CPU Comparison
Core i7-4850EQ vs Intel Core i7-4850HQ
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4850EQ is a mobile processor launched in 2013, designed for embedded systems and high-performance mobile workstations. Built on the 22-nanometer Haswell architecture, it was part of the Crystalwell family, notable for integrating a massive 128 MB L4 eDRAM cache. The processor features four cores and eight threads, operating at a base frequency of 1.6 GHz and boosting up to 3.2 GHz. This low base clock and high turbo capability allowed it to scale efficiently based on thermal loads. It includes 8 MB of L3 cache and integrates Intel HD Graphics 5200, also known as Iris Pro, which utilizes the eDRAM for massive bandwidth gains. With a 47-watt thermal design power, it was engineered for devices requiring desktop-class graphics and compute power in constrained mobile or embedded form factors. Though end-of-life, it remains a historically significant chip for its innovative packaging indeed.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Solid quad-core performance for professional workloads.
High turbo clocks ensure smooth performance.
Gaming
Iris Pro 5200 allowed for 1080p medium gaming in 2013.
Excellent integrated graphics for 2013 titles.
Virtualization
Good VM performance with VT-d and quad cores.
Handles standard VMs well.
Efficiency
22nm process and 47W TDP result in high heat by modern standards.
47W TDP is standard but outdated.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- eDRAM does not benefit modern AI significantly
- No AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- Comparable to entry-level discrete GPUs of its era
- eDRAM provides stable frame rates
- Good for 720p/1080p medium gaming
- Iris Pro handles older 1080p games well
- Rivals entry-level discrete GPUs
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Iris Pro 5200 with 128MB eDRAM
- Quad-core performance for 2013
- Good for embedded applications
- Large 8MB L3 cache
Cons
- High 47W TDP
- 22nm process is inefficient
- DDR3 memory only
- Soldered to motherboard
- Obsolete for modern tasks
Pros
- High 3.5GHz turbo boost
- Iris Pro 5200 graphics
- 128MB L4 eDRAM
- Strong quad-core performance
Cons
- Soldered BGA package
- 47W TDP requires good cooling
- Outdated 22nm process
- End-of-life
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-4850EQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i7-4700MQRival
Mobile Performance
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4900MQRival
Mobile Workstation
- Intel Core i7-5700HQAlt
Broadwell successor with better efficiency and 14nm process.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700UAlt
Modern 8-core alternative with vastly superior graphics.
- Alt
Massive leap in mobile CPU and GPU efficiency.
Compare head-to-head Modern 10nm alternative with better graphics and efficiency.
Compare head-to-head6-core alternative that offers much more performance.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-4850HQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4750HQRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3840QMRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4860HQRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800HAlt
Modern mobile powerhouse alternative.
Modern alternative with massive multi-core gains.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Modern creator laptop alternative.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
An innovative 4th Gen processor that brought console-like eDRAM architecture to mobile PCs, offering excellent integrated graphics for its time.
Best for: Industrial retrofitting or restoring a legacy MacBook Pro.
Read the full reviewA flagship 2013 mobile processor combining strong quad-core clocks with the graphical prowess of Iris Pro and eDRAM.
Best for: If you are sourcing an Intel Core i7-4850HQ today, it is likely for repairing a vintage premium laptop, such as a 2013 MacBook Pro. The processor is end-of-life, but its 3.5 GHz turbo and HD 5200 graphics still pack a punch for retro gaming and 1080p media editing. When evaluating a system with this chip, pay close attention to the thermal paste and fan condition; a 47W Haswell chip will throttle heavily if overheating. If you are performing a BGA replacement, ensure your soldering profile matches the 1364 ball grid array. For general consumers, do not purchase a laptop with this CPU as a primary machine. Modern budget processors offer vastly superior battery life and single-core performance. However, if you need a cheap, capable machine for running older creative software or acting as a localized media server, a functional 4850HQ system can still provide excellent value at the right price.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-4850EQ or Intel Core i7-4850HQ?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-4850HQ comes out ahead with a score of 7.8/10. 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 i7-4850EQ or Intel Core i7-4850HQ?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4850HQ leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Core i7-4850EQ and Intel Core i7-4850HQ.
Do Core i7-4850EQ and Intel Core i7-4850HQ 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 i7-4850HQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-4850HQ (8,400). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.