CPU Comparison
Core i7-4800MQ vs Intel Core i7-3740QM
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4800MQ is a high-performance mobile processor launched in April 2013. Based on the Haswell architecture, this 22nm quad-core CPU features Hyper-Threading, allowing it to process 8 threads simultaneously. It operates at a high base frequency of 2.7 GHz and boosts up to 3.7 GHz, providing excellent multi-threaded and single-threaded performance for gaming and content creation. With a 47W TDP, it is designed for thicker, performance-oriented laptop chassis with robust cooling. The processor utilizes the Socket G3 (rPGA946B), meaning it is socketed and potentially upgradeable. It includes 6MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3-1600 memory. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4600 handles basic display outputs and media decoding. The i7-4800MQ was a premium tier chip in 2013, powering high-end gaming laptops and mobile workstations where maximum portable computing power was the priority.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
8 threads and high clocks make quick work of office and compiling tasks.
Gaming
Handles older games easily and provides good frame rates with a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Good for running light VMs on the go.
Efficiency
22nm Ivy Bridge is less efficient than modern mobile chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
No data
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
Content Creation
No data
Gaming
No data
- Excellent for 2012-era games
- Won't bottleneck mid-range mobile GPUs
- Needs discrete graphics for serious gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- High 2.7 GHz base clock
- Solid quad-core multi-threading
- Socketed design allows upgrades
- Good single-threaded performance
Cons
- 47W TDP requires robust cooling
- Uses obsolete DDR3 memory
- Lacks official Windows 11 support
- HD 4600 graphics are weak for modern gaming
Pros
- Good quad-core performance
- High 3.7 GHz turbo boost
- Removable PGA socket option
- Decent 6MB L3 cache
Cons
- High 45W TDP
- Older 22nm process
- DDR3 only
- Runs hot under load
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-4800MQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4700MQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3740QMRival
High-Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4900MQRival
High-Performance Mobile
- AMD A8-5550MRival
Mainstream Mobile
Slightly faster refresh of the same chip.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-3740QM
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3630QMRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3720QMRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3940XMRival
Mobile Extreme
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4700MQAlt
Newer Haswell architecture.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500UAlt
Modern mobile alternative with vastly superior efficiency.
- Intel Core i5-8300HAlt
Much faster and more efficient for budget gaming.
- Alt
Incredible performance per watt.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A top-tier mobile quad-core CPU for 2013, offering excellent clock speeds and multi-threaded performance for portable workstations.
Best for: Upgrading an old Socket G3 laptop for cheap
Read the full reviewA high-end mobile CPU for its time, offering excellent multi-threaded performance and high clock speeds for demanding applications.
Best for: Buying a cheap, used laptop for retro gaming or basic coding.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-4800MQ or Intel Core i7-3740QM?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-4800MQ 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, Core i7-4800MQ or Intel Core i7-3740QM?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-3740QM leads with a gaming performance score of 57/100 among Core i7-4800MQ and Intel Core i7-3740QM.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-3740QM has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-4800MQ (47 W), Intel Core i7-3740QM (45 W).
Do Core i7-4800MQ and Intel Core i7-3740QM use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-4800MQ: Socket G3, Intel Core i7-3740QM: Intel Socket G2 (988B)), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-3740QM posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-4800MQ (0), Intel Core i7-3740QM (5,400). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.