Quick Verdict
The fastest Crystalwell mobile CPU, hitting 4.0 GHz, offering top-tier 2013 performance but now outclassed by modern efficiency.
Overview
Launch
2013
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
4th Gen Core i7 (Crystal Well)
Market
Mobile
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 Core i7-4980HQ was the flagship mobile processor of its generation, combining 4.0 GHz turbo speeds with Iris Pro eDRAM for premium laptop performance.
Specifications
Performance
4.0 GHz turbo helps single-threaded productivity tasks.
Capable of running multiple VMs efficiently.
Strong for 2013 games, but shows its age in modern titles.
High clock speeds result in high heat and power draw.
- •4.0 GHz turbo helps CPU-heavy games
- •Iris Pro eDRAM smooths textures
- •Still struggles with modern AAA games
- •No AI acceleration hardware
- •High clocks don't compensate for lack of modern matrix math support
Architecture
22nm
Process Node
Crystalwell
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
6 MB
L3 Cache
47 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
Architecturally, the Core i7-4980HQ is built upon the Crystalwell die, an advanced derivative of the Haswell microarchitecture. The hallmark of this design is the integration of 128 megabytes of embedded DRAM (eDRAM) on the processor package, acting as a high-bandwidth Level 4 cache. This eDRAM dramatically accelerates the integrated Intel Iris Pro HD 5200 graphics and compute workloads. The chip packs 1.4 billion transistors into a 264 square millimeter die. It supports dual-channel DDR3 memory operating at 1600 MT/s, delivering up to 25.6 GB/s of memory bandwidth. For external expansion, the processor provides 16 PCI Express 3.0 lanes, enabling direct communication with discrete graphics cards or NVMe storage. It also includes robust instruction set support, featuring AVX2 and FMA3 for enhanced floating-point calculations. The architecture prioritizes aggressive turbo boosting, allowing the chip to hit 4.0 GHz on single cores, maximizing responsiveness in lightly threaded, bursty workloads while carefully managing the 47W thermal limits.
CPU Design
4 physical cores, 8 threads via Hyper-Threading.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR3-1600 with 128MB eDRAM L4 cache.
PCIe & I/O
16 PCIe 3.0 lanes.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier.
- Higher base clock (2.8 GHz)
- 4.0 GHz max turbo
- Better single-core performance
Key Highlights
- Hits 4.0 GHz turbo
- Strong Iris Pro graphics
- Excellent single-threaded performance for its era
- End-of-life
- Runs hot under load
- Poor power efficiency
History
The Core i7-4980HQ was launched in September 2013 as the flagship mobile processor of its generation. It arrived to address the demands of premium gaming laptops and Apple's high-end MacBook Pro configurations, offering the highest clock speeds available in the Crystalwell lineup. By achieving a 4.
0 GHz turbo boost, it provided desktop-class responsiveness in a mobile form factor, a significant selling point at the time. The processor's Iris Pro graphics allowed manufacturers to offer capable gaming and media creation experiences without necessarily adding a discrete GPU, saving power and space. Despite its impressive specs, its lifespan in the consumer market was relatively short, as Intel quickly transitioned to the 14nm Broadwell architecture.
Consequently, the i7-4980HQ was moved to end-of-life status. Nevertheless, it remains a significant milestone, demonstrating Intel's ability to push mobile clock speeds to 4.0 GHz while successfully integrating large-scale embedded DRAM for graphical workloads.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Higher base clock (2.8 GHz)
- 4.0 GHz max turbo
- Better single-core performance
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
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.
Avoid if…
- Needing battery life
- Buying a primary workstation
- Playing modern AAA games
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
Was the flagship mobile CPU for Intel in late 2013.
Achieved a 4.0 GHz turbo boost, a rarity at the time.
Includes 128MB of eDRAM for graphics memory.
Powered the highest-end MacBook Pro Retina 15-inch models of its generation.
Has 1.4 billion transistors.
Built on a 264 mm² die.
Uses the BGA 1364 socket.
Features a 2.8 GHz base clock, the highest in the Crystalwell mobile lineup.
Supports AVX2 and FMA3 instructions.
Has a 47W TDP.
People Also Ask
Is the Core i7-4980HQ good for gaming?
It was excellent in 2013, but modern games require newer hardware.
What is the max turbo of the i7-4980HQ?
It can turbo boost up to 4.0 GHz.
Does the i7-4980HQ have eDRAM?
Yes, it includes 128MB of embedded DRAM.
What is the TDP of the i7-4980HQ?
It has a 47-watt TDP.
Can you overclock the i7-4980HQ?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What socket does the i7-4980HQ use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1364 socket.
Does the i7-4980HQ support DDR4?
No, it supports DDR3 memory.
Is the i7-4980HQ still supported?
No, it is classified as end-of-life.
What generation is the i7-4980HQ?
It is a 4th Generation Intel Core processor.
What is the base clock of the i7-4980HQ?
The base clock is 2.8 GHz.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the i7-4980HQ released?
It was released in September 2013.
How much L3 cache does the i7-4980HQ have?
It has 6 MB of shared L3 cache.
Can I upgrade the i7-4980HQ in my laptop?
No, it is soldered to the motherboard.
Does the i7-4980HQ support hyper-threading?
Yes, it has 4 cores and 8 threads.
Is the i7-4980HQ good for streaming?
It can handle 1080p streaming, but modern CPUs offer better encoders.
Does the i7-4980HQ support Windows 11?
No, it is not officially supported by Windows 11.
What graphics are integrated into the i7-4980HQ?
It features Intel Iris Pro HD 5200 graphics.
What is the process node of the i7-4980HQ?
It is manufactured on a 22nm process.
Does the i7-4980HQ support virtualization?
Yes, it supports VT-x and VT-d.
How many transistors does the i7-4980HQ have?
It has 1.4 billion transistors.