CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-4980HQ vs Intel Core i9-11900H
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-4980HQ is a premium mobile processor introduced in September 2013, representing the highest clocked variant within the Crystal Well family of fourth-generation Core i7 chips. Built on Intel's 22-nanometer manufacturing process, it was designed to power top-tier gaming laptops and mobile workstations where maximum single-threaded performance and graphical fidelity are paramount. The processor combines four physical cores with Hyper-Threading to handle eight concurrent threads, ensuring smooth performance in multi-threaded applications. It boasts an impressive base clock of 2.8 GHz and can turbo boost up to 4.0 GHz, making it exceptionally fast for its generation. The inclusion of Intel Iris Pro HD 5200 graphics, supported by 128MB of embedded DRAM, delivers strong integrated graphical performance. Operating within a 47-watt thermal design power, the i7-4980HQ was the pinnacle of Intel's mobile offerings in 2013, providing a compelling blend of raw CPU speed and capable integrated graphics for high-end mobile platforms.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
4.0 GHz turbo helps single-threaded productivity tasks.
Capable in content creation and professional apps, with competitive single-core and solid multi-thread performance for an 8-core mobile CPU in 2021, but newer designs pull ahead in sustained workloads.
Gaming
Strong for 2013 games, but shows its age in modern titles.
Strong for 1080p gaming at high refresh rates when paired with a midrange or better discrete GPU. Modern 12th/13th-gen Intel and Ryzen 6000/7000 mobile CPUs tend to edge it out in CPU-heavy titles and efficiency.
Virtualization
Capable of running multiple VMs efficiently.
Good for running several VMs or containers on a laptop, but limited by 8 cores and typical laptop power limits compared to modern HX-series parts.
Efficiency
High clock speeds result in high heat and power draw.
Performance-per-watt is decent but not class-leading; AMD’s Ryzen 5000/6000 and Intel’s Alder Lake/Raptor Lake are notably more efficient under many workloads.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware
- High clocks don't compensate for lack of modern matrix math support
- No dedicated NPU; relies on CPU AVX-512 and GNA 2.0 for AI workloads
- Suitable for light local inference and on-device ML, not serious training or large models
- Intel Deep Learning Boost (AVX-512 VNNI) helps some quantized inference tasks
Content Creation
Gaming
- 4.0 GHz turbo helps CPU-heavy games
- Iris Pro eDRAM smooths textures
- Still struggles with modern AAA games
- High single-core turbo (up to 4.9 GHz) benefits CPU-bound games
- Performance highly dependent on laptop cooling and power limits
- Competitive with Ryzen 7 5800H in many games at similar power
- Newer Intel/AMD mobile CPUs often deliver higher FPS at lower power
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- 8 high-performance Willow Cove cores with strong single-thread speed
- 20 PCIe 4.0 CPU lanes for GPU and NVMe
- DDR4-3200 dual-channel with good bandwidth
- Configurable 35–45 W TDP fits both thin and thick designs
- Integrated UHD Graphics with Quick Sync for video encode/decode
- AVX-512 and DL Boost for specialized workloads
Cons
- Older 10 nm SuperFin process is less efficient than Intel 7 and TSMC 7 nm/6 nm
- No DDR5 or PCIe 5.0 support; platform feels dated in 2026
- Locked multiplier limits overclocking headroom
- Power-hungry under sustained multi-thread vs modern competitors
- Now discontinued; no long-term platform upgrade path
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Intel Core i9-11900H
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800HRival
High-End Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11800HRival
High-End Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXRival
Enthusiast Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-10885HRival
High-End Mobile (Previous Gen)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-12700HRival
High-End Mobile (Next Gen)
- AMD Ryzen 9 6900HSAlt
More efficient Zen 3+ with RDNA 2 iGPU and better battery life in many designs.
- Intel Core i9-12900HAlt
14-core Alder Lake-H with higher single- and multi-thread performance and DDR5 support on newer platforms.
If you don’t need 8 cores, a newer 12th-gen i5 can be faster and more efficient while costing less.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
The 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 reviewA fast 8-core mobile CPU in its day, with strong single-thread performance and PCIe 4.0, but now outclassed by 12th/13th-gen Intel and Ryzen 6000/7000 in efficiency and multi-core performance.
Best for: Buying a discounted 2021-era gaming or workstation laptop where the i9-11900H is already installed, and you prioritize GPU and thermals over CPU generation.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-4980HQ or Intel Core i9-11900H?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i9-11900H 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 i7-4980HQ or Intel Core i9-11900H?
For gaming, the Intel Core i9-11900H leads with a gaming performance score of 82/100 among Intel Core i7-4980HQ and Intel Core i9-11900H.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i9-11900H has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-4980HQ (47 W), Intel Core i9-11900H (45 W).
Do Intel Core i7-4980HQ and Intel Core i9-11900H use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-4980HQ: Intel BGA 1364, Intel Core i9-11900H: FCBGA1787), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i9-11900H has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-4980HQ (4 cores), Intel Core i9-11900H (8 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i9-11900H posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-4980HQ (8,900), Intel Core i9-11900H (12,345). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.