Intel Core i5-4690T vs Intel Core i7-2860QM Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a remarkably consistent pattern across every Cinebench workload: the Intel Core i5-4690T wins all six head-to-head comparisons, though by narrow margins. The largest single advantage appears in Cinebench R15 single-core, where the i5-4690T scores 55 against the i7-2860QM's 54, a 1.9% delta. This is the only benchmark where the gap exceeds 1%. Every other test falls between 0.8% and 0.9%: R15 multi-core shows 393 versus 390 (0.8%), R20 multi-core shows 1640 versus 1626 (0.9%), R20 single-core shows 231 versus 229 (0.9%), R23 multi-core shows 3905 versus 3873 (0.8%), and R23 single-core shows 551 versus 546 (0.9%).

What does this mean in practice? The i5-4690T is faster in every recorded test, but the differences are small enough that real-world applications would likely perceive them as nearly equivalent. A 0.8% multi-core lead in R23 translates to roughly 32 points, which sits well within run-to-run variance for most systems. The single-core wins are similarly marginal: 1 point in R15, 2 points in R20, and 5 points in R23.

The benchmark data also reveals a structural difference: the i7-2860QM has 8 threads versus the i5-4690T's 4 threads, yet it still loses every multi-core test. This is notable because the i7's extra threads should theoretically help in heavily threaded workloads. The fact that it does not pull ahead suggests the i5's newer architecture (Haswell versus Sandy Bridge) compensates for the thread deficit. The i5-4690T's 4 cores at a 3.50 GHz boost clock outperform the i7-2860QM's 4 cores at a 3.60 GHz boost clock in all multi-core scenarios, despite the i7's higher boost frequency and additional threads.

Looking at the average benchmark scores, the i5-4690T posts 1129 versus the i7-2860QM's 1120. This 9-point gap aligns with the head-to-head results. Both CPUs sit at the 32nd percentile among all CPUs in the database, placing them in the same performance tier overall. The nearest rivals for the i5-4690T are the Intel Core i7-3612QM (1129, 0% delta), the Intel Core i7-2720QM (1128, 0.1%), the Intel Core i3-4370 (1130, -0.1%), and the Intel Core i5-3330S (1128, 0.1%). For the i7-2860QM, the nearest rivals are the AMD Athlon 240GE (1121, 0%), the Intel Xeon D-1518 (1121, -0.1%), the Intel Core i3-4150 (1119, 0.1%), and the Intel Core i5-3550S (1118, 0.2%).

These rival lists confirm that both chips occupy a crowded mid-range performance band where a few points separate dozens of processors. The i5-4690T's 0.1% lead over the i7-2720QM and the i7-2860QM's 0.1% gap to the i3-4150 illustrate how tightly packed this segment is. No data in the database suggests either chip has a decisive advantage over the other in compute-heavy tasks; instead, the i5-4690T simply holds a slight edge in every measured Cinebench iteration.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins the most benchmark comparisons?

A: The Intel Core i5-4690T wins all six head-to-head benchmark comparisons. The Intel Core i7-2860QM records zero wins in the head-to-head data.

Q: How large is the performance gap between the two CPUs?

A: The largest delta is 1.9% in Cinebench R15 single-core. All other deltas are between 0.8% and 0.9% in favor of the i5-4690T. The average benchmark score difference is 9 points (1129 versus 1120).

Q: Does the i7-2860QM's higher thread count help it in multi-core tests?

A: No. Despite having 8 threads versus the i5-4690T's 4 threads, the i7-2860QM loses all three multi-core Cinebench tests (R15: 390 versus 393, R20: 1626 versus 1640, R23: 3873 versus 3905).

Q: What are the nearest rivals to each processor in the database?

A: For the i5-4690T, the nearest rivals are the Intel Core i7-3612QM (1129, 0% delta), Intel Core i7-2720QM (1128, 0.1%), Intel Core i3-4370 (1130, -0.1%), and Intel Core i5-3330S (1128, 0.1%). For the i7-2860QM, they are the AMD Athlon 240GE (1121, 0%), Intel Xeon D-1518 (1121, -0.1%), Intel Core i3-4150 (1119, 0.1%), and Intel Core i5-3550S (1118, 0.2%).

Q: Do both processors share the same performance percentile?

A: Yes, both are recorded at the 32nd percentile among all CPUs in the database.

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i7-2860QM has a boost clock of 3.60 GHz, while the Intel Core i5-4690T has a boost clock of 3.50 GHz. Both have a base clock of 2.50 GHz.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural generations. The Intel Core i5-4690T is built on the Haswell architecture, specifically the Core i5 (Haswell) generation, while the Intel Core i7-2860QM uses Sandy Bridge, from the Core i7 (Sandy Bridge) generation. This generational gap is reflected in the manufacturing process: the i5-4690T uses a 22 nm node, while the i7-2860QM uses a 32 nm node. Both are fabricated by Intel.

