CPU Comparison

Intel Core i7-4750HQ vs Core i7-4850EQ

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4750HQ is a high-end mobile processor launched in May 2013, notable for being one of the first to feature Intel's Crystalwell architecture with integrated eDRAM. Designed for premium laptops and mobile workstations, it boasts four cores and eight threads, handling intensive multitasking with ease. Operating at a base clock of 2.0 GHz and boosting up to 3.2 GHz, it prioritizes graphical prowess over raw CPU clock speed. The integration of Intel HD Graphics 5200, backed by 128MB of L4 eDRAM, revolutionized mobile integrated graphics, allowing thin laptops to game at 1080p without a discrete GPU. With a 47-watt TDP, it required substantial cooling but delivered unprecedented performance for its size. Although end-of-life, the 4750HQ remains a landmark chip, demonstrating Intel's commitment to pushing the boundaries of integrated graphics performance and setting the stage for future Iris Xe designs.

Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-4750HQ
4C / 8T3.2 GHz47 W
7.5
Full review
Intel · Core i7
Core i7-4850EQ
4C / 8T3.2 GHz47 W
7.5
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Mobile
Segment
Mobile
Mobile Embedded
Generation
4th Gen
4th Gen Core i7
Launched
2013
2013
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Crystalwell
Crystalwell
Series
Core i7
Core i7
Family
4th Generation (Haswell/Crystalwell)
Crystalwell
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-3635QM
Ivy Bridge (3rd Gen)
Successor
Intel Core i7-4760HQ
Crystalwell Refresh (4th Gen)

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
4
Threads
8
8
Base Clock
2 GHz
1.6 GHz
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz
3.2 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
6 MB
8 MB
TDP
47 W
47 W
Architecture
Architecture
Haswell
Crystalwell
Process Node
22nm
22nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR3
DDR3
Memory Speed
DDR3-1600
DDR3-1600
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
32 GB
32 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel BGA 1364
Intel BGA 1364
PCIe Version
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i7-4750HQBest72

Strong quad-core performance, slightly limited by 2.0GHz base.

Core i7-4850EQ45

Solid quad-core performance for professional workloads.

Gaming

Intel Core i7-4750HQBest70

Excellent integrated graphics for older 1080p titles.

Core i7-4850EQ40

Iris Pro 5200 allowed for 1080p medium gaming in 2013.

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-4750HQBest70

Capable of running standard VMs.

Core i7-4850EQ40

Good VM performance with VT-d and quad cores.

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-4750HQBest55

47W TDP is standard but outdated.

Core i7-4850EQ25

22nm process and 47W TDP result in high heat by modern standards.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-4750HQPoor
  • No AI hardware
Core i7-4850EQNone
  • No AI hardware
  • eDRAM does not benefit modern AI significantly

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-4750HQGood
Premiere ProPhotoshopCAD
Core i7-4850EQVery Good
Premiere ProAutoCADBlenderPhotoshop

Gaming

Intel Core i7-4750HQGood
  • Iris Pro 5200 rivals entry-level discrete GPUs
  • Great for 2013 games
Core i7-4850EQGood (For iGPU)
  • Comparable to entry-level discrete GPUs of its era
  • eDRAM provides stable frame rates
  • Good for 720p/1080p medium gaming

Industry Impact

Gaming
High
Moderate
Workstations
High
High
Content Creation
High
Moderate
Virtualization
Moderate
Low

Best CPU by Use Case

1080p Gaming (Legacy)
Very Good
Video Editing
Good
Good
3D Rendering
Fair
Coding
Good
Mobile Workstation
Very Good
Gaming
Good
CAD
Very Good
Embedded Computing
Excellent

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Targeted
Content Creators
Targeted
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Targeted
Targeted
Streamers
Office / Productivity
Students

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i7-4750HQ

Pros

  • Iris Pro 5200 graphics
  • 128MB L4 eDRAM
  • Quad-core multitasking
  • Good turbo boost headroom

Cons

  • Low 2.0GHz base clock
  • 47W TDP runs warm
  • Soldered BGA package
  • Outdated 22nm process
Core i7-4850EQ

Pros

  • Iris Pro 5200 with 128MB eDRAM
  • Quad-core performance for 2013
  • Good for embedded applications
  • Large 8MB L3 cache

Cons

  • High 47W TDP
  • 22nm process is inefficient
  • DDR3 memory only
  • Soldered to motherboard
  • Obsolete for modern tasks

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core i7-4750HQ

Core i7-4850EQ

Our Verdict on Each

A groundbreaking mobile processor that brought console-class integrated graphics to thin laptops.

Best for: Finding a device with an Intel Core i7-4750HQ today is rare, as it was an expensive, premium part upon release. If you locate a used laptop with this chip, it is likely an older MacBook Pro or a high-end ultrabook. The integrated HD 5200 graphics still hold up surprisingly well for older games and media consumption, making it a decent option for a portable retro gaming machine. However, the 2.0 GHz base clock means CPU-heavy tasks will feel sluggish compared to modern processors. If you are repairing a vintage premium laptop, this CPU is essential for restoring functionality. Do not pay a premium price for a system with this processor today. Its value lies strictly in nostalgia or maintaining a legacy creative workstation. For modern efficiency and performance, even a low-end current-generation Celeron will outclass it in battery life and single-core speed. Approach it as a collector’s item or budget retro rig.

Read the full review
Core i7-4850EQSituational

An innovative 4th Gen processor that brought console-like eDRAM architecture to mobile PCs, offering excellent integrated graphics for its time.

Best for: Industrial retrofitting or restoring a legacy MacBook Pro.

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-4750HQ or Core i7-4850EQ?

For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4750HQ leads with a gaming performance score of 70/100 among Intel Core i7-4750HQ and Core i7-4850EQ.

Do Intel Core i7-4750HQ and Core i7-4850EQ 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 i7-4750HQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-4750HQ (8,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.