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Intel Core i7 4960HQ Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£520
Avg. price in US: ~$620
PassMark benchmark result: 6368
N. of physical cores: 4
CPU boost clock speed: 3.8 GHz

Intel Core i7 4960HQ review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.1

Poor

4.1

Poor

?

3.0
Gaming
Score components:
30.0%
3.2
PassMark single-core benchmark score
25.0%
3.0
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
20.0%
4.0
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
1.8
L3 cache
8.0%
1.8
N. of physical cores
2.2
Video editing
Score components:
45.0%
2.2
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

No image

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Best prices in UK

N/A~ £520

Best rankings

#481 in Best Mobile CPUs

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-4960HQ is a high-end, 4th generation quad-core mobile processor based on the 22nm Haswell architecture, released in late 2013. It features 4 cores and 8 threads via Hyper-Threading, a base clock speed of 2.6 GHz with a Max Turbo frequency of 3.8 GHz, and 6 MB of Intel Smart Cache. A standout characteristic is its integrated Iris Pro Graphics 5200 with 128 MB of dedicated eDRAM, which significantly boosts graphical performance compared to standard integrated units. Main pros include its robust multitasking capabilities and strong integrated graphics that rival entry-level dedicated GPUs. However, it carries a relatively high TDP of 47W for a mobile chip, leading to high power consumption and heat generation, and is now considered obsolete for modern, high-intensity gaming and software.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 4960HQ

Overall score

4.1

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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

3.8

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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

3.8

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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

3.6

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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 4960HQ vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i7 4960HQ better than the average processor?

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2.25x faster classroom rendering
Intel Core i7 4960HQ has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,777.6 vs 791.745). The average processor needs 791.745 for the Blender Classroom test.
What it is: A Blender render result based on the Classroom scene, used to show how quickly the processor can complete a demanding rendering workload.
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: >1500
Intel Core i7 4960HQ has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,777.6 vs 791.745). The average processor needs 791.745 for the Blender Classroom test.1,777.64 vs 791.745
2.25x faster classroom rendering
Intel Core i7 4960HQ has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,777.6 vs 791.745). The average processor needs 791.745 for the Blender Classroom test.

Why is Intel Core i7 4960HQ worse than the average processor?

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7 year/s older release date
Intel Core i7 4960HQ has an older release date than the average processor (2,013 vs 2,020).
September 2013
Older CPU socket
Intel Core i7 4960HQ uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,364 vs FP2).
No crypto acceleration
Intel Core i7 4960HQ does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
25.4% lower single-core score
Intel Core i7 4960HQ has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,097 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
11.6% lower boost clock
Intel Core i7 4960HQ has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.8 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
2 fewer CPU cores
Intel Core i7 4960HQ has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
15.9% weaker single-core performance
Intel Core i7 4960HQ has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,089 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
39.5% lower PassMark score
Intel Core i7 4960HQ has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (6,368 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
24.3% lower multi-core score
Intel Core i7 4960HQ has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (3,629 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
37.5% lower bus transfer rate
Intel Core i7 4960HQ 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 4960HQ 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 4960HQ 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 4960HQ 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 4960HQ 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 4960HQ 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 4960HQ 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 4960HQ uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Haswell vs Kaby Lake).
33.3% smaller L1 cache
Intel Core i7 4960HQ has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
71.7% fewer transistors
Intel Core i7 4960HQ has fewer transistors than the average processor (1.4 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
25% smaller L3 cache
Intel Core i7 4960HQ 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 4960HQ uses a less advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 22 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
Older DDR support
Intel Core i7 4960HQ supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).
44.1% lower memory bandwidth
Intel Core i7 4960HQ 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 4960HQ 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 4960HQ 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 4960HQ 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 4960HQ does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
83.3% larger process node
Intel Core i7 4960HQ 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 4960HQ 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
25.4% lower single-core score
Intel Core i7 4960HQ has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,097 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 4960HQ has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,097 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.1,097 vs 1,471
11.6% lower boost clock
Intel Core i7 4960HQ has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.8 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 4960HQ has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.8 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.8 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
2 fewer CPU cores
Intel Core i7 4960HQ 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 4960HQ has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
15.9% weaker single-core performance
Intel Core i7 4960HQ has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,089 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 4960HQ has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,089 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.2,089 vs 2,483
46.1% larger die size
Intel Core i7 4960HQ 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 4960HQ 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 4960HQ 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 4960HQ supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (DDR3 vs DDR4).DDR3 vs DDR4
44.1% lower memory bandwidth
Intel Core i7 4960HQ 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 4960HQ 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 4960HQ and other processors

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7 4960HQ?

