbo and potent HD 5200 graphics. If you are purchasing a system with this processor, verify the battery health and cooling capacity, as the 47-watt TDP can generate significant heat. For technicians, this CPU is a rare find required for specific board-level repairs on BGA 1364 motherboards. Do not pay modern prices for this legacy hardware. It should be priced as a budget-friendly secondary device. While it cannot compete with modern chips in efficiency or raw single-core speed, its unique eDRAM architecture makes it a fascinating piece of computing history that still holds practical value for light productivity and nostalgic gaming sessions.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Apple M2 Pro or Intel Core i7-4860HQ?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Apple M2 Pro comes out ahead with a score of 8.8/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-4860HQ has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-4860HQ (47 W).
Do Apple M2 Pro and Intel Core i7-4860HQ use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Apple M2 Pro: BGA‑soldered (on‑board SoC), Intel Core i7-4860HQ: Intel BGA 1364), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Apple M2 Pro has the most cores. Core counts: Apple M2 Pro (12 cores), Intel Core i7-4860HQ (4 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Apple M2 Pro posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Apple M2 Pro (11,500), Intel Core i7-4860HQ (8,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.