CPU Comparison
Core i7-4850EQ vs Intel Core i7-4980HQ
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.
4.0 GHz turbo helps single-threaded productivity tasks.
Gaming
Iris Pro 5200 allowed for 1080p medium gaming in 2013.
Strong for 2013 games, but shows its age in modern titles.
Virtualization
Good VM performance with VT-d and quad cores.
Capable of running multiple VMs efficiently.
Efficiency
22nm process and 47W TDP result in high heat by modern standards.
High clock speeds result in high heat and power draw.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- eDRAM does not benefit modern AI significantly
- No AI acceleration hardware
- High clocks don't compensate for lack of modern matrix math support
Content Creation
Gaming
- Comparable to entry-level discrete GPUs of its era
- eDRAM provides stable frame rates
- Good for 720p/1080p medium gaming
- 4.0 GHz turbo helps CPU-heavy games
- Iris Pro eDRAM smooths textures
- Still struggles with modern AAA games
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
- Hits 4.0 GHz turbo
- Strong Iris Pro graphics
- Excellent single-threaded performance for its era
Cons
- End-of-life
- Runs hot under load
- Poor power efficiency
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 i7-4980HQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4800MQRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-8800PRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3840QMRival
Mobile
- NVIDIA Tegra K1Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXAlt
Modern mobile powerhouse with vastly better efficiency.
8 cores and modern architecture obliterate this old flagship.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Incredible performance per watt for content creation.
Compare head-to-head 14 cores provide massive multi-threading gains.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 6800HAlt
Superior integrated graphics and modern DDR5 support.
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 reviewThe fastest Crystalwell mobile CPU, hitting 4.0 GHz, offering top-tier 2013 performance but now outclassed by modern efficiency.
Best for: Always-plugged-in secondary machine. Purchasing a system featuring the Core i7-4980HQ today is generally not recommended for new builds or primary workstations. While it was a top-tier performer in 2013, its 22nm architecture and 47W TDP mean it is significantly less efficient than modern processors. A used laptop containing this chip might still handle basic productivity, web browsing, and older games, but it will struggle with modern, demanding applications and its battery life will likely be poor due to its age. If you are considering it for a low-cost, always-plugged-in secondary machine, it may suffice. Otherwise, investing in a modern system will provide vastly superior performance, efficiency, and security features.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-4850EQ or Intel Core i7-4980HQ?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4980HQ leads with a gaming performance score of 50/100 among Core i7-4850EQ and Intel Core i7-4980HQ.
Do Core i7-4850EQ and Intel Core i7-4980HQ 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 i7-4980HQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-4980HQ (8,900). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.