Core i7-3770S vs Core i7-4900MQ

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i7-3770S vs Core i7-4900MQ FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i7-3770S vs Core i7-4900MQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i7-3770S

2012

Why buy it

✅Costs $320 less on MSRP ($250 MSRP vs $570 MSRP).
✅Delivers 129.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 24.7 vs 10.8 PassMark/$ ($250 MSRP vs $570 MSRP).
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 4000, while Core i7-4900MQ needs a discrete GPU.
✅Includes a boxed cooler (Stock), unlike Core i7-4900MQ.

Trade-offs

❌38.3% higher power demand at 65W vs 47W.

Core i7-4900MQ

2013

Why buy it

✅Draws 47W instead of 65W, a 18W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,146 vs 6,173).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 10.8 vs 24.7 PassMark/$ ($570 MSRP vs $250 MSRP).
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-3770S can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.
❌No boxed cooler included, unlike Core i7-3770S.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-3770S better than Core i7-4900MQ?

Yes. Core i7-3770S is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.4% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-3770S is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.8% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-3770S is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.4% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i7-3770S is the better buy right now. Core i7-3770S comes in $320 cheaper on MSRP at $250 MSRP versus $570 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 129.0% better value on MSRP (24.7 vs 10.8 PassMark/$), so you are getting the faster CPU without taking a value hit on paper.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i7-4900MQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2012). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-3770S vs Core i7-4900MQ Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i7-3770S

The Core i7-3770S is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.1 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,173 points. Launch price was $330.

Core i7-4900MQ

The Core i7-4900MQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: PGA946. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,146 points. Launch price was $568.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-3770S and Core i7-4900MQ share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-3770S versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-4900MQ — a 2.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-3770S (base: 3.1 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). The Core i7-3770S uses the Ivy Bridge (2012−2013) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-4900MQ uses Haswell (2013−2015) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-3770S scores 6,173 against the Core i7-4900MQ's 6,146 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-3770S. L3 cache: 8192 kB (total) on the Core i7-3770S vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4900MQ.

Feature	Core i7-3770S	Core i7-4900MQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz+3%	3.8 GHz
Base Clock	3.1 GHz+11%	2.8 GHz
L3 Cache	8192 kB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256 kB (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Ivy Bridge (2012−2013)	Haswell (2013−2015)
PassMark	6,173	6,146
Cinebench R23 Multi	4,500	—
Geekbench 6 Single	694	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	2,303	—

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-3770S uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4900MQ uses PGA946 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-3770S	Core i7-4900MQ
Socket	LGA1155	PGA946
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600	—
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB	—
RAM Channels	2	—
ECC Support	No	—
PCIe Lanes	16	—

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-3770S) / not specified (Core i7-4900MQ). The Core i7-3770S includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 4000), while the Core i7-4900MQ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-3770S targets Budget.

Feature	Core i7-3770S	Core i7-4900MQ
Integrated GPU	Yes	—
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4000	—
Unlocked	No	—
AVX-512	No	—
Virtualization	VT-x, VT-d	—
Target Use	Budget	—

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-3770S was priced at $250, while the Core i7-4900MQ came in at $570. On launch pricing ($250 vs $570), Core i7-3770S was $320 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-3770S delivers 24.7 pts/$ vs 10.8 pts/$ for the Core i7-4900MQ — making the Core i7-3770S the 78.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-3770S	Core i7-4900MQ
MSRP	$250-56%	$570
Performance per Dollar	24.7+129%	10.8
Release Date	2012	2013

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