Core i7-4771 vs Core i7-5850EQ

Intel

Core i7-4771

4 Cores8 Thrd84 WWMax: 3.9 GHz2013
Similar parts
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VS
Intel

Core i7-5850EQ

4 Cores8 Thrd47 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2015
Similar parts
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Core i7-4771 vs Core i7-5850EQ 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 i7-4771 vs Core i7-5850EQ 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 i7-4771 vs Core i7-5850EQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4771

2013

Why buy it

  • Better for gaming: +11.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • +33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
  • Costs $115 less on MSRP ($320 MSRP vs $435 MSRP).
  • Delivers 38.0% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 22.3 vs 16.2 PassMark/$ ($320 MSRP vs $435 MSRP).
  • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

  • 78.7% higher power demand at 84W vs 47W.

Core i7-5850EQ

2015

Why buy it

  • Draws 47W instead of 84W, a 37W reduction.

Trade-offs

  • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4771 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
  • Lower PassMark (7,036 vs 7,141).
  • Smaller total L3 cache (6 MB vs 8 MB).
  • Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.2 vs 22.3 PassMark/$ ($435 MSRP vs $320 MSRP).
  • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-4771 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4771 better than Core i7-5850EQ?
Yes. Core i7-4771 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 11.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 1.5% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
Which one is better for gaming?
If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4771 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 11.2% 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 i7-4771 is the stronger fit. You are getting 1.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 33.3% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 6 MB).
Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
Core i7-4771 is the better buy right now. Core i7-4771 comes in $115 cheaper on MSRP at $320 MSRP versus $435 MSRP, and it still gives you a 11.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 38.0% better value on MSRP (22.3 vs 16.2 PassMark/$), 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 i7-5850EQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-4771 vs Core i7-5850EQ Technical Specifications

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

Intel

Core i7-4771

The Core i7-4771 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 3.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 84 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 7,141 points. Launch price was $450.

Intel

Core i7-5850EQ

The Core i7-5850EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Broadwell (2015−2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Passmark benchmark score: 7,036 points. Launch price was $149.

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4771 and Core i7-5850EQ share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Core i7-4771 versus 2.7 GHz on the Core i7-5850EQ — a 36.4% clock advantage for the Core i7-4771. The Core i7-4771 uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-5850EQ uses Broadwell (2015−2019) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4771 scores 7,141 against the Core i7-5850EQ's 7,036 — a 1.5% lead for the Core i7-4771. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4771 vs 6 MB on the Core i7-5850EQ.

FeatureCore i7-4771Core i7-5850EQ
Cores / Threads
4 / 8
4 / 8
Boost Clock
3.9 GHz+44%
2.7 GHz
Base Clock
3.5 GHz
L3 Cache
8 MB (total)+33%
6 MB
L2 Cache
256 kB (per core)
1 MB+300%
Process
22 nm
14 nm-36%
Architecture
Haswell (2013−2015)
Broadwell (2015−2019)
PassMark
7,141+1%
7,036
Geekbench 6 Single
1,139
Geekbench 6 Multi
3,910
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Advanced Features

Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d (Core i7-4771) / not specified (Core i7-5850EQ). The Core i7-4771 includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 4600), while the Core i7-5850EQ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-4771 targets Desktop.

FeatureCore i7-4771Core i7-5850EQ
Integrated GPU
Yes
IGPU Model
Intel HD Graphics 4600
Unlocked
No
AVX-512
No
Virtualization
VT-x, VT-d
Target Use
Desktop
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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4771 was priced at $320, while the Core i7-5850EQ came in at $435. On launch pricing ($320 vs $435), Core i7-4771 was $115 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4771 delivers 22.3 pts/$ vs 16.2 pts/$ for the Core i7-5850EQ — making the Core i7-4771 the 31.9% better value option.

FeatureCore i7-4771Core i7-5850EQ
MSRP
$320-26%
$435
Performance per Dollar
22.3+38%
16.2
Release Date
2013
2015

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