CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4760HQ vs Intel Core i7-4860EQ
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4760HQ is a premium mobile processor released in February 2014, bridging the gap between standard Haswell parts and the top-tier Crystalwell variants. Designed for high-end laptops and portable workstations, it features four cores and eight threads to handle demanding workloads. Operating at a base frequency of 2.1 GHz with turbo speeds up to 3.3 GHz, it offers a slight uptick in CPU performance over the 4750HQ. Crucially, it integrates Intel HD Graphics 5200, backed by 128MB of L4 eDRAM, delivering exceptional graphical performance for an integrated solution. This made it ideal for thin-and-light systems requiring capable 1080p gaming and media encoding without the added heat of a discrete GPU. With a 47-watt TDP, it required robust cooling. Though end-of-life, the 4760HQ was a versatile chip that offered a balanced blend of computational speed and best-in-class integrated graphics for its era.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Better CPU clocks than 4750HQ improve responsiveness.
Handles multi-threaded embedded applications effectively.
Gaming
Excellent integrated graphics for 2014 titles.
Capable of running older titles at 1080p via integrated graphics.
Virtualization
Capable of running standard VMs.
Suitable for lightweight embedded virtualization.
Efficiency
47W TDP is standard for its class.
22nm process is outdated but reliable for fixed installations.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Lacks modern instruction sets
Content Creation
Gaming
- Iris Pro handles older games well
- Comparable to GT 740M
- HD 5200 handles legacy games well
- Not suitable for modern AAA titles
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Iris Pro 5200 graphics
- 128MB L4 eDRAM
- Good 3.3GHz turbo boost
- Solid quad-core performance
Cons
- Soldered BGA package
- 47W TDP runs warm
- Outdated 22nm process
- Low availability
Pros
- 128MB L4 eDRAM boosts graphics
- Active production for embedded
- 8MB L3 cache
- Quad-core multi-threading
Cons
- BGA soldered, no upgrades
- Outdated 22nm process
- Low base clock
- Limited to DDR3
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-4760HQ
- AMD A10-7300MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4750HQRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4700HQRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4770HQRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700UAlt
Modern alternative with vastly better efficiency.
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Modern premium laptop alternative.
- Alt
Massive leap in integrated graphics and efficiency.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-4860EQ
- AMD Embedded R-SeriesRival
Embedded
- Intel Core i7-4700EQRival
Embedded
- Intel Xeon E3-1265L v3Rival
Workstation
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4770TRival
Desktop
Newer Broadwell embedded part with better efficiency.
Compare head-to-headModern embedded alternative with vastly superior performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605BAlt
Excellent modern alternative with Vega graphics.
- Intel Xeon E3-1275 v3Alt
If socketed server hardware is preferred.
Our Verdict on Each
A well-balanced mobile processor offering a slight clock bump over the 4750HQ while retaining excellent Iris Pro graphics.
Best for: An Intel Core i7-4760HQ is a rare find today, typically only encountered when repairing older premium ultrabooks or all-in-one systems. If you are considering a purchase, the primary value lies in its Iris Pro graphics. For retro gaming or running older creative suites, the HD 5200 combined with the quad-core CPU still provides a surprisingly capable experience. However, the 47-watt TDP means battery life in older laptops will be poor, and thermals can be an issue if the machine hasn't been cleaned and repasted. If you are sourcing this chip for a board-level repair, ensure you have the correct BGA reballing equipment, as it is permanently soldered. For everyday use, modern budget laptops will outperform this chip in efficiency and single-core tasks. Only invest in a system with this CPU if it is exceptionally cheap, serving as a secondary device for light media creation or nostalgic gaming sessions.
Read the full reviewA highly capable embedded processor leveraging unique eDRAM technology to deliver reliable graphics and compute performance for long-life cycle applications.
Best for: Finding an Intel Core i7-4860EQ on the consumer market today is extremely rare, as it was never intended for standard DIY desktop builds or mainstream retail laptops. If you are sourcing replacement parts for an industrial system or repairing legacy embedded hardware, this processor provides excellent reliability and the unique advantage of HD 5200 graphics with eDRAM. For general consumers or modern system builders, investing in a 22nm Haswell-era chip makes little economic sense due to the lack of upgradeability and outdated platform features. Instead, seek modern alternatives with better efficiency. Purchase this only if maintaining an existing specialized system that explicitly requires the BGA 1364 socket and 47-watt thermal profile, as newer parts cannot be retrofitted into these proprietary embedded motherboard designs.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-4760HQ or Intel Core i7-4860EQ?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4760HQ leads with a gaming performance score of 72/100 among Intel Core i7-4760HQ and Intel Core i7-4860EQ.
Do Intel Core i7-4760HQ and Intel Core i7-4860EQ 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 i7-4760HQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-4760HQ (8,100), Intel Core i7-4860EQ (7,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.