Core i7-4785T 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 i7-4785T 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 i7-4785T 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 i7-4785T

2013

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +12.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $128 less on MSRP ($306 MSRP vs $434 MSRP).
✅Delivers 41.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 17.9 vs 12.7 PassMark/$ ($306 MSRP vs $434 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 47W, a 12W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (5,486 vs 5,508).

Core i7-4860EQ

2014

Why buy it

✅+0.4% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-4785T across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.7 vs 17.9 PassMark/$ ($434 MSRP vs $306 MSRP).
❌34.3% higher power demand at 47W vs 35W.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4785T better than Core i7-4860EQ?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Core i7-4785T is ahead with a 12.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-4860EQ pulls ahead with 0.4% better PassMark.

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

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-4860EQ 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 i7-4785T is the better buy right now. Core i7-4785T comes in $128 cheaper on MSRP at $306 MSRP versus $434 MSRP, and it still gives you a 12.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. The compromise is that Core i7-4860EQ is still stronger for heavier multi-core work with 0.4% better PassMark. It is also 41.3% better value on MSRP (17.9 vs 12.7 PassMark/$), 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 i7-4860EQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013) and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 4/8. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i7-4785T vs Core i7-4860EQ Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4785T

The Core i7-4785T is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 June 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.2 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: LGA1150. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333/1600, DDR3L-1333/1600. Passmark benchmark score: 5,486 points. Launch price was $149.

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 i7-4785T and Core i7-4860EQ share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-4785T versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-4860EQ — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.2 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Core i7-4785T uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-4860EQ uses Crystalwell (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4785T scores 5,486 against the Core i7-4860EQ's 5,508 — a 0.4% lead for the Core i7-4860EQ. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-4785T	Core i7-4860EQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.2 GHz+22%	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	Haswell (2013−2015)	Crystalwell (2013−2014)
PassMark	5,486	5,508

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4785T uses the LGA1150 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-4860EQ uses BGA1364 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-4785T	Core i7-4860EQ
Socket	LGA1150	BGA1364
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4785T was priced at $306, while the Core i7-4860EQ came in at $434. On launch pricing ($306 vs $434), Core i7-4785T was $128 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4785T delivers 17.9 pts/$ vs 12.7 pts/$ for the Core i7-4860EQ — making the Core i7-4785T the 34.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-4785T	Core i7-4860EQ
MSRP	$306-29%	$434
Performance per Dollar	17.9+41%	12.7
Release Date	2013	2014

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