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 i7-4900MQ 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.

Value Upgrade Path

This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. The Core i7-4900MQ is positioned at rank #1058 in our cost-efficiency ranking, representing a Lower cost-benefit for your build. 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 Core i7-4900MQ

#1046

Atom x5-Z8300

MSRP: $20|Avg: N/A

2722%

#1047

Atom Z3735G

MSRP: $17|Avg: N/A

2682%

#1048

Core i5-480M

MSRP: $81|Avg: $77

2462%

#1049

Core i5-460M

MSRP: $80|Avg: $129

2451%

#1050

Core i5-2540M

MSRP: $266|Avg: $10

2428%

#1052

Core i5-450M

MSRP: $32|Avg: $31

2345%

#1053

Core i3-380M

MSRP: $49|Avg: $25

2249%

#1054

Core i5-430M

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $33

2245%

#1055

Core 2 Duo T6600

MSRP: N/A|Avg: $4

2185%

#1058

Core i7-4900MQ

MSRP: $570|Avg: $40

100%

#1059

Pentium Dual Core T2370

MSRP: $150|Avg: $25

99%

#1060

Celeron P4505

MSRP: $86|Avg: $86

99%

#1061

Pentium T4200

MSRP: $99|Avg: $10

99%

#1062

Core i7-2720QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

99%

#1063

Pentium 2020M

MSRP: $134|Avg: N/A

98%

#1064

Celeron P4500

MSRP: $86|Avg: $5

98%

#1065

Pentium Dual Core SU4100

MSRP: $134|Avg: $10

97%

#1066

Processor N50

MSRP: $128|Avg: $120

97%

#1067

Athlon II N350

MSRP: $100|Avg: $100

97%

#1068

Celeron N3350

MSRP: $107|Avg: N/A

96%

#1070

Core i7-2675QM

MSRP: $378|Avg: N/A

96%

#1071

A9-9410

MSRP: $150|Avg: $25

96%

#1073

A8 Pro-7150B

MSRP: $150|Avg: $20

95%

Based on actual market prices and performance synthetic scores.

FPS Benchmarks

Predicted performance for Core i7-4900MQ across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-4900MQ specifications and capabilities.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i7-4900MQ is a 4-core / 8-thread processor based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture, manufactured on a 22 nm process node. It reaches a maximum boost clock of 3.8 GHz from a base frequency of 2.8 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 6,146, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i7-4900MQ
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	3.8 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.8 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Haswell (2013−2015)
Process NodeFabrication technology — smaller = more efficient	22 nm
L3 CacheShared cache — reduces memory latency for all cores	8 MB (total)
L2 CachePer-core fast cache for frequently accessed data	256K (per core)
L1 CacheUltra-fast per-core cache	64K (per core)
Die SizePhysical silicon area of the processor	177 mm2
Transistor CountMore transistors = more capabilities	1,400 million
Bus SpeedData bus frequency	5 GT/s
Max TemperatureMaximum safe operating temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C
64-bit Support	Yes
Windows 11 Compatible	No
PassMark ScoreOverall multi-threaded benchmark score	6,146

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4900MQ fits into the PGA946 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Core i7-4900MQ
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i7
SocketMotherboard socket required	PGA946
PCIe GenerationPeripheral interconnect speed — affects GPU and SSD bandwidth	PCIe 3.0
RAM TypeSupported memory standard	DDR3
Max CPUs in ConfigMulti-socket support for servers	1

🌡️

Power & Cooling

The Core i7-4900MQ 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.

Specification	Core i7-4900MQ
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	47 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

💰

Value Analysis

At an average price of $40 (MSRP: $570), the Core i7-4900MQ delivers 154 PassMark points per dollar. It currently holds Rank #1058 in the overall cost-benefit ranking — this ranking factors in performance-per-dollar relative to all available processors. Performance ranking position: #1701 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-4900MQ
MSRPManufacturer's Suggested Retail Price	$570
Avg Price (30d)Average market price over the last 30 days	$40
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$568
Cost-Benefit RankPosition in overall value ranking	#1058
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1701
Release DateLaunch date	29 April 2013 (12 years ago)
Release Year	2013
DesignerArchitecture designer (e.g. Intel, AMD)	Intel
ManufacturerFabrication foundry (e.g. TSMC)	Intel