CPU Comparison
Core i7-4700EQ vs Core i7-9850HE
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4700EQ is a quad-core embedded mobile processor launched in May 2013. Based on the Haswell architecture, this 22nm CPU is designed for systems requiring long-term availability and high reliability, such as industrial PCs, digital signage, and medical equipment. It features 4 cores and 8 threads, operating at a base clock of 2.4 GHz with a maximum turbo frequency of 3.4 GHz. The 'EQ' suffix denotes an embedded BGA package, meaning it is soldered directly to the motherboard. With a 47W TDP, it balances robust computing power with thermal constraints typical of mobile and compact embedded environments. The processor includes 8MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3-1600 memory. It integrates Intel HD Graphics 4600, providing competent multimedia capabilities. The i7-4700EQ is well-suited for edge computing applications that require sustained multi-threaded processing and hardware virtualization without the need for discrete graphics.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Guaranteed long-term embedded availability
- Strong quad-core multi-threading
- 8MB L3 cache
- Supports AVX2 for industrial calculations
Cons
- 47W TDP requires active cooling
- Soldered BGA package
- Uses obsolete DDR3 memory
- Hard to source for consumers
Pros
- Strong 6-core embedded performance
- Long-term industrial availability
- High 4.4 GHz turbo boost
- Supports ECC memory
Cons
- Soldered BGA package
- Reduced 9MB L3 cache
- Hard to source for consumers
- 45W TDP requires active cooling
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-4700EQ
- AMD Embedded R-464LRival
Embedded Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4700HQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3610QERival
Embedded Mobile
- AMD Embedded A10-5750MRival
Embedded Mobile
- Intel Xeon E3-1265L v3Rival
Embedded Server
- Intel Core i5-4200EAlt
More budget-friendly dual-core embedded option.
- Intel Core i7-4700ECAlt
Higher 65W TDP version for better sustained clocks.
Our Verdict on Each
A dependable embedded quad-core CPU that offers solid multi-threaded performance for legacy industrial systems.
Best for: Sourcing replacements for legacy industrial boards
Read the full reviewA robust 45W embedded processor that brings solid 6-core performance to industrial and ruggedized mobile form factors.
Best for: Building ruggedized portable equipment
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-4700EQ or Core i7-9850HE?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-9850HE comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. 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 Core i7-9850HE has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-4700EQ (47 W), Core i7-9850HE (45 W).
Do Core i7-4700EQ and Core i7-9850HE use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-4700EQ: BGA 1364, Core i7-9850HE: Intel BGA 1440), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Core i7-9850HE has the most cores. Core counts: Core i7-4700EQ (4 cores), Core i7-9850HE (6 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-4700EQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-4700EQ (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.