Core i7-4860HQ
CPU·Budget

Core i7-4860HQ

Intel

PassMark

6,204

1 February 2014 (11 years ago)
47 Watt
Crystalwell (2013−2014)

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.

Overview

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.

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.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-4860HQ across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Counter-Strike 2

Counter-Strike 2

1080p
low155 FPS
medium145 FPS
high137 FPS
ultra107 FPS
1440p
low143 FPS
medium124 FPS
high116 FPS
ultra95 FPS
4k
low111 FPS
medium98 FPS
high77 FPS
ultra55 FPS
Dead by Daylight

Dead by Daylight

1080p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
1440p
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
4k
low60 FPS
medium60 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra60 FPS
Deadlock

Deadlock

1080p
low90 FPS
medium76 FPS
high65 FPS
ultra43 FPS
1440p
low82 FPS
medium70 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra39 FPS
4k
low42 FPS
medium34 FPS
high29 FPS
ultra21 FPS
Dota 2

Dota 2

1080p
low155 FPS
medium155 FPS
high155 FPS
ultra155 FPS
1440p
low155 FPS
medium155 FPS
high155 FPS
ultra155 FPS
4k
low155 FPS
medium155 FPS
high155 FPS
ultra147 FPS
Fortnite

Fortnite

1080p
low155 FPS
medium155 FPS
high120 FPS
ultra70 FPS
1440p
low155 FPS
medium136 FPS
high92 FPS
ultra50 FPS
4k
low95 FPS
medium76 FPS
high60 FPS
ultra37 FPS
League of Legends

League of Legends

1080p
low155 FPS
medium155 FPS
high155 FPS
ultra155 FPS
1440p
low155 FPS
medium155 FPS
high155 FPS
ultra155 FPS
4k
low155 FPS
medium155 FPS
high155 FPS
ultra155 FPS
Left 4 Dead 2

Left 4 Dead 2

1080p
low155 FPS
medium155 FPS
high155 FPS
ultra155 FPS
1440p
low155 FPS
medium155 FPS
high155 FPS
ultra155 FPS
4k
low155 FPS
medium155 FPS
high155 FPS
ultra135 FPS
Once Human

Once Human

1080p
low118 FPS
medium98 FPS
high79 FPS
ultra58 FPS
1440p
low90 FPS
medium77 FPS
high61 FPS
ultra40 FPS
4k
low50 FPS
medium40 FPS
high33 FPS
ultra26 FPS
Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2

1080p
low155 FPS
medium142 FPS
high113 FPS
ultra91 FPS
1440p
low139 FPS
medium118 FPS
high93 FPS
ultra75 FPS
4k
low66 FPS
medium59 FPS
high46 FPS
ultra37 FPS
Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2

1080p
low155 FPS
medium151 FPS
high137 FPS
ultra120 FPS
1440p
low114 FPS
medium108 FPS
high99 FPS
ultra85 FPS
4k
low84 FPS
medium81 FPS
high71 FPS
ultra58 FPS

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-4860HQ specifications and capabilities.

Processing Power

The Core i7-4860HQ is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Crystalwell (2013−2014) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.6 GHz from a base frequency of 2.4 GHz— higher boost clocks directly translate to better single-threaded performance and responsiveness in gaming. It carries 8 MB (total) of L3 cache, plus 256K (per core) of L2 cache and 64K (per core) of L1 cache per core. In the PassMark benchmark (a comprehensive multi-threaded test), it scores 6,204, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

SpecificationCore i7-4860HQ
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost3.6 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency2.4 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture designCrystalwell (2013−2014)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores8 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor264 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities1,400 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
64-bit SupportYes
Windows 11 CompatibleNo
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score6,204
🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4860HQ fits into the BGA1364 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

SpecificationCore i7-4860HQ
TypeDesktop or Laptop processorLaptop
SeriesProduct familyIntel Core i7
SocketMotherboard socket requiredBGA1364
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidthPCIe 3.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standardDDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers1
🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-4860HQ has a rated TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 47 Watt — this indicates the amount of heat generated under sustained load and determines what cooling solution is needed.

SpecificationCore i7-4860HQ
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload47 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)100 °C
💰

Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #1690 out of all indexed processors.

SpecificationCore i7-4860HQ
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch$434
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking#1690
Release DateLaunch date1 February 2014 (11 years ago)
Release Year2014
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)Intel

Specifications Reference

Raw spec sheet for quick lookup. The analysis cards above explain what these fields mean in practice.

4 categories

General Information

8 specs

TypeLaptop
SeriesIntel Core i7
DesignerIntel
Launch Price$434
ManufacturerIntel
Release Date1 February 2014 (11 years ago)
Architecture CodenameCrystalwell (2013−2014)
Performance Ranking Position1690

Technical Specifications

17 specs

Cores4
Threads8
Bus TypeDMI 2.0
Die Size264 mm2
L1 Cache64K (per core)
L2 Cache256K (per core)
L3 Cache8 MB (total)
Bus Speed5 GT/s
Multiplier24
Max Frequency3.6 GHz
64-Bit Support+
Base Frequency2.4 GHz
Transistor Count1,400 million
Process Technology22 nm
Max Core Temperature100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible-
Max Case Temperature (TCase)100 °C

Compatibility

4 specs

SocketBGA1364
PCIe GenerationPCIe 3.0
Power Consumption (TDP)47 Watt
Max Processors In Config1

Memory

4 specs

RAM TypesDDR3
Memory Channels2
Memory Bandwidth25.6 GB/s
Max Memory Capacity32 GB

Our Recommendation for Core i7-4860HQ

Suggested pairings based on performance balance

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