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Intel Core i7 4870HQ Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£360
Avg. price in US: ~$430
PassMark benchmark result: 6309
N. of physical cores: 4
CPU boost clock speed: 3.7 GHz

Intel Core i7 4870HQ review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.0

Poor

4.0

Poor

?

2.9
Gaming
Score components:
30.0%
3.1
PassMark single-core benchmark score
25.0%
3.1
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
20.0%
3.7
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
1.8
L3 cache
8.0%
1.8
N. of physical cores
1.8
Video editing
Score components:
45.0%
1.2
Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
20.0%
1.8
N. of physical cores
20.0%
2.8
CPU threads
15.0%
1.8
L3 cache

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Best prices in UK

N/A~ £360

Best rankings

#484 in Best Mobile CPUs

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-4870HQ is a high-end, 4th generation quad-core mobile processor based on the 22nm Haswell architecture, featuring 4 cores and 8 threads with a base clock speed of 2.50 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 3.70 GHz. Key technical specifications include a 6 MB L3 cache, a 47 W TDP, and support for up to 32 GB of DDR3L-1333/1600 memory. Its primary strengths are the integrated Intel Iris Pro Graphics 5200 with 128 MB of dedicated eDRAM (L4 cache) for enhanced graphical performance and its robust multitasking capabilities during its era. However, its main disadvantages include high power consumption and significant heat generation for a laptop chip, as well as being considered technically obsolete by modern standards due to its lack of support for newer DDR4/DDR5 memory and modern instruction sets like AVX-512.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 4870HQ

Overall score

4.0

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.

Platform

7.0

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel

Processor type

What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.

When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

CPU socket

What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.

When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

Chipset

What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.

When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

CPU architecture

What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.

When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

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Performance

3.7

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N. of physical cores

What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.

When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

CPU threads

What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.

When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

Threads per core

What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.

When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

CPU boost clock speed

What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.

When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

CPU base clock speed

What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.

When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Cache & Architecture

3.9

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Semiconductor size

What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.

When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

Foundry

What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.

When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

L3 cache

What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.

When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

L2 cache

What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.

When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

L1 cache

What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.

When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

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Memory & PCIe

3.7

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DDR memory version

What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.

When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

Maximum memory speed

What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.

When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

Max memory speed (JEDEC)

What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.

When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)

What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.

When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A

Maximum memory capacity

What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.

When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

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Integrated Graphics

7.0

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Integrated graphics

What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.

When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

Integrated GPU model

What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.

When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Integrated GPU execution units

What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.

When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

Integrated GPU base frequency

What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.

When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

Integrated media encoders/decoders

What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.

When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

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Power & Thermal

5.5

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TDP (Thermal design power)

What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.

When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

Base power (PL1)

What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.

When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

Boost power (PL2)

What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.

When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

Tau (power duration limit)

What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.

When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

?

Configurable TDP

What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.

When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

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Intel Core i7 4870HQ vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i7 4870HQ better than the average processor?

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60.1% faster Blender rendering
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (531.2 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
What it is: A Blender render result based on the BMW27 scene, used to show how quickly the processor can finish a heavy 3D rendering task.
When it matters: When rendering speed matters for 3D work, content creation, or other workloads that behave like long multi-core renders.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >290
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (531.2 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.531.24 vs 331.88
60.1% faster Blender rendering
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (531.2 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.

Why is Intel Core i7 4870HQ worse than the average processor?

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6 year/s older release date
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has an older release date than the average processor (2,014 vs 2,020).
July 2014
Older CPU socket
Intel Core i7 4870HQ uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,364 vs FP2).
No crypto acceleration
Intel Core i7 4870HQ does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
Narrower instruction support
Intel Core i7 4870HQ supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, BMI1, BMI2 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
76.4% lower multi-core score
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,130 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
14% lower boost clock
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.7 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
23.2% lower single-core score
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,130 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
2 fewer CPU cores
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
17.5% weaker single-core performance
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,048 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
40.1% lower PassMark score
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (6,309 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
37.5% lower bus transfer rate
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
37.5% lower bus speed
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a lower bus speed than the average processor (5 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
83.3% larger process node
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
46.1% larger die size
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a higher die size than the average processor (260 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
60% smaller L2 cache
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
50% less L2 per core
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
12.5% less L3 per core
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
Less advanced microarchitecture
Intel Core i7 4870HQ uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Haswell vs Kaby Lake).
33.3% smaller L1 cache
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
25% smaller L3 cache
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (6 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
Less advanced foundry
Intel Core i7 4870HQ uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
44.1% lower memory bandwidth
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
45.4% lower memory speed
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (1,600 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
Older DDR support
Intel Core i7 4870HQ supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3L vs DDR4).
50% less memory capacity
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
42.9% lower GPU clock speed
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a lower integrated GPU frequency than the average processor (200 MHz vs 350 MHz). The average processor has integrated GPU frequency of 350 MHz.
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i7 4870HQ does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
83.3% larger process node
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: <10 nm
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a higher process node than the average processor (22 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.22 nm vs 12 nm
76.4% lower multi-core score
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,130 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >8500
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (1,130 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.1,130 vs 4,793
14% lower boost clock
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.7 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >4.7 GHz
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.7 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.7 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
2 fewer CPU cores
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: 8+
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
23.2% lower single-core score
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,130 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >2000
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,130 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.1,130 vs 1,471
17.5% weaker single-core performance
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,048 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >3200
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,048 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.2,048 vs 2,483
46.1% larger die size
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a higher die size than the average processor (260 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <150 mm²
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a higher die size than the average processor (260 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².260 mm² vs 178 mm²
44.1% lower memory bandwidth
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
What it is: The maximum theoretical memory bandwidth the processor can support.
When it matters: When memory-heavy workloads matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >75 GB/s
Intel Core i7 4870HQ has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.25.6 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s

