Quick Verdict
A top-tier mobile quad-core CPU for 2013, offering excellent clock speeds and multi-threaded performance for portable workstations.
Overview
Launch
2013
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
4th Gen
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i7-4800MQ is a high-performance mobile processor launched in April 2013. Based on the Haswell architecture, this 22nm quad-core CPU features Hyper-Threading, allowing it to process 8 threads simultaneously. It operates at a high base frequency of 2.7 GHz and boosts up to 3.7 GHz, providing excellent multi-threaded and single-threaded performance for gaming and content creation. With a 47W TDP, it is designed for thicker, performance-oriented laptop chassis with robust cooling. The processor utilizes the Socket G3 (rPGA946B), meaning it is socketed and potentially upgradeable. It includes 6MB of L3 cache and supports dual-channel DDR3-1600 memory. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 4600 handles basic display outputs and media decoding. The i7-4800MQ was a premium tier chip in 2013, powering high-end gaming laptops and mobile workstations where maximum portable computing power was the priority.
The Core i7-4800MQ was a premium tier Haswell chip. With 4 cores, 8 threads, and a 2.7 GHz base clock, it delivered top-tier performance for 2013 gaming laptops.
Its socketed G3 design allowed upgrades, and its 3.7 GHz turbo provided excellent single-threaded bursts.
Specifications
Performance
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Haswell
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
6 MB
L3 Cache
47 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-4800MQ is built on the standard Haswell mobile microarchitecture, utilizing Intel's 22nm Tri-Gate process. The architecture features 4 physical cores with Hyper-Threading, yielding 8 concurrent threads, and 6MB of shared L3 cache. It includes the fully integrated voltage regulator (FVR), which moved power management components onto the CPU die, simplifying motherboard design. The processor integrates Intel HD Graphics 4600 with 20 Execution Units, dynamically scaling up to 1300 MHz—a higher boost than lower-tier MQ parts. The memory controller supports dual-channel DDR3-1600. A key architectural benefit of the 'MQ' suffix is its socketed nature, utilizing the Socket G3 (rPGA946B) interface, allowing system builders to offer different performance tiers on the same motherboard and giving users a rare upgrade path in the laptop space. The 4800MQ is heavily binned for high frequencies to ensure premium performance in top-tier mobile systems.
CPU Design
4 cores, 8 threads, locked, socketed package.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3-1600.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier.
- Higher base and boost clocks
- AVX2 instruction support
- Integrated voltage regulator
Key Highlights
- High 2.7 GHz base clock
- Solid quad-core multi-threading
- Socketed design allows upgrades
- Good single-threaded performance
- 47W TDP requires robust cooling
- Uses obsolete DDR3 memory
- Lacks official Windows 11 support
- HD 4600 graphics are weak for modern gaming
History
Launched in April 2013, the Core i7-4800MQ was a premium tier mobile processor for the Haswell generation. Positioned just below the Extreme Edition i7-4930MX, it offered a high 2.7 GHz base clock and 3.
7 GHz turbo, making it the CPU of choice for high-end gaming laptops and mobile workstations. It powered iconic machines like the Asus ROG G750 and MSI GT70, paired with top-tier mobile GPUs like the GTX 780M. The 4800MQ brought significant architectural improvements over Ivy Bridge, including AVX2 instructions and the integrated voltage regulator.
Crucially, it retained the socketed G3 interface, allowing users to upgrade their CPU later—a feature that was highly prized by the enthusiast community. While its 22nm process and DDR3 memory are obsolete today, the i7-4800MQ represents a golden era of laptop modularity, where users could easily swap components to extend the life of their portable machines without replacing the entire system.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Higher base and boost clocks
- AVX2 instruction support
- Integrated voltage regulator
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Upgrading an old Socket G3 laptop for cheap
Avoid if…
- You are buying a new laptop
- You need modern single-core performance
- You want DDR4 memory
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 'MQ' suffix denotes a standard mobile quad-core processor that is socketed.
Uses the FC-PGA946 package.
Contains 1.4 billion transistors on a 177 mm² die.
Part number is SR15L.
Max Tcase is 100°C.
Commonly paired with GTX 770M or GTX 780M mobile GPUs.
Features HD 4600 graphics with a max dynamic frequency of 1300 MHz.
Can be swapped for an i7-4900MQ or 4930MX in compatible laptops.
Launched at $380.
Supports Intel Wireless Display (WiDi).
People Also Ask
Is the i7-4800MQ good for gaming?
It can still handle older games and esports titles well, but will bottleneck modern GPUs in new AAA games.
Can the i7-4800MQ be overclocked?
No, it has a locked multiplier. Only the 'XM' series could be overclocked.
Can I upgrade the i7-4800MQ in my laptop?
Yes, it uses Socket G3, so it can be upgraded to an i7-4900MQ or 4930MX if cooling allows.
What is the TDP of the i7-4800MQ?
It has a Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 47 Watts.
Does the i7-4800MQ have integrated graphics?
Yes, it includes Intel HD Graphics 4600.
What socket does the i7-4800MQ use?
It uses the Intel Socket G3 (rPGA946B).
Does it support Hyper-Threading?
Yes, it has 4 cores and 8 threads.
What memory does it support?
It supports dual-channel DDR3-1600 memory.
What is the max turbo of the i7-4800MQ?
The maximum turbo boost is 3.7 GHz.
Does it support vPro?
Yes, it supports Intel vPro enterprise features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the base clock of the i7-4800MQ?
The base clock is 2.7 GHz.
Does it support PCIe 3.0?
Yes, it supports 16 lanes of PCIe 3.0.
What is the L3 cache size?
It has 6 MB of L3 cache.
What generation is the i7-4800MQ?
It is a 4th Generation Intel Core processor (Haswell).
What is the part number?
The part number is SR15L.
What is the max graphics dynamic frequency?
The HD 4600 graphics can boost up to 1300 MHz.
What is the max memory bandwidth?
The max memory bandwidth is 25.6 GB/s.
Does it support AVX2?
Yes, it supports AVX2 instructions.
Can it run Windows 11?
Officially unsupported, but workarounds exist.
Is it good for video editing?
It is decent for 1080p editing, but 4K will be slow due to the 22nm architecture.