Core i7-4870HQ vs Core i7-4960HQ

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 i7-4870HQ vs Core i7-4960HQ 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 i7-4870HQ vs Core i7-4960HQ: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

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

Core i7-4870HQ

2014

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (6,320 vs 6,370).

Core i7-4960HQ

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

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

Quick Answers

So, is Core i7-4960HQ better than Core i7-4870HQ?

Yes. Core i7-4960HQ is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.8% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i7-4960HQ is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 0.4% 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 i7-4960HQ 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 i7-4960HQ still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-4960HQ comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.4% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

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

Core i7-4870HQ makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2014 vs 2013). That makes it the safer long-term bet.

Core i7-4870HQ vs Core i7-4960HQ Technical Specifications

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

Core i7-4870HQ

The Core i7-4870HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 July 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.5 GHz, with boost up to 3.7 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: 6,320 points. Launch price was $434.

Core i7-4960HQ

The Core i7-4960HQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 September 2013 (12 years ago). It is based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 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: BGA1364. Thermal design power (TDP): 47 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,370 points. Launch price was $657.

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Processing Power

Both the Core i7-4870HQ and Core i7-4960HQ share an identical 4-core/8-thread configuration. Boost clocks reach 3.7 GHz on the Core i7-4870HQ versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-4960HQ — a 2.7% clock advantage for the Core i7-4960HQ (base: 2.5 GHz vs 2.6 GHz). Both are built on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture using a 22 nm process. In PassMark, the Core i7-4870HQ scores 6,320 against the Core i7-4960HQ's 6,370 — a 0.8% lead for the Core i7-4960HQ. Both processors carry 8 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Core i7-4870HQ	Core i7-4960HQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 8	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.7 GHz	3.8 GHz+3%
Base Clock	2.5 GHz	2.6 GHz+4%
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)	8 MB (total)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm	22 nm
Architecture	Crystalwell (2013−2014)	Crystalwell (2013−2014)
PassMark	6,320	6,370