CPU
GPU
Core i7-4900MQ
Xeon E5-2630
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
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.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money. The Core i7-4900MQ is positioned at rank 1058 and the Xeon E5-2630 is on rank 702, so the Xeon E5-2630 offers better cost-efficiency for playing games.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-4900MQ
Performance Per Dollar Xeon E5-2630
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-4900MQ | Xeon E5-2630 |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ❌ Lower gaming performance | ✅ Superior gaming performance |
| Workstation | ✅ Better multi-core power | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($40) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($395) |
| Longevity | 🛑 Legacy (Haswell (2013−2015) / 22 nm) | 🛑 Legacy (Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) / 32 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-4900MQ | Xeon E5-2630 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ✅ Better overall value (+899%) | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($40) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($395) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-4900MQ and Xeon E5-2630
Core i7-4900MQ
The Core i7-4900MQ is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 29 April 2013 (12 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: 6,146 points. Launch price was $568.
Xeon E5-2630
The Xeon E5-2630 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 6 March 2012 (13 years ago). It is based on the Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) architecture. It features 6 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 2.3 GHz, with boost up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache: 15360 kB (total). L2 cache: 256 kB (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: LGA2011. Thermal design power (TDP): 95 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 6,077 points. Launch price was $74.
Processing Power
The Core i7-4900MQ packs 4 cores / 8 threads, while the Xeon E5-2630 offers 6 cores / 12 threads — the Xeon E5-2630 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-4900MQ versus 2.8 GHz on the Xeon E5-2630 — a 30.3% clock advantage for the Core i7-4900MQ (base: 2.8 GHz vs 2.3 GHz). The Core i7-4900MQ uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Xeon E5-2630 uses Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) (32 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-4900MQ scores 6,146 against the Xeon E5-2630's 6,077 — a 1.1% lead for the Core i7-4900MQ. L3 cache: 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4900MQ vs 15360 kB (total) on the Xeon E5-2630.
| Feature | Core i7-4900MQ | Xeon E5-2630 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 6 / 12+50% |
| Boost Clock | 3.8 GHz+36% | 2.8 GHz |
| Base Clock | 2.8 GHz+22% | 2.3 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 8 MB (total) | 15360 kB (total)+88% |
| L2 Cache | 256K (per core) | 256 kB (per core) |
| Process | 22 nm-31% | 32 nm |
| Architecture | Haswell (2013−2015) | Sandy Bridge-EP (2012) |
| PassMark | 6,146+1% | 6,077 |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-4900MQ uses the PGA946 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Xeon E5-2630 uses LGA2011 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.
| Feature | Core i7-4900MQ | Xeon E5-2630 |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | PGA946 | LGA2011 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 4.0+33% |
Value Analysis
The Core i7-4900MQ launched at $570 MSRP, while the Xeon E5-2630 debuted at $395. At current prices ($40 vs $395), the Core i7-4900MQ is $355 cheaper. In terms of value (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i7-4900MQ delivers 153.7 pts/$ vs 15.4 pts/$ for the Xeon E5-2630 — making the Core i7-4900MQ the 163.6% better value option.
| Feature | Core i7-4900MQ | Xeon E5-2630 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $570 | $395-31% |
| Avg Price (30d) | $40-90% | $395 |
| Performance per Dollar | 153.7+898% | 15.4 |
| Release Date | 2013 | 2012 |
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