Core i7-4810MQ vs Microsoft SQ1

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 i7-4810MQ vs Microsoft SQ1 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 i7-4810MQ vs Microsoft SQ1: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4810MQ

2014

Why buy it

✅+300% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 2 MB).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 16.1 vs 20.1 PassMark/$ ($378 MSRP vs $300 MSRP).

Microsoft SQ1

2019

Why buy it

✅Costs $78 less on MSRP ($300 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).
✅Delivers 25.3% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 20.1 vs 16.1 PassMark/$ ($300 MSRP vs $378 MSRP).

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,039 vs 6,074).
❌Smaller total L3 cache (2 MB vs 8 MB).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4810MQ better than Microsoft SQ1?

Yes. Core i7-4810MQ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.6% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4810MQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 1.1% 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 i7-4810MQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.6% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 300% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 2 MB).

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

Core i7-4810MQ is still the faster CPU overall, but Microsoft SQ1 is easier to justify if budget matters more than peak performance. Core i7-4810MQ comes in 26.0% more expensive on MSRP at $378 MSRP versus $300 MSRP, and it still gives you a 1.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Microsoft SQ1 is also 25.3% better value on MSRP (20.1 vs 16.1 PassMark/$), which is why it can still make sense for tighter-budget builds on paper.

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

Microsoft SQ1 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-4810MQ vs Microsoft SQ1 Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4810MQ

The Core i7-4810MQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 20 January 2014 (11 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: 6,074 points. Launch price was $378.

Microsoft SQ1

The Microsoft SQ1 is manufactured by Microsoft. It was released in 2 October 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) architecture. It features 8 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 3 GHz. L3 cache: 2 MB. Built on 7 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): + 2 MB. Passmark benchmark score: 6,039 points. Launch price was $149.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-4810MQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Microsoft SQ1 offers 8 cores / 8 threads — the Microsoft SQ1 has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-4810MQ versus 3 GHz on the Microsoft SQ1 — a 23.5% clock advantage for the Core i7-4810MQ. The Core i7-4810MQ uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Microsoft SQ1 uses Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019) (7 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4810MQ scores 6,074 against the Microsoft SQ1's 6,039 — a 0.6% lead for the Core i7-4810MQ. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4810MQ vs 2 MB on the Microsoft SQ1.

Feature	Core i7-4810MQ	Microsoft SQ1
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	8 / 8+100%
Boost Clock	3.8 GHz+27%	3 GHz
Base Clock	2.8 GHz	—
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)+300%	2 MB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	—
Process	22 nm	7 nm-68%
Architecture	Haswell (2013−2015)	Cortex-A76 / A55 (Kryo 495) (2019)
PassMark	6,074	6,039

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Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4810MQ was priced at $378, while the Microsoft SQ1 came in at $300. On launch pricing ($378 vs $300), Microsoft SQ1 was $78 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4810MQ delivers 16.1 pts/$ vs 20.1 pts/$ for the Microsoft SQ1 — making the Microsoft SQ1 the 22.4% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-4810MQ	Microsoft SQ1
MSRP	$378	$300-21%
Performance per Dollar	16.1	20.1+25%
Release Date	2014	2019

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