High-end performance for its generation, capable of handling demanding applications like video editing and rendering
Strong integrated graphics (Iris Pro Graphics 5200) with 128MB eDRAM, rivaling mid-range dedicated GPUs of its time
Supports up to 8 threads via Hyper-Threading, offering better multitasking and multi-threaded performance
Improved power efficiency and reduced heat dissipation (47W TDP) compared to previous generation Extreme mobile chips
Includes advanced features like AVX2 and FMA for increased performance in modern software applications

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 4960HQ?

Significantly outperformed by modern, even entry-level, processors like 11th or 12th gen Core i3/i5 models
Subject to thermal throttling in thinner laptop designs, which can limit sustained performance under heavy loads
Outdated architecture (Haswell 22nm) lacks support for newer technologies like DDR4 or PCIe 4.0/5.0
Limited to 4 physical cores, which may struggle with highly parallel modern workloads compared to higher core-count CPUs
High initial cost at launch made it a poor value-for-money choice for mainstream users

Expert reviews

cpubenchmark.net

30/03/2026

Intel i7-4960HQ vs i7-4850HQ - CPU Benchmarks

The PassMark comparison identifies the Intel Core i7-4960HQ as superior to the i7-4850HQ due to higher clock speeds, offering roughly 8% better single-thread performance. Both 4th Gen Haswell chips feature 4 cores, 8 threads, and Intel Iris Pro 5200 graphics, but the i7-4960HQ provides faster CPU and GPU turbo frequencies (up to 3.8 GHz and 1300 MHz respectively). While the...Read more

cpubenchmark.net

30/03/2026

Intel Core i7-4960HQ @ 2.60GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i7-4960HQ is a Haswell-based quad-core mobile processor, featuring a 2.60 GHz base clock and Intel Iris Pro Graphics 5200 with embedded eDRAM for improved graphics. While offering strong multi-threaded performance for its era, the 47W TDP requires robust cooling to avoid thermal throttling. Currently, the chip lacks official Windows 11 support and, despite its legacy,...Read more

notebookcheck.com

01/07/2023

Comparison: Intel Core i7-4960HQ vs i7-3940XM vs i7-4910MQ - Benchmarks and Tests

This Notebookcheck review compares three high-end mobile processors, highlighting that while the Ivy Bridge i7-3940XM offers the highest clock speeds (3.0 GHz) and an unlocked multiplier, the Haswell-based i7-4960HQ and i7-4910MQ provide superior efficiency and a nearly 10% performance-per-clock increase. The i7-4960HQ differentiates itself with Iris Pro Graphics 5200 (40 EUs +...Read more

valid.x86.fr

30/03/2026

CPU-Z Benchmark for Intel Core i7-4960HQ (16T) - CPU-Z VALIDATOR

The CPU-Z benchmark for this 16-thread system shows strong multi-threaded capability, delivering performance comparable to high-end chips like the AMD Ryzen 7 5800 and Intel Core i9-9900K, suggesting suitability for intensive tasks and efficient, stable operation. Key pros include high single-core efficiency for daily responsiveness, effective core scaling for heavy workloads, and...Read more

valid.x86.fr

30/03/2026

CPU-Z Benchmark for Intel Core i7-4960HQ (24T)

The Intel Core i9-14900KS, analyzed via CPU-Z Validator, is a 24-core "Special Edition" processor boasting world-leading stock clock speeds up to 6.2 GHz. This high-performance chip excels in single-threaded tasks, offering superior gaming and desktop responsiveness compared to the standard i9-14900K. However, this performance comes with significant drawbacks, including massive...Read more

imaccanici.org

10/04/2019

90-degree temperatures using Handbrake with i7-4960HQ. Would you like to compare these results with benchmarks from more recent mobile processors?

An iMaccanici forum discussion addresses user concerns regarding Intel-based Macs reaching 90°C during Handbrake video encoding, noting that such temperatures are within operating limits but cause alarm. The thread clarifies that this thermal behavior is typical for high-load tasks, with the system utilizing effective thermal throttling to maintain stability. Participants recommend...Read more

flashmac.com

22/10/2013

Apple MacBook Pro 15.4" Retina Intel® Quad-Core i7 2.6GHz Late 2013

The refurbished Late 2013 15.4-inch MacBook Pro features a 2.6GHz Intel Quad-Core i7, a 2880 x 1800 Retina display, and 16GB of RAM, offering solid performance for demanding tasks. Key pros include a slim, portable aluminum design, fast PCIe-based storage, and extensive connectivity with USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 2 ports. However, this model is now considered obsolete, with...Read more

tweakers.net

10/01/2015

BTO X-Book 17CL62 Review

The 2015 Tweakers review of the BTO X-Book 17CL62 highlights the laptop as a powerful desktop replacement, delivering impressive graphical performance in a relatively compact, professional-looking chassis. Key strengths include a sleek, modern aesthetic and effective thermal management, which keeps the machine remarkably quiet despite its high-end gaming hardware. While offering...Read more

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