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.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Solid quad-core performance for professional workloads.
8 threads and 8MB cache make quick work of office and compiling tasks.
Gaming
Iris Pro 5200 allowed for 1080p medium gaming in 2013.
Handles older games easily and provides good frame rates with a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Good VM performance with VT-d and quad cores.
Good for running light VMs on the go.
Efficiency
22nm process and 47W TDP result in high heat by modern standards.
22nm Haswell is less efficient than modern mobile chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- eDRAM does not benefit modern AI significantly
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
Content Creation
Gaming
- Comparable to entry-level discrete GPUs of its era
- eDRAM provides stable frame rates
- Good for 720p/1080p medium gaming
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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 i7-4900MQ
- 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
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 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 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.