CPU Comparison
Apple M2 Pro vs Intel Core i7-4980HQ
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.
4.0 GHz turbo helps single-threaded productivity tasks.
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.
Strong for 2013 games, but shows its age in modern titles.
Virtualization
Good for running multiple VMs and containers, though memory is capped at 32 GB and Apple’s virtualization stack is still evolving.
Capable of running multiple VMs efficiently.
Efficiency
Outstanding performance per watt; MacBook Pro 14/16 with M2 Pro deliver long battery life and sustained performance under load.
High clock speeds result in high heat and power draw.
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 acceleration hardware
- High clocks don't compensate for lack of modern matrix math support
Content Creation
Gaming
- 4.0 GHz turbo helps CPU-heavy games
- Iris Pro eDRAM smooths textures
- Still struggles with modern AAA games
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
- Hits 4.0 GHz turbo
- Strong Iris Pro graphics
- Excellent single-threaded performance for its era
Cons
- End-of-life
- Runs hot under load
- Poor power efficiency
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 i7-4980HQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4800MQRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-8800PRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3840QMRival
Mobile
- NVIDIA Tegra K1Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXAlt
Modern mobile powerhouse with vastly better efficiency.
8 cores and modern architecture obliterate this old flagship.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Incredible performance per watt for content creation.
Compare head-to-head 14 cores provide massive multi-threading gains.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 6800HAlt
Superior integrated graphics and modern DDR5 support.
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 fastest Crystalwell mobile CPU, hitting 4.0 GHz, offering top-tier 2013 performance but now outclassed by modern efficiency.
Best for: Always-plugged-in secondary machine. Purchasing a system featuring the Core i7-4980HQ today is generally not recommended for new builds or primary workstations. While it was a top-tier performer in 2013, its 22nm architecture and 47W TDP mean it is significantly less efficient than modern processors. A used laptop containing this chip might still handle basic productivity, web browsing, and older games, but it will struggle with modern, demanding applications and its battery life will likely be poor due to its age. If you are considering it for a low-cost, always-plugged-in secondary machine, it may suffice. Otherwise, investing in a modern system will provide vastly superior performance, efficiency, and security features.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Apple M2 Pro or Intel Core i7-4980HQ?
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 is faster for gaming, Apple M2 Pro or Intel Core i7-4980HQ?
For gaming, the Apple M2 Pro leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Apple M2 Pro and Intel Core i7-4980HQ.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-4980HQ has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-4980HQ (47 W).
Do Apple M2 Pro and Intel Core i7-4980HQ use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Apple M2 Pro: BGA‑soldered (on‑board SoC), Intel Core i7-4980HQ: 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 i7-4980HQ (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 i7-4980HQ (8,900). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.