CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4900MQ vs Intel Core i7-4910MQ
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4900MQ is a premium mobile processor launched in 2013 as part of the 4th Generation Haswell lineup. Targeted at high-end gaming laptops and mobile workstations, it features four cores and eight threads, delivering robust parallel processing capabilities. It operates at a base clock of 2.8 GHz and can boost up to 3.8 GHz via Intel Turbo Boost 2.0. What distinguishes the 4900MQ from lower-tier MQ chips is its full 8 MB of L3 SmartCache, which improves performance in data-heavy applications and gaming. With a 47-watt thermal design power, it balances high performance with the thermal constraints of premium mobile chassis. The integrated Intel HD 4600 graphics offer capable multimedia decoding. This CPU was a favorite for enthusiasts seeking top-tier mobile performance without stepping up to the extreme edition MX series, providing an excellent sweet spot of price and multi-threaded power.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
8 threads and 8MB cache make quick work of office and compiling tasks.
8 threads and 8MB cache make quick work of office and compiling tasks.
Gaming
Handles older games easily and provides good frame rates with a discrete GPU.
Handles older games easily and provides good frame rates with a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Good for running light VMs on the go.
Good for running light VMs on the go.
Efficiency
22nm Haswell is less efficient than modern mobile chips.
22nm Haswell is less efficient than modern mobile chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
Content Creation
Gaming
- Excellent for 2013-era games
- Won't bottleneck mid-range mobile GPUs
- Needs discrete graphics for serious gaming
- Excellent for 2014-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
- 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
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
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
Intel Core i7-4910MQ
- 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 slower version 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
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 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, Intel Core i7-4900MQ or Intel Core i7-4910MQ?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4910MQ leads with a gaming performance score of 62/100 among Intel Core i7-4900MQ and Intel Core i7-4910MQ.
Do Intel Core i7-4900MQ and Intel Core i7-4910MQ use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel Socket G3 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-4910MQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-4900MQ (5,500), Intel Core i7-4910MQ (5,700). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.