Processor N97 vs Core i7-4860EQ

CPU

GPU

Processor N97

4 Cores4 Thrd0 WWMax: 3.6 GHz2023

Core i7-4860EQ

4 Cores8 Thrd47 WWMax: 3.2 GHz2014

Performance Spectrum - CPU

Processor N97

4 / 4

5,445

0.0%

5,508

+1.2%

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.

MSRP is the manufacturer's suggested retail price.•
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.

Performance Per Dollar

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Per Dollar Core i7-4860EQ

#1009

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

2312%

#1010

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

2278%

#1011

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

2091%

#1012

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

2082%

#1013

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

2063%

#1015

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

1992%

#1016

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

1910%

#1017

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

1907%

#1018

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

1856%

#1021

Core i7-4860EQ

MSRP: $434|Avg: $80

100%

#1022

Pentium SU2700

MSRP: $100|Avg: $10

100%

#1023

A4-1250

MSRP: $100|Avg: $30

99%

#1025

Core i5-4200M

MSRP: $225|Avg: N/A

98%

#1026

Celeron 1000M

MSRP: $86|Avg: N/A

98%

#1028

Celeron B840

MSRP: $86|Avg: $15

98%

#1029

Celeron M 743

MSRP: $107|Avg: $15

97%

#1030

Core i7-3612QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

97%

#1031

Pentium 967

MSRP: $134|Avg: $10

96%

#1033

Core i5-4400E

MSRP: $266|Avg: $50

96%

#1034

Pentium Dual Core T4400

MSRP: $107|Avg: $5

95%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

Performance Comparison

About PassMark

🏆 Chipversus Verdict

🚀 Performance Leadership

Generational Difference: This comparison involves processors from different technological eras. The Processor N97 (2023) utilizes 10 nm technology and **DDR4, DDR5 4800 MHz Single-channel**, providing a fundamental performance advantage.

Insight	Processor N97	Core i7-4860EQ
Gaming	✅ Superior gaming performance	❌ Lower gaming performance
Workstation	❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks	✅ Better multi-core power
Price	✅ More affordable ($0)	⚠️ Higher cost ($80)
Longevity	✨ Modern (Alder Lake-N (2023) / 10 nm)	🛑 Legacy (Crystalwell (2013−2014) / 22 nm)

💎 Value Proposition

The Core i7-4860EQ (2014) relies on 22 nm technology and DDR3, placing it in a different performance category relative to modern standards.

Insight	Processor N97	Core i7-4860EQ
Cost Efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency	❌ Lower cost efficiency
Upfront Cost	✅ More affordable ($0)	⚠️ Higher cost ($80)

Performance Check

Paired with RTX 4090

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.

Processor N97 Benchmark Check

Core i7-4860EQ Benchmark Check

Technical Specifications

Side-by-side comparison of Processor N97 and Core i7-4860EQ

Processor N97

The Processor N97 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 3 January 2023 (2 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture. It features 4 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 2 GHz, with boost up to 3.6 GHz. L3 cache: 6 MB (total). L2 cache: 2 MB (total). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1264. Thermal design power (TDP): + 6 MB. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5 4800 MHz Single-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 5,445 points. Launch price was $149.

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.

⚡

Processing Power

The Processor N97 packs 4 cores / 4 threads, matching the Core i7-4860EQ's 4 cores. Boost clocks reach 3.6 GHz on the Processor N97 versus 3.2 GHz on the Core i7-4860EQ — a 11.8% clock advantage for the Processor N97 (base: 2 GHz vs 1.8 GHz). The Processor N97 uses the Alder Lake-N (2023) architecture (10 nm), while the Core i7-4860EQ uses Crystalwell (2013−2014) (22 nm). In PassMark, the Processor N97 scores 5,445 against the Core i7-4860EQ's 5,508 — a 1.2% lead for the Core i7-4860EQ. L3 cache: 6 MB (total) on the Processor N97 vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-4860EQ.

Feature	Processor N97	Core i7-4860EQ
Cores / Threads	4 / 4	4 / 8
Boost Clock	3.6 GHz+12%	3.2 GHz
Base Clock	2 GHz+11%	1.8 GHz
L3 Cache	6 MB (total)	8 MB (total)+33%
L2 Cache	2 MB (total)+700%	256K (per core)
Process	10 nm-55%	22 nm
Architecture	Alder Lake-N (2023)	Crystalwell (2013−2014)
PassMark	5,445	5,508+1%

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Processor N97 uses the FCBGA1264 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Core i7-4860EQ uses BGA1364 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

Feature	Processor N97	Core i7-4860EQ
Socket	FCBGA1264	BGA1364
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0+67%	PCIe 3.0

💰

Value Analysis

The Processor N97 launched at $0 MSRP, while the Core i7-4860EQ debuted at $434. At current prices ($0 vs $80), the Processor N97 is $80 cheaper.