CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4900MQ vs Intel Core i7-4930MX
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 high clocks make quick work of compiling and rendering.
Gaming
Handles older games easily and provides good frame rates with a discrete GPU.
Excellent for older games and can handle modern eSports easily with a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Good for running light VMs on the go.
Good for running VMs, though limited by mobile platform constraints.
Efficiency
22nm Haswell is less efficient than modern mobile chips.
57W TDP is very power-hungry for a mobile chip, resulting in poor battery life.
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
- Won't bottleneck 2013-era GPUs
- Can be overclocked for extra FPS
- Requires massive laptop cooling
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
- Unlocked multiplier
- Full 8MB L3 cache
- High 3.9 GHz turbo boost
- Removable PGA socket
Cons
- Extremely high 57W TDP
- Runs very hot
- Expensive launch price
- Poor battery life
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 i7-4930MX
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4900MQRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3940XMRival
Mobile Extreme
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4940MXRival
Mobile Extreme
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-5700HQAlt
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 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 legendary mobile CPU that brought unlocked overclocking to laptops, offering desktop-level performance for enthusiasts.
Best for: Collecting vintage gaming laptops or extreme budget used systems.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-4900MQ or Intel Core i7-4930MX?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-4930MX 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 i7-4900MQ or Intel Core i7-4930MX?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4930MX leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Intel Core i7-4900MQ and Intel Core i7-4930MX.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-4900MQ has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-4900MQ (47 W), Intel Core i7-4930MX (57 W).
Do Intel Core i7-4900MQ and Intel Core i7-4930MX 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 i7-4930MX posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-4900MQ (5,500), Intel Core i7-4930MX (6,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.