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 i7-4980HQ 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 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 4 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: 6,539 points. Launch price was $623.

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 i7-4980HQ across popular games. Tested paired with RTX 4090 to isolate CPU performance.

Technical Analysis

Detailed breakdown of Core i7-4980HQ specifications and capabilities.

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Processing Power

The Core i7-4980HQ 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 4 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 6,539, placing it in the Entry Level performance tier as a Legacy generation product.

Specification	Core i7-4980HQ
Cores / ThreadsPhysical/logical processing units	4C / 8T
Max Boost ClockPeak single-core speed under boost	4 GHz
Base ClockGuaranteed minimum operating frequency	2.8 GHz
ArchitectureCPU microarchitecture design	Crystalwell (2013−2014)
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	264 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	6,539

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Memory & Platform

The Core i7-4980HQ fits into the BGA1364 socket and supports PCIe 3.0. It supports DDR3 memory.

Specification	Core i7-4980HQ
TypeDesktop or Laptop processor	Laptop
SeriesProduct family	Intel Core i7
SocketMotherboard socket required	BGA1364
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

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Power & Cooling

The Core i7-4980HQ 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 i7-4980HQ
TDPThermal Design Power — heat output under sustained workload	47 Watt
Max TemperatureMaximum safe junction temperature (Tjmax)	100 °C

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Value Analysis

Performance ranking position: #1644 out of all indexed processors.

Specification	Core i7-4980HQ
Launch PriceOriginal retail price at launch	$623
Performance RankPosition in overall performance ranking	#1644
Release DateLaunch date	1 September 2013 (12 years ago)
Release Year	2014
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

Type	Laptop
Series	Intel Core i7
Designer	Intel
Launch Price	$623
Manufacturer	Intel
Release Date	1 September 2013 (12 years ago)
Architecture Codename	Crystalwell (2013−2014)
Performance Ranking Position	1644

Technical Specifications

17 specs

Cores	4
Threads	8
Bus Type	DMI 2.0
Die Size	264 mm2
L1 Cache	64K (per core)
L2 Cache	256K (per core)
L3 Cache	8 MB (total)
Bus Speed	5 GT/s
Multiplier	28
Max Frequency	4 GHz
64-Bit Support	+
Base Frequency	2.8 GHz
Transistor Count	1,400 million
Process Technology	22 nm
Max Core Temperature	100 °C
Windows 11 Compatible	-
Max Case Temperature (TCase)	100 °C