CPU Comparison

Core i7-4850EQ vs Intel Core i7-4900MQ

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.

Intel · Core i7
Core i7-4850EQ
4C / 8T3.2 GHz47 W
7.5
Full review
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-4900MQ
4C / 8T3.8 GHz47 W
7.5
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Mobile
Segment
Mobile Embedded
Mobile
Generation
4th Gen Core i7
Core i7 (Haswell)
Launched
2013
2013
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Crystalwell
Haswell
Series
Core i7
Core i7
Family
Crystalwell
4th Generation
Predecessor
Ivy Bridge (3rd Gen)
Intel Core i7-3840QM
Successor
Crystalwell Refresh (4th Gen)
Intel Core i7-4910MQ

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
4
Threads
8
8
Base Clock
1.6 GHz
2.8 GHz
Boost Clock
3.2 GHz
3.8 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
8 MB
8 MB
TDP
47 W
47 W
Architecture
Architecture
Crystalwell
Haswell
Process Node
22nm
22nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR3
DDR3
Memory Speed
DDR3-1600
1600 MT/s
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
32 GB
32 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel BGA 1364
Intel Socket G3
PCIe Version
PCIe 3.0
Gen 3
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Core i7-4850EQ45

Solid quad-core performance for professional workloads.

Intel Core i7-4900MQBest75

8 threads and 8MB cache make quick work of office and compiling tasks.

Gaming

Core i7-4850EQ40

Iris Pro 5200 allowed for 1080p medium gaming in 2013.

Intel Core i7-4900MQBest60

Handles older games easily and provides good frame rates with a discrete GPU.

Virtualization

Core i7-4850EQ40

Good VM performance with VT-d and quad cores.

Intel Core i7-4900MQBest65

Good for running light VMs on the go.

Efficiency

Core i7-4850EQ25

22nm process and 47W TDP result in high heat by modern standards.

Intel Core i7-4900MQBest65

22nm Haswell is less efficient than modern mobile chips.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Core i7-4850EQNone
  • No AI hardware
  • eDRAM does not benefit modern AI significantly
Intel Core i7-4900MQLimited
  • No AI hardware
  • CPU inference is slow

Content Creation

Core i7-4850EQVery Good
Premiere ProAutoCADBlenderPhotoshop
Intel Core i7-4900MQGood
Premiere ProPhotoshopAutoCADBlender

Gaming

Core i7-4850EQGood (For iGPU)
  • Comparable to entry-level discrete GPUs of its era
  • eDRAM provides stable frame rates
  • Good for 720p/1080p medium gaming
Intel Core i7-4900MQGood
  • Excellent for 2013-era games
  • Won't bottleneck mid-range mobile GPUs
  • Needs discrete graphics for serious gaming

Industry Impact

Gaming
Moderate
High
Workstations
High
Moderate
Content Creation
Moderate
Moderate
Virtualization
Low
Low

Best CPU by Use Case

Mobile Workstation
Very Good
Gaming
Good
Video Editing
Good
CAD
Very Good
Embedded Computing
Excellent
1080p Gaming (with GPU)
Very Good
Video Editing (1080p)
Very Good
3D Rendering
Good
Programming
Excellent
Virtual Machines
Good

Target Audience

Gamers
Targeted
Targeted
Content Creators
Targeted
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Targeted
Targeted
Streamers
Office / Productivity
Students

Strengths & Weaknesses

Core i7-4850EQ

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
Intel Core i7-4900MQ

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

Core i7-4850EQ

Intel Core i7-4900MQ

Our Verdict on Each

Core i7-4850EQSituational

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 review

A 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 review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-4850EQ or Intel Core i7-4900MQ?

For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4900MQ leads with a gaming performance score of 60/100 among Core i7-4850EQ and Intel Core i7-4900MQ.

Do Core i7-4850EQ and Intel Core i7-4900MQ use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Core i7-4850EQ: Intel BGA 1364, Intel Core i7-4900MQ: Intel Socket G3), so each needs a compatible motherboard.

Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?

The Intel Core i7-4900MQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-4900MQ (5,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.