CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4750HQ vs Core i7-940XM
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.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Strong quad-core performance, slightly limited by 2.0GHz base.
Slightly faster than the 920XM but still heavily outclassed by modern CPUs.
Gaming
Excellent integrated graphics for older 1080p titles.
Handles legacy games well but bottlenecks modern GPUs and games.
Virtualization
Capable of running standard VMs.
Adequate for legacy mobile VMs but lacks modern I/O.
Efficiency
47W TDP is standard but outdated.
Power hungry and inefficient by modern standards.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No AI hardware support
- Pure legacy x86 performance
Content Creation
Gaming
- Iris Pro 5200 rivals entry-level discrete GPUs
- Great for 2013 games
- Highest clocks for Socket G1
- No integrated graphics
- Bottlenecks modern GPUs
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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- Outdated 22nm process
Pros
- Fastest Socket G1 CPU
- Unlocked multiplier
- High turbo clock
- 8MB L3 cache
Cons
- Extremely power hungry
- No integrated graphics
- Obsolete platform
- Produces excessive heat
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-4750HQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4700HQRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3635QMRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4760HQRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700UAlt
Modern alternative with excellent integrated graphics.
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Massive leap in mobile efficiency and iGPU.
- Alt
Modern premium laptop alternative.
Compare head-to-head
Core i7-940XM
- Intel Core i7-920XMRival
Mobile Extreme
- Intel Core i7-840QMRival
Mobile High-End
- AMD Phenom II X4 MobileRival
Mobile High-End
- Intel Core i7-740QMRival
Mobile Mid-Range
- Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9300Rival
Legacy Mobile Extreme
- Intel Core i7-2820QMAlt
Massive leap in efficiency and performance (Sandy Bridge).
- AMD A8-3550MXAlt
More efficient, though weaker, alternative.
- Intel Core i5-2520MAlt
Dual-core but vastly superior efficiency and single-thread speed.
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 reviewThe fastest Clarksfield chip, offering a minor clock speed bump over the 920XM, but equally obsolete today.
Best for: Upgrading an existing high-end 2010 DTR laptop.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-4750HQ or Core i7-940XM?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4750HQ leads with a gaming performance score of 70/100 among Intel Core i7-4750HQ and Core i7-940XM.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-4750HQ has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-4750HQ (47 W), Core i7-940XM (55 W).
Do Intel Core i7-4750HQ and Core i7-940XM use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-4750HQ: Intel BGA 1364, Core i7-940XM: Intel Socket G1), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
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.