Core i7-4700HQ vs Core i7-4860EQ

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 i7-4700HQ vs Core i7-4860EQ 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 i7-4700HQ vs Core i7-4860EQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4700HQ

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Core i7-4860EQ

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4700HQ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,508 vs 5,579).
❌Launch MSRP is still $434 MSRP, while Core i7-4700HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4700HQ better than Core i7-4860EQ?

Yes. Core i7-4700HQ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4700HQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.2% 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 i7-4700HQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.3% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-4700HQ is the easy recommendation for a fresh desktop build. Core i7-4700HQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $434 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-4860EQ only looks good on raw value math because it is a cheap legacy laptop chip, not because it is a real desktop gaming recommendation. It simply does not keep up in modern games, especially when the gap is already 5.2% in the shared gaming data.

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

Core i7-4860EQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-4700HQ vs Core i7-4860EQ Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4700HQ

The Core i7-4700HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 May 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,579 points. Launch price was $378.

Core i7-4860EQ

The Core i7-4860EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 August 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,508 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4700HQ and Core i7-4860EQ share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-4700HQ versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-4860EQ — a 6.1% clock advantage for the Core i7-4700HQ (base: 2.4 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). Both are built on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-4700HQ scores 5,579 against the Core i7-4860EQ's 5,508 — a 1.3% lead for the Core i7-4700HQ. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-4700HQ	Core i7-4860EQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.4 GHz+6%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.4 GHz+33%	1.8 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Crystalwell (2013−2014)	Crystalwell (2013−2014)
PassMark	5,579+1%	5,508