Core i7-4860HQ vs Core i7-6700TE

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 i7-4860HQ vs Core i7-6700TE 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 i7-4860HQ vs Core i7-6700TE: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4860HQ

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌34.3% higher power demand at 47W vs 35W.
❌No integrated graphics, while Core i7-6700TE can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

Core i7-6700TE

2015

Why buy it

✅Draws 35W instead of 47W, a 12W reduction.
✅100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
✅Integrated graphics onboard with HD Graphics 530, while Core i7-4860HQ needs a discrete GPU.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,203 vs 6,204).
❌Launch MSRP is still $303 MSRP, while Core i7-4860HQ mostly shows up through inconsistent older-market listings.

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4860HQ better than Core i7-6700TE?

Yes. Core i7-4860HQ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4860HQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.7% 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 i7-4860HQ is the stronger fit. You are getting 0% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads.

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

Core i7-4860HQ is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i7-4860HQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus $303 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.7% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Core i7-6700TE only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2015 platform. Even with 100.0% better value on paper (20.5 vs 0.0 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on LGA1151.

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

Core i7-6700TE makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2015 vs 2014). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-4860HQ vs Core i7-6700TE Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4860HQ

The Core i7-4860HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 February 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 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: 6,204 points. Launch price was $434.

Core i7-6700TE

The Core i7-6700TE is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 19 October 2015 (10 years ago). It is based on the Skylake (2015−2016) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1151. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR4. Passmark benchmark score: 6,203 points. Launch price was $303.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4860HQ and Core i7-6700TE share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Core i7-4860HQ versus 3.4 GHz on the Core i7-6700TE — a 5.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-4860HQ (base: 2.4 GHz vs 2.4 GHz). The Core i7-4860HQ uses the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-6700TE uses Skylake (2015−2016) (14 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4860HQ scores 6,204 against the Core i7-6700TE's 6,203 — a 0% lead for the Core i7-4860HQ. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-4860HQ	Core i7-6700TE
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+6%	3.4 GHz
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	2.4 GHz
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	14 nm-36%
Architecture	Crystalwell (2013−2014)	Skylake (2015−2016)
PassMark	6,204	6,203
Geekbench 6 Single	—	914
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	3,244

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4860HQ uses the BGA1364 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-6700TE uses LGA1151 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Core i7-4860HQ	Core i7-6700TE
Socket	BGA1364	LGA1151
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0	PCIe 3.0
Max RAM Speed	—	DDR4-2133
Max RAM Capacity	—	64 GB
RAM Channels	—	2
ECC Support	—	No
PCIe Lanes	—	16

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Advanced Features

Virtualization: not specified (Core i7-4860HQ) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-6700TE). The Core i7-6700TE includes integrated graphics (HD Graphics 530), while the Core i7-4860HQ requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-6700TE targets Gaming. Direct competitor: Core i7-6700TE rivals Ryzen 5 3600.