CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4810MQ vs Intel Core i7-4900MQ
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4810MQ is a high-performance mobile processor introduced in early 2014 as part of the 4th Generation Intel Core lineup, codenamed Haswell. Designed for premium gaming and workstation laptops, it features four physical cores and eight threads, providing excellent multitasking capabilities for its era. Operating at a base frequency of 2.8 GHz, it can dynamically boost up to 3.8 GHz using Intel Turbo Boost 2.0, adapting to thermal headroom to deliver robust burst performance. With a 47-watt thermal design power, it balances raw computing power with the thermal constraints of mobile chassis. It incorporates 6 MB of L3 SmartCache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. The integrated Intel HD 4600 graphics handle standard multimedia decoding and everyday display tasks, though serious gaming requires a discrete GPU. This CPU became a staple in countless mid-range and high-end laptops, offering a reliable computing experience for professionals and enthusiasts on the go.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
8 threads handle everyday multitasking and office workloads without issues.
8 threads and 8MB cache make quick work of office and compiling tasks.
Gaming
Handles older or eSports titles well when paired with a discrete GPU.
Handles older games easily and provides good frame rates with a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Can run light VMs, but limited by DDR3 bandwidth and 47W power.
Good for running light VMs on the go.
Efficiency
22nm Haswell is not as efficient as modern 10nm or 14nm processes.
22nm Haswell is less efficient than modern mobile chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
Content Creation
Gaming
- Needs a discrete GPU for gaming
- Capable of 60fps in older titles
- Will bottleneck modern high-end mobile GPUs
- Excellent for 2013-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
- Good quad-core performance for its era
- Removable PGA socket
- Strong turbo boost frequencies
- Decent 6MB L3 cache
Cons
- Older 22nm process
- High 47W TDP for mobile
- Supports only DDR3
- Weak integrated graphics
Pros
- Full 8MB L3 cache
- Good quad-core performance
- Removable PGA socket
- High turbo boost frequencies
Cons
- High 47W TDP
- Older 22nm process
- DDR3 only
- Runs hot under load
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-4810MQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4700MQRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4900MQRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-7500Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-4200MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-5700HQAlt
Newer Broadwell architecture with better efficiency.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500UAlt
Modern mobile alternative with vastly superior efficiency and iGPU.
- Intel Core i5-8250UAlt
Much faster and more efficient for budget laptops.
- Alt
Incredible performance per watt for mobile computing.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-4900MQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4700MQRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4800MQRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4930MXRival
Mobile Extreme
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
Slightly faster refresh of the same chip.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-5700HQAlt
Newer Broadwell 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 capable mobile CPU that provided excellent quad-core performance for laptops in its era, though it is outclassed by modern mobile chips.
Best for: Purchasing a budget, used laptop for basic tasks or retro gaming.
Read the full reviewA high-end mobile CPU for its time, offering excellent multi-threaded performance and a large cache 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, Intel Core i7-4810MQ or Intel Core i7-4900MQ?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-4900MQ 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 i7-4810MQ or Intel Core i7-4900MQ?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4900MQ leads with a gaming performance score of 60/100 among Intel Core i7-4810MQ and Intel Core i7-4900MQ.
Do Intel Core i7-4810MQ and Intel Core i7-4900MQ use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket G3 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-4900MQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-4810MQ (5,000), Intel Core i7-4900MQ (5,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.