CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4700HQ vs Intel Core i7-4860HQ
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4700HQ is a fourth-generation mobile processor launched in May 2013, designed to power high-performance laptops and mobile workstations. Built on the Haswell microarchitecture, it features four physical cores and eight threads, providing substantial parallel processing capabilities for demanding applications. Operating at a base frequency of 2.4 GHz, it can dynamically boost up to 3.4 GHz when thermal headroom permits. Unlike the premium Crystalwell variants, this model utilizes Intel HD Graphics 4600 rather than the eDRAM-enabled HD 5200, making it a more standard offering for gaming laptops paired with discrete GPUs. With a 47-watt TDP, it strikes a balance between raw performance and power consumption, fitting comfortably within thick-and-light gaming chassis. Although end-of-life, it served as a workhorse CPU during a crucial transition period in mobile computing, delivering reliable frame rates and multitasking efficiency for a generation of laptop users.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Adequate for basic multitasking and office apps.
High base and turbo clocks ensure top-tier responsiveness.
Gaming
Handles older eSports titles well, bottlenecks modern GPUs.
Best-in-class integrated graphics for 2014 titles.
Virtualization
Can run lightweight VMs for development.
Handles standard VMs well.
Efficiency
47W TDP results in poor battery life by modern standards.
47W TDP is standard but outdated.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No NPU or modern AI acceleration
- No AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- Bottlenecks modern mid-range GPUs
- Great for 2013-2015 titles
- Iris Pro handles older 1080p games flawlessly
- Rivals mid-range discrete GPUs
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Reliable quad-core performance
- Widely compatible laptop ecosystem
- Good turbo boost headroom
- VT-d and AES-NI support
Cons
- Soldered to motherboard
- No eDRAM for graphics
- End-of-life and unsupported
- High heat output under load
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- Outdated 22nm process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
Intel Core i7-4700HQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3630QMRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-4200MRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-7500Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4702HQRival
Mobile
Slight refresh with higher clocks.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3500UAlt
Modern budget alternative with vastly better iGPU.
Modern budget gaming alternative.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Massive leap in mobile efficiency and performance.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Core i7-4720HQAlt
Better performing drop-in replacement.
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
A reliable workhorse that powered countless mid-range gaming laptops, though obsolete by modern standards.
Best for: Locating an Intel Core i7-4700HQ today means searching the used market, as it has been end-of-life for several years. For consumers looking to purchase a budget-friendly used laptop, a machine equipped with this processor can still handle everyday tasks, light photo editing, and older games reasonably well. However, its 47-watt power draw and older 22nm architecture mean battery life will be subpar compared to modern ultrabooks. If you are repairing an existing laptop, this CPU remains a solid component, provided the motherboard and cooling system are in good condition. Do not invest in a system with this chip if your goal is modern AAA gaming or heavy video editing; the lack of modern instruction sets and single-core performance will be a severe bottleneck. Instead, view it as a capable retro-gaming or basic productivity companion.
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, Intel Core i7-4700HQ or Intel Core i7-4860HQ?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-4860HQ comes out ahead with a score of 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, Intel Core i7-4700HQ or Intel Core i7-4860HQ?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4860HQ leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Intel Core i7-4700HQ and Intel Core i7-4860HQ.
Do Intel Core i7-4700HQ and Intel Core i7-4860HQ use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1364 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-4860HQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-4700HQ (7,400), Intel Core i7-4860HQ (8,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.