CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4850HQ vs Core i7-3840QM
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.
Handles older productivity suites and web browsing fine.
Gaming
Excellent integrated graphics for 2013 titles.
Adequate for 2012 games, but lacks power for modern AAA titles.
Virtualization
Handles standard VMs well.
Good support for light virtualization on the go.
Efficiency
47W TDP is standard but outdated.
45W TDP was efficient then, but runs hot compared to modern mobile chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- No NPU or AI hardware
- Unsupported by modern AI software
Content Creation
Gaming
- Iris Pro handles older 1080p games well
- Rivals entry-level discrete GPUs
- HD 4000 insufficient for modern games
- Pairs well with mobile GTX 600M series
- Good for indie and legacy titles
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- Outdated 22nm process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
- Socketed design allows upgrades
- Strong multi-core performance for 2012
- PCIe 3.0 support
- VT-d virtualization support
Cons
- Highly outdated architecture
- Lacks AVX2 support
- 45W TDP is hot for modern laptops
- Weak integrated graphics
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
Core i7-3840QM
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3940XMAlt
Unlocked Extreme Edition for Socket G2.
More budget-friendly Ivy Bridge mobile option.
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 rare socketed high-end mobile CPU that offered excellent performance and upgrade paths for 2012 laptops, though it is heavily outdated today.
Best for: Upgrading an old Socket G2 laptop.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-4850HQ or Core i7-3840QM?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4850HQ leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i7-4850HQ and Core i7-3840QM.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-3840QM has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-4850HQ (47 W), Core i7-3840QM (45 W).
Do Intel Core i7-4850HQ and Core i7-3840QM use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-4850HQ: Intel BGA 1364, Core i7-3840QM: Intel Socket G2 (988B)), 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), Core i7-3840QM (8,100). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.