CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4940MX vs Intel Core i7-8750H
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4940MX is an extreme edition mobile processor released in early 2014 as the absolute top-end of the Haswell mobile lineup. Designed for the most powerful gaming and workstation laptops, it features four cores and eight threads. Like its predecessor, it boasts an unlocked multiplier for enthusiast overclocking. It operates at a base clock of 3.1 GHz and can turbo boost up to 4.0 GHz, a significant milestone for mobile CPUs at the time. It includes a full 8 MB of L3 SmartCache and carries a 57-watt thermal design power. The integrated Intel HD 4600 graphics are present, though such systems invariably use discrete GPUs. This CPU was the ultimate mobile processor for 2014, catering to a niche audience of hardcore enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for unlocked mobile overclocking and maximum multi-threaded performance.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
8 threads and 4.0 GHz boost make quick work of compiling and rendering.
12 threads make quick work of rendering and compiling.
Gaming
Excellent for older games and can handle modern eSports easily with a discrete GPU.
Handles modern mid-range GPUs (up to RTX 2070) without bottlenecking.
Virtualization
Good for running VMs, though limited by mobile platform constraints.
Good for running VMs on a laptop.
Efficiency
57W TDP is very power-hungry for a mobile chip, resulting in poor battery life.
45W TDP can get hot and loud in thin laptops.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
- No AI hardware
- 12 threads provide decent CPU inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Won't bottleneck 2014-era GPUs
- Can be overclocked for extra FPS
- Requires massive laptop cooling
- Pairs perfectly with GTX 1660 Ti to RTX 2070
- Can struggle to maintain 4.1 GHz in poorly cooled laptops
- Excellent for 1080p high-refresh gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- 6 cores / 12 threads
- Excellent gaming performance
- Good multi-threaded capability
- Widely supported in laptops
Cons
- Runs hot in thin laptops
- Soldered to motherboard
- 45W TDP limits battery life
- Older 14nm process
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Intel Core i7-8750H
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700HRival
Mobile High Performance
- AMD Ryzen 7 2800HRival
Mobile High Performance
- Intel Core i5-8300HRival
Mobile High Performance
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-8950HKRival
Mobile High Performance
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600HRival
Mobile High Performance
- Intel Core i7-9750HAlt
Successor with higher clocks and better optimization.
- Intel Core i7-10750HAlt
10th Gen alternative with similar core count.
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800HAlt
Vastly superior efficiency and 8 cores.
Slightly slower but runs cooler in budget laptops.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 4600HAlt
Better budget alternative with modern architecture.
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA legendary mobile CPU that brought real desktop-class hexa-core performance to laptops, remaining viable for modern gaming.
Best for: Buying a budget used gaming laptop for 1080p gaming.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-4940MX or Intel Core i7-8750H?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-8750H comes out ahead with a score of 9/10. 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 i7-4940MX or Intel Core i7-8750H?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-8750H leads with a gaming performance score of 85/100 among Intel Core i7-4940MX and Intel Core i7-8750H.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-8750H has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-4940MX (57 W), Intel Core i7-8750H (45 W).
Do Intel Core i7-4940MX and Intel Core i7-8750H use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-4940MX: Intel Socket G3, Intel Core i7-8750H: Intel BGA 1440), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-8750H has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-4940MX (4 cores), Intel Core i7-8750H (6 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-8750H posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-4940MX (6,200), Intel Core i7-8750H (13,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.