CPU Comparison
Core i7-5950HQ vs Intel Core i7-4980HQ
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-5950HQ is a premium mobile processor introduced in mid-2015, targeting the highest tier of mobile workstations and premium laptops. Fabricated on Intel's 14nm Broadwell-H architecture, it stands out primarily due to its inclusion of Intel's Iris Pro Graphics 6200 with embedded L4 eDRAM. This unique configuration provides massive memory bandwidth for the integrated GPU, making it highly capable of gaming and rendering without a discrete graphics card. The processor features four cores and eight threads, operating at a base frequency of 2.9 GHz and boosting up to 3.8 GHz. With 6 MB of L3 cache and a 47-watt thermal design power, it balances performance and thermals. End-of-life and superseded by subsequent generations, the i7-5950HQ remains a notable example of Intel's experimentation with on-package eDRAM to overcome memory bottlenecks in compact mobile form factors architectures.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Strong CPU performance for professional workloads in 2015.
4.0 GHz turbo helps single-threaded productivity tasks.
Gaming
Iris Pro allowed for 720p/1080p medium gaming without a discrete GPU.
Strong for 2013 games, but shows its age in modern titles.
Virtualization
Adequate for light VMs, though limited by DDR3.
Capable of running multiple VMs efficiently.
Efficiency
The eDRAM and high clocks result in significant heat output.
High clock speeds result in high heat and power draw.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration
- eDRAM does not benefit modern AI inference significantly
- No AI acceleration hardware
- High clocks don't compensate for lack of modern matrix math support
Content Creation
Gaming
- Comparable to entry-level discrete GPUs of its era
- Capable of playing older titles at 1080p
- eDRAM significantly reduces frame drops
- 4.0 GHz turbo helps CPU-heavy games
- Iris Pro eDRAM smooths textures
- Still struggles with modern AAA games
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Iris Pro 6200 is highly capable for integrated graphics
- 128MB eDRAM provides huge bandwidth
- Strong single and multi-core clocks
- Excellent for 2015 mobile workstations
Cons
- Very expensive at launch
- 47W TDP limits battery life
- Soldered to motherboard
- DDR3 memory is obsolete
- Thermal throttling is common in thin laptops
Pros
- Hits 4.0 GHz turbo
- Strong Iris Pro graphics
- Excellent single-threaded performance for its era
Cons
- End-of-life
- Runs hot under load
- Poor power efficiency
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-5950HQ
- AMD A10-8700PRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i7-5700HQRival
Mobile Performance
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4980HQRival
Mobile Workstation
- Intel Core i7-6700HQAlt
More modern Skylake architecture with DDR4.
- Alt
Vastly superior integrated graphics and efficiency.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 7 5700UAlt
Modern 8-core alternative with excellent iGPU.
Newer Coffee Lake-U with Iris Plus graphics.
Compare head-to-head10nm Ice Lake with better efficiency and modern graphics.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-4980HQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-4800MQRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-8800PRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3840QMRival
Mobile
- NVIDIA Tegra K1Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXAlt
Modern mobile powerhouse with vastly better efficiency.
8 cores and modern architecture obliterate this old flagship.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Incredible performance per watt for content creation.
Compare head-to-head 14 cores provide massive multi-threading gains.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 6800HAlt
Superior integrated graphics and modern DDR5 support.
Our Verdict on Each
An innovative processor that pushed the boundaries of integrated graphics with eDRAM, though its high cost and TDP limited its market appeal.
Best for: Buying a used MacBook Pro or mobile workstation for cheap.
Read the full reviewThe fastest Crystalwell mobile CPU, hitting 4.0 GHz, offering top-tier 2013 performance but now outclassed by modern efficiency.
Best for: Always-plugged-in secondary machine. Purchasing a system featuring the Core i7-4980HQ today is generally not recommended for new builds or primary workstations. While it was a top-tier performer in 2013, its 22nm architecture and 47W TDP mean it is significantly less efficient than modern processors. A used laptop containing this chip might still handle basic productivity, web browsing, and older games, but it will struggle with modern, demanding applications and its battery life will likely be poor due to its age. If you are considering it for a low-cost, always-plugged-in secondary machine, it may suffice. Otherwise, investing in a modern system will provide vastly superior performance, efficiency, and security features.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-5950HQ or Intel Core i7-4980HQ?
For gaming, the Core i7-5950HQ leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Core i7-5950HQ and Intel Core i7-4980HQ.
Do Core i7-5950HQ and Intel Core i7-4980HQ use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1364 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-4980HQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-4980HQ (8,900). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.