CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4850HQ vs Intel Core i7-4940MX
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4850HQ is a high-end mobile processor launched in April 2013, sitting near the top of the Haswell Crystalwell hierarchy. Designed for premium gaming laptops and mobile workstations, it features four cores and eight threads, delivering formidable multitasking capabilities. Operating at a base frequency of 2.3 GHz and boosting up to 3.5 GHz, it provides excellent single-threaded performance for its generation. The inclusion of Intel HD Graphics 5200, backed by 128MB of L4 eDRAM, ensures that graphical workloads are handled with unprecedented efficiency for an integrated solution. This makes the chip highly versatile, capable of driving high-resolution displays and handling moderate 3D rendering without a dedicated GPU. With a 47-watt TDP, it requires a robust cooling solution but delivers desktop-class performance in a mobile footprint. Although end-of-life, the 4850HQ was a premier choice for power users demanding a balance of raw speed and graphical fidelity.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
High turbo clocks ensure smooth performance.
8 threads and 4.0 GHz boost make quick work of compiling and rendering.
Gaming
Excellent integrated graphics for 2013 titles.
Excellent for older games and can handle modern eSports easily with a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Handles standard VMs well.
Good for running VMs, though limited by mobile platform constraints.
Efficiency
47W TDP is standard but outdated.
57W TDP is very power-hungry for a mobile chip, resulting in poor battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
Content Creation
Gaming
- Iris Pro handles older 1080p games well
- Rivals entry-level discrete GPUs
- Won't bottleneck 2014-era GPUs
- Can be overclocked for extra FPS
- Requires massive laptop cooling
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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- Outdated 22nm process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
Pros
- 4.0 GHz turbo boost
- Unlocked multiplier
- Full 8MB L3 cache
- Removable PGA socket
Cons
- Extremely high 57W TDP
- Runs very hot
- Expensive launch price
- Poor battery life
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Intel Core i7-4940MX
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4900MQRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4930MXRival
Mobile Extreme
- Intel Core i7-3940XMRival
Mobile Extreme
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-5950HQAlt
Newer Broadwell architecture with better efficiency.
- AMD Ryzen 7 3750HAlt
Modern mobile alternative with better efficiency.
6-core modern alternative that destroys it in performance.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Incredible modern performance per watt.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA legendary mobile CPU that hit 4.0 GHz and offered unlocked overclocking, providing desktop-level performance for laptops.
Best for: Collecting vintage gaming laptops or extreme budget used systems.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-4850HQ or Intel Core i7-4940MX?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-4940MX comes out ahead with a score of 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, Intel Core i7-4850HQ or Intel Core i7-4940MX?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4850HQ leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i7-4850HQ and Intel Core i7-4940MX.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-4850HQ has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-4850HQ (47 W), Intel Core i7-4940MX (57 W).
Do Intel Core i7-4850HQ and Intel Core i7-4940MX use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-4850HQ: Intel BGA 1364, Intel Core i7-4940MX: Intel Socket G3), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
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), Intel Core i7-4940MX (6,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.