Core i7-4860EQ vs Core i7-6822EQ

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 i7-4860EQ vs Core i7-6822EQ 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 i7-4860EQ vs Core i7-6822EQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4860EQ

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-6822EQ across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
❌Lower PassMark (5,508 vs 5,550).
❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 12.7 vs 18.9 PassMark/$ ($434 MSRP vs $294 MSRP).
❌88% higher power demand at 47W vs 25W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-6822EQ can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-6822EQ

2015

Why buy it

✅Better for gaming: +5.8% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
✅Costs $140 less on MSRP ($294 MSRP vs $434 MSRP).
✅Delivers 48.7% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 18.9 vs 12.7 PassMark/$ ($294 MSRP vs $434 MSRP).
✅Draws 25W instead of 47W, a 22W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-6822EQ better than Core i7-4860EQ?

Yes. Core i7-6822EQ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 5.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.8% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-6822EQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 5.8% 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 i7-6822EQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-6822EQ is the better buy right now. Core i7-6822EQ comes in $140 cheaper on MSRP at $294 MSRP versus $434 MSRP, and it still gives you a 5.8% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. It is also 48.7% better value on MSRP (18.9 vs 12.7 PassMark/$), 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 i7-6822EQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2014) 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 i7-4860EQ vs Core i7-6822EQ Technical Specifications

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

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.

Core i7-6822EQ

The Core i7-6822EQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 12 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Max frequency: 2 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB. L2 cache: 1 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Thermal design power (TDP): 25 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR3-1866. Passmark benchmark score: 5,550 points. Launch price was $378.

⚡

Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4860EQ and Core i7-6822EQ share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-4860EQ versus 2 GHz on the Core i7-6822EQ — a 46.2% clock advantage for the Core i7-4860EQ. The Core i7-4860EQ uses the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-6822EQ uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4860EQ scores 5,508 against the Core i7-6822EQ's 5,550 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-6822EQ. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4860EQ vs 8 MB on the Core i7-6822EQ.

Feature	Core i7-4860EQ	Core i7-6822EQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.2 GHz+60%	2 GHz
Base Clock	1.8 GHz	—
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB
L2 Cache	256K (per core)+25500%	1 MB
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Crystalwell (2013−2014)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	5,508	5,550
Geekbench 6 Single	—	684
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	2,796

🔧

Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-4860EQ) / VT-x / VT-d / EPT (Core i7-6822EQ). The Core i7-6822EQ includes integrated graphics (Intel HD Graphics 530), while the Core i7-4860EQ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-6822EQ targets Embedded.

Feature	Core i7-4860EQ	Core i7-6822EQ
Integrated GPU	—	Yes
IGPU Model	—	Intel HD Graphics 530
Unlocked	—	No
AVX-512	—	No
Virtualization	—	VT-x / VT-d / EPT
Target Use	—	Embedded

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i7-4860EQ was priced at $434, while the Core i7-6822EQ came in at $294. On launch pricing ($434 vs $294), Core i7-6822EQ was $140 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4860EQ delivers 12.7 pts/$ vs 18.9 pts/$ for the Core i7-6822EQ — making the Core i7-6822EQ the 39.2% better value option.

Feature	Core i7-4860EQ	Core i7-6822EQ
MSRP	$434	$294-32%
Performance per Dollar	12.7	18.9+49%
Release Date	2014	2015

Search Core i7-4860EQ on Amazon

Search Core i7-6822EQ on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.