Core i7-4700MQ vs FX-8150

Intel

Core i7-4700MQ

4 Cores8 Thrd47 WWMax: 3.4 GHz2013
VS
AMD

FX-8150

8 Cores8 Thrd125 WWMax: 4.2 GHz2011

Core i7-4700MQ vs FX-8150 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

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 i7-4700MQ vs FX-8150 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 i7-4700MQ vs FX-8150: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4700MQ

2013

Why buy it

  • βœ…+0.6% higher PassMark.
  • βœ…Draws 47W instead of 125W, a 78W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • ❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than FX-8150 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • ❌Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
  • ❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 14.0 vs 21.7 PassMark/$ ($383 MSRP vs $245 MSRP).

FX-8150

2011

Why buy it

  • βœ…Better for gaming: +5.5% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • βœ…+33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
  • βœ…Costs $138 less on MSRP ($245 MSRP vs $383 MSRP).
  • βœ…Delivers 55.4% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 21.7 vs 14.0 PassMark/$ ($245 MSRP vs $383 MSRP).

Trade-offs

  • ❌Lower PassMark (5,318 vs 5,349).
  • ❌166% higher power demand at 125W vs 47W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4700MQ better than FX-8150?
It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, FX-8150 is ahead with a 5.5% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-4700MQ pulls ahead with 0.6% better PassMark. FX-8150 also has the bigger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-4700MQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-4700MQ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-4700MQ comes in 56.3% more expensive on MSRP at $383 MSRP versus $245 MSRP, and it still gives you 0.6% better PassMark. FX-8150 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2011 platform. Even with 55.4% better value on paper (21.7 vs 14.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on AM3+.
Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
Core i7-4700MQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2011) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 8/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-4700MQ vs FX-8150 Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-4700MQ

The Core i7-4700MQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 27 May 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013βˆ’2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 6 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: 5,349 points. Launch price was $288.

AMD

FX-8150

The FX-8150 is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 12 October 2011 (14 years ago). It is based on the Zambezi (2011βˆ’2012) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.2 GHz. L3 cache: 8192 kB. L2 cache: 8192 kB. Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: AM3+. Thermal design power (TDP): 125 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 5,318 points. Launch price was $149.

⚑

Processing Power

The Core i7-4700MQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the FX-8150 offers 8 cores / 8 threads β€” the FX-8150 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-4700MQ versus 4.2 GHz on the FX-8150 β€” a 21.1% clock advantage for the FX-8150 (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-4700MQ uses the Haswell (2013βˆ’2015) architecture (22 nm), while the FX-8150 uses Zambezi (2011βˆ’2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4700MQ scores 5,349 against the FX-8150's 5,318 β€” a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-4700MQ. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Core i7-4700MQ vs 8192 kB on the FX-8150.

FeatureCore i7-4700MQFX-8150
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock
3.4 GHz
4.2 GHz+24%
Base Clock
2.4 GHz
3.6 GHz+50%
L3 Cache
6 MB (total)
8192 kB+33%
L2 Cache
256K (per core)
8192 kB+3100%
Process
22 nm-31%
32 nm
Architecture
Haswell (2013βˆ’2015)
Zambezi (2011βˆ’2012)
PassMark
5,349
5,318
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4700MQ uses the PGA946 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the FX-8150 uses AM3+ (PCIe 2.0) β€” making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

FeatureCore i7-4700MQFX-8150
Socket
PGA946
AM3+
PCIe Generation
PCIe 3.0+50%
PCIe 2.0
πŸ’°

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4700MQ was priced at $383, while the FX-8150 came in at $245. On launch pricing ($383 vs $245), FX-8150 was $138 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4700MQ delivers 14.0 pts/$ vs 21.7 pts/$ for the FX-8150 β€” making the FX-8150 the 43.4% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-4700MQFX-8150
MSRP
$383
$245-36%
Performance per Dollar
14.0
21.7+55%
Release Date
2013
2011

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