Cache & Architecture

Integrated Graphics

Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 4870HQ and other processors

Attribute category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7 4870HQ?

High-end quad-core performance for its era, capable of handling demanding multitasking and professional software
Features Iris Pro Graphics 5200 with 128MB eDRAM, which provided mid-range dedicated GPU levels of performance at the time
Hyper-threading support effectively doubles core count to 8 threads, improving smoothness in intensive applications
Significantly more powerful than contemporary 5th Gen 'U' series i5 processors found in ultra-portables
Supports hardware virtualization, making it suitable for running virtual machines efficiently

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 4870HQ?

Grossly outdated by modern standards; it cannot compete with newer i5 or i7 generations (e.g., 8th Gen and later)
Relatively high TDP (47W) leads to significant heat production, typically requiring larger 15-inch+ laptop chassis for cooling
Locked multiplier prevents manual overclocking, limiting performance headroom for enthusiasts
Lacks modern platform features such as native support for Thunderbolt 3, NVMe speeds, or high-refresh-rate displays
Performance-per-watt is low compared to modern chips, leading to shorter battery life in mobile use

Expert reviews

browser.geekbench.com

Continuous

Intel Core i7-4870HQ Benchmarks - Geekbench Browser

The Intel Core i7-4870HQ is a high-end 22nm quad-core processor from late 2014, designed for larger laptops and featuring four cores with Hyper-Threading, a 2.5 GHz base clock, and a 3.7 GHz turbo frequency. Pros include solid multi-core performance for its era and an integrated Iris Pro Graphics 5200 with 128 MB of embedded eDRAM, which competes with dedicated mid-range GPUs of its...Read more

cpubenchmark.net

Updated Daily

Intel Core i7-4870HQ @ 2.50GHz - PassMark CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i7-4870HQ is a Haswell-generation quad-core mobile processor with 8 threads, a 2.502.502.50 GHz base clock, and a 3.703.703.70 GHz turbo boost, delivering a PassMark CPU Mark score of approximately 6,309. It features 666 MB L3 cache and supports up to 323232 GB of DDR3L memory, targeting demanding, larger notebook systems. Key advantages include strong multi-threaded...Read more

macworld.com

08/06/2015

MacBook Pro 15in 2.5 GHz Review - Macworld

The 2015 15-inch MacBook Pro (2.5 GHz) review highlights a major leap in performance, featuring PCIe 3.0 flash storage that delivers speeds over 2000 MB/s, along with the introduction of the versatile Force Touch trackpad. While maintaining the classic unibody design, the notebook boasts improved battery efficiency and a capable AMD Radeon R9 M370X discrete graphics card, though it...Read more

cpu-monkey.com

25/07/2025

Intel Core i7-4870HQ Benchmarks & Specifications

The Intel Core i7-4870HQ is a high-end 22nm Haswell quad-core mobile processor from 2014, featuring 4 cores/8 threads and a 3.7 GHz max turbo. Its key differentiator is the "Crystal Well" design, utilizing 128 MB of eDRAM as an L4 cache to boost performance. This CPU, often found in 2014 MacBook Pro models, remains suitable for demanding tasks and multitasking. Pros include the...Read more

computerhoy.20minutos.es

03/07/2015

Apple MacBook Pro 15" 2015: Full Review and Opinion

The ComputerHoy review of the 2015 15-inch MacBook Pro highlights a refined, premium design featuring a high-quality Retina display, exceptional SSD performance, and the introduction of the Force Touch trackpad. Pros include its robust build quality, strong processing power suitable for professional workflows, and excellent integration with iOS through OS X Yosemite. Cons center on...Read more

notebookcheck.nl

24/02/2015

Alienware 15 (i7-4870HQ, GTX 980M) Notebook Review

The Dell Alienware 15 (Early 2015) is a high-end gaming laptop prioritizing premium construction over value, featuring a sturdy chassis and optional GTX 980M graphics alongside support for the Alienware Graphics Amplifier. Key strengths include a high-quality IPS display, excellent keyboard comfort, strong audio from Klipsch speakers, and above-average battery life. Conversely, the...Read more

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