Name: Intel Core i7 4950HQ
Brand: Intel

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 4950HQ

Overall score

5.6

Hide

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

Hide

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

Performance

6.3

Hide

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

Cache & Architecture

3.8

Hide

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

Memory & PCIe

3.5

Hide

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

Integrated Graphics

7.0

Hide

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

Power & Thermal

6.7

Hide

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

Intel Core i7 4950HQ vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i7 4950HQ better than the average processor?

Hide

Unlocked for overclocking
Intel Core i7 4950HQ has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
What it is: Has an unlocked CPU multiplier, which makes manual CPU overclocking much easier on supported platforms.
When it matters: When you plan to push clock speeds beyond stock settings instead of leaving the processor completely at default behavior.
Importance: MEDIUM
Intel Core i7 4950HQ has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
Unlocked for overclocking
Intel Core i7 4950HQ has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.

Total

Performance

Why is Intel Core i7 4950HQ worse than the average processor?

Hide

7 year/s older release date
Intel Core i7 4950HQ has an older release date than the average processor (2,013 vs 2,020).
June 2013
Older CPU socket
Intel Core i7 4950HQ uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,364 vs FP2).
No crypto acceleration
Intel Core i7 4950HQ does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
16.3% lower boost clock
Intel Core i7 4950HQ has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
2 fewer CPU cores
Intel Core i7 4950HQ has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
40.2% lower PassMark score
Intel Core i7 4950HQ has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (6,302 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
37.5% lower bus transfer rate
Intel Core i7 4950HQ 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 4950HQ 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 4950HQ 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 4950HQ 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 4950HQ 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 4950HQ 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 4950HQ 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 4950HQ uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Haswell vs Kaby Lake).
33.3% smaller L1 cache
Intel Core i7 4950HQ has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
65.7% fewer transistors
Intel Core i7 4950HQ has fewer transistors than the average processor (1.7 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
25% smaller L3 cache
Intel Core i7 4950HQ 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 4950HQ uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
Older DDR support
Intel Core i7 4950HQ supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
44.1% lower memory bandwidth
Intel Core i7 4950HQ 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 4950HQ 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.
50% less memory capacity
Intel Core i7 4950HQ has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
50% less memory per DIMM
Intel Core i7 4950HQ has fewer memory per DIMM than the average processor (16 GB vs 32 GB). The average processor supports 32 GB of memory per DIMM.
42.9% lower GPU clock speed
Intel Core i7 4950HQ 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.
16.3% lower boost clock
Intel Core i7 4950HQ has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.6 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 4950HQ has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.6 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
83.3% larger process node
Intel Core i7 4950HQ 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 4950HQ 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
2 fewer CPU cores
Intel Core i7 4950HQ 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 4950HQ has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
46.1% larger die size
Intel Core i7 4950HQ 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 4950HQ 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
Older DDR support
Intel Core i7 4950HQ supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
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
Intel Core i7 4950HQ supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).DDR3 vs DDR4
44.1% lower memory bandwidth
Intel Core i7 4950HQ 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 4950HQ 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
45.4% lower memory speed
Intel Core i7 4950HQ 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.
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
Intel Core i7 4950HQ 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.1600 MHz vs 2933 MHz
50% less L2 per core
Intel Core i7 4950HQ 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.
What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=1 MB/core
Intel Core i7 4950HQ 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.0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7 4950HQ?

Powerful integrated graphics (Iris Pro 5200) that competes with mid-range dedicated GPUs
On-package eDRAM memory (128MB) significantly boosts graphics and overall system performance
Solid quad-core performance with Hyper-Threading for efficient multitasking
Support for advanced instruction sets like AVX2 and FMA for modern applications
High turbo boost clock speeds (up to 3.6GHz) provide strong single-threaded performance

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 4950HQ?

High 47W TDP requires substantial cooling solutions and larger laptop chassis
Relatively high power consumption limits battery life compared to 'U' series chips
Four physical cores may be a bottleneck for extremely core-heavy modern workloads
Older 22nm architecture is less energy-efficient than newer 14nm or 10nm processes
Occasional reports of minor lag or frame drops in demanding graphical tasks despite the strong iGPU

Expert reviews

tweakers.net

01/06/2013

Haswell for laptops: Core i7 quad-core tested | Intel Core i7-4750HQ and i7-4950HQ review: Haswell with Iris Pro Graphics

This 2013 Tweakers review examines the fourth-generation Intel Core i7-4700MQ ("Haswell"), highlighting a shift toward efficiency and superior integrated HD 4600 graphics rather than massive raw CPU gains over Ivy Bridge. The architecture delivers notable improvements in battery life and power management, allowing for faster sleep/wake times and prolonged, low-power operation...Read more

Intel Core i7 4950HQ Review | 78 Data compared

Best prices in UK

Best prices in US

Best rankings

Verdict

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 4950HQ

Intel Core i7 4950HQ vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i7 4950HQ better than the average processor?

Why is Intel Core i7 4950HQ worse than the average processor?

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 4950HQ and other processors

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7 4950HQ?

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 4950HQ?

Expert reviews

Best alternatives

Compare Intel Core i7 4950HQ with other processors