Quick Verdict
A capable mobile CPU that provided excellent quad-core performance for laptops in its era, though it is outclassed by modern mobile chips.
Overview
Launch
Jan 20th, 2014
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
Core i7 (Haswell)
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i7-4810MQ is a high-performance mobile processor introduced in early 2014 as part of the 4th Generation Intel Core lineup, codenamed Haswell. Designed for premium gaming and workstation laptops, it features four physical cores and eight threads, providing excellent multitasking capabilities for its era. Operating at a base frequency of 2.8 GHz, it can dynamically boost up to 3.8 GHz using Intel Turbo Boost 2.0, adapting to thermal headroom to deliver robust burst performance. With a 47-watt thermal design power, it balances raw computing power with the thermal constraints of mobile chassis. It incorporates 6 MB of L3 SmartCache and supports dual-channel DDR3 memory. The integrated Intel HD 4600 graphics handle standard multimedia decoding and everyday display tasks, though serious gaming requires a discrete GPU. This CPU became a staple in countless mid-range and high-end laptops, offering a reliable computing experience for professionals and enthusiasts on the go.
The Intel Core i7-4810MQ is a 4th Gen Haswell processor with 4 cores and 8 threads. It features a base clock of 2.8 GHz and boosts up to 3.
8 GHz. With a 47W TDP and 6MB of L3 cache, it was a staple in mid-range gaming laptops and mobile workstations.
Specifications
Performance
8 threads handle everyday multitasking and office workloads without issues.
Can run light VMs, but limited by DDR3 bandwidth and 47W power.
Handles older or eSports titles well when paired with a discrete GPU.
22nm Haswell is not as efficient as modern 10nm or 14nm processes.
- •Needs a discrete GPU for gaming
- •Capable of 60fps in older titles
- •Will bottleneck modern high-end mobile GPUs
- •No dedicated AI hardware
- •CPU inference is slow
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Haswell
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
6 MB
L3 Cache
47 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-4810MQ is built on Intel's 22nm Haswell microarchitecture. Haswell represented a refinement of the previous Ivy Bridge architecture, focusing on improved performance per clock and enhanced integrated graphics. The 4810MQ utilizes a 4-core, 8-thread layout via Intel Hyper-Threading. It integrates the Intel HD 4600 graphics engine, which features 20 execution units and operates dynamically between 400 MHz and 1150 MHz. The architecture supports dual-channel DDR3 memory at 1600 MT/s. A key architectural feature of Haswell mobile chips was the integration of the voltage regulator (FIVR) directly onto the CPU die, which simplified motherboard design and improved power delivery efficiency. The processor offers 16 PCIe 3.0 lanes for direct component connectivity. Tuned for a 47W TDP, the architecture utilizes aggressive turbo boosting to maximize performance within the thermal limits of a laptop chassis.
CPU Design
4 cores, 8 threads, locked multiplier.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3-1600.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Locked.
- Improved IPC
- Better integrated graphics
- Integrated voltage regulator
Key Highlights
- Good quad-core performance for its era
- Removable PGA socket
- Strong turbo boost frequencies
- Decent 6MB L3 cache
- Older 22nm process
- High 47W TDP for mobile
- Supports only DDR3
- Weak integrated graphics
History
Launched in January 2014, the Core i7-4810MQ was part of Intel's Haswell refresh for the mobile sector. During this period, laptop gaming was rapidly growing in popularity, and users demanded desktop-class quad-core performance in portable form factors. The 4810MQ, alongside the 4700MQ and 4900MQ, became the workhorses of the 2014 gaming laptop market, powering machines from Lenovo, ASUS, and MSI.
It represented an era where laptop CPUs still utilized socketed PGA designs, allowing brave users to upgrade their laptop processors. While the Haswell architecture was a minor step up from Ivy Bridge in terms of IPC, the 4810MQ's true value lay in its reliable 47W power envelope, which allowed manufacturers to design consistent cooling systems across different laptop tiers. It remains a nostalgic chip for many PC gamers who started their journey on 2014-era gaming laptops.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Improved IPC
- Better integrated graphics
- Integrated voltage regulator
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Purchasing a budget, used laptop for basic tasks or retro gaming.
Avoid if…
- Buying a new laptop
- Modern AAA gaming
- Heavy video editing
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
Uses the PGA946 socket, meaning it can be physically replaced.
Features a fully integrated voltage regulator (FIVR).
Has a tCase max of 100°C.
Contains 1.4 billion transistors.
Die size is 177 mm².
Supports Intel vPro for enterprise management.
Includes AES-NI for hardware encryption.
Features Intel HD 4600 graphics.
Launched in January 2014.
Has a base clock of 2.8 GHz.
People Also Ask
Is the Core i7-4810MQ good for gaming?
It can handle older games and eSports titles well when paired with a discrete GPU.
Can the Core i7-4810MQ be overclocked?
No, the multiplier is locked. You can only adjust the base clock slightly.
What socket does the i7-4810MQ use?
It uses the Intel Socket G3 (PGA946).
Does the i7-4810MQ support DDR4?
No, it only supports DDR3 memory.
Can I upgrade the i7-4810MQ in my laptop?
Yes, it uses a PGA socket, so it can be physically removed and upgraded.
What is the TDP of the Core i7-4810MQ?
47 Watts.
How many cores does it have?
4 cores and 8 threads.
Does it support Windows 11?
Officially not supported, but it can run it with workarounds.
What are the integrated graphics?
Intel HD Graphics 4600.
What is the max turbo frequency?
3.8 GHz.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the i7-4810MQ support Hyper-Threading?
Yes, 4 cores and 8 threads.
Does it support ECC memory?
No, ECC is not supported.
What is the L3 cache size?
6 MB.
What chipsets are compatible?
HM86, HM87, QM87.
Is it good for video editing?
It can handle basic 1080p editing, but 4K will be very slow.
Can it run 4K video?
Yes, but playback might rely on hardware decoding via the iGPU.
Does it support Intel Optane?
No, Optane was introduced much later.
What is the base clock?
2.8 GHz.
Does it have vPro?
Yes, this SKU supports vPro.
Is it unlocked?
No.