CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4760HQ vs Core i7-5850HQ
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.
Solid quad-core performance for 2015 applications.
Gaming
Excellent integrated graphics for 2014 titles.
Iris Pro handles older games well without a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Capable of running standard VMs.
Handles light VMs but constrained by DDR3 bandwidth.
Efficiency
47W TDP is standard for its class.
47W TDP generates significant heat in modern usage contexts.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No modern AI acceleration hardware
- eDRAM does not significantly aid modern AI workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Iris Pro handles older games well
- Comparable to GT 740M
- Can play 2015-era games at 1080p low
- eDRAM prevents severe memory bottlenecks
- Not suitable for modern AAA gaming
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- Outdated 22nm process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
- Iris Pro 6200 with eDRAM is powerful for integrated graphics
- Good quad-core CPU performance
- Hardware acceleration for media encoding
- Suitable for professional CAD work
Cons
- High 47W TDP
- DDR3 memory only
- Soldered BGA socket
- Obsolete by modern efficiency standards
- Short market lifespan
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
Core i7-5850HQ
- AMD FX-7500Rival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i7-5750HQRival
Mobile Workstation
- Intel Core i7-5700HQRival
Mobile Performance
- Intel Core i7-6700HQAlt
Skylake architecture with DDR4 support.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Modern alternative with much better efficiency and graphics.
- Alt
Revolutionary leap in mobile CPU and GPU efficiency.
Compare head-to-head Newer chip with similar eDRAM concepts but better performance.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-8259UAlt
Modern quad-core with Iris Plus graphics.
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 capable Broadwell chip that brought eDRAM-enhanced Iris Pro graphics to high-end laptops, though it runs hot by modern standards.
Best for: Buying a legacy workstation laptop for offline typing or media consumption.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-4760HQ or Core i7-5850HQ?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-4760HQ comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-4760HQ or Core i7-5850HQ?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4760HQ leads with a gaming performance score of 72/100 among Intel Core i7-4760HQ and Core i7-5850HQ.
Do Intel Core i7-4760HQ and Core i7-5850HQ 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). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.