The transistor and die measurements differ substantially. The i5-4690T packs 1,400 million transistors on a 177 mm² die. The i7-2860QM contains 1,160 million transistors on a larger 216 mm² die. This means the Haswell part achieves higher transistor density despite a smaller physical footprint, a direct consequence of the newer 22 nm process versus the older 32 nm process.

Cache configurations also differ. Both have 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 256 KB of L2 cache per core, but the shared L3 cache differs: the i5-4690T has 6 MB shared, while the i7-2860QM has 8 MB shared. The extra 2 MB of L3 cache on the i7 does not translate into a performance lead in the recorded benchmarks, likely because the i5's newer core architecture and memory subsystem compensate.

Integrated graphics are another point of divergence. The i5-4690T ships with Intel HD 4600, whereas the i7-2860QM carries Intel HD 3000. This represents two generations of integrated graphics evolution, with HD 4600 being the newer offering. No benchmark data is provided for graphics performance in the database, so the comparison rests on the architectural difference alone.

The memory support fields show partial data. The i5-4690T lists DDR3 memory support with a dual-channel memory bus and a measured memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s. The i7-2860QM lists only the dual-channel memory bus; its memory support type and bandwidth are not recorded in the database. Both CPUs have ECC memory disabled.

PCIe support differs as well. The i5-4690T provides PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the i7-2860QM has no PCIe data recorded. This indicates a newer PCIe generation on the Haswell part, though the database does not contain any measured impact of this difference.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several recorded specifications. The socket is a key difference: the i5-4690T uses Intel Socket 1150, while the i7-2860QM uses Intel Socket G2 (988B). This means they are not interchangeable in any physical system, and upgrades would require a motherboard change.

Thread count differs: the i5-4690T has 4 threads, while the i7-2860QM has 8 threads. Both have 4 cores. The base clock is identical at 2.50 GHz, but the boost clock differs by 0.10 GHz in favor of the i7-2860QM (3.60 GHz versus 3.50 GHz).

The process node differs (22 nm versus 32 nm), as do the transistor count (1,400 million versus 1,160 million) and die size (177 mm² versus 216 mm²). The L3 cache differs: 6 MB shared on the i5-4690T versus 8 MB shared on the i7-2860QM. L1 and L2 caches are the same per-core sizes.

Memory support is recorded only for the i5-4690T (DDR3), while the i7-2860QM has no memory support type listed. Memory bandwidth is recorded only for the i5-4690T at 25.6 GB/s, with no value for the i7-2860QM. PCIe data exists only for the i5-4690T (Gen 3, 16 Lanes CPU only), with nothing recorded for the i7-2860QM.

Integrated graphics differ (Intel HD 4600 versus Intel HD 3000). The market segment differs: the i5-4690T is a Desktop part, while the i7-2860QM is a Mobile part. The production status differs: the i5-4690T has no production status recorded, while the i7-2860QM is listed as end-of-life. Release dates differ by about two and a half years: the i5-4690T released on 2014-04-30, and the i7-2860QM released on 2011-09-03. Neither processor has a recorded launch MSRP, and neither has an unlocked multiplier. The part numbers are SR1QT for the i5-4690T and SR02X for the i7-2860QM.

The Verdict

Based strictly on the recorded data, the Intel Core i5-4690T is the faster processor. It wins every head-to-head benchmark, posts a higher average benchmark score (1129 versus 1120), and achieves these results despite having half the threads and a slightly lower boost clock. The consistency of the 0.8% to 1.9% margins across all Cinebench workloads suggests a genuine, if modest, architectural advantage from the newer Haswell design.

However, the practical significance is limited. The largest single margin is 1.9% in R15 single-core, which is within the noise of most real-world applications. Both CPUs sit at the 32nd percentile, and their nearest rivals overlap heavily. A user moving from one to the other would not perceive a meaningful speed difference in day-to-day tasks. The i7-2860QM's 8 threads do not rescue it in multi-core tests, but its 3.60 GHz boost clock and 8 MB L3 cache keep it close.

The choice comes down to platform and use-case context, not raw performance. The i5-4690T is a desktop part on Socket 1150 with DDR3 support and PCIe Gen 3. The i7-2860QM is a mobile part on Socket G2 (988B) and is end-of-life. The i5-4690T is the better buy for a desktop build where the motherboard supports Socket 1150, as it offers newer integrated graphics (HD 4600), a smaller die, and higher transistor density. The i7-2860QM is only relevant for existing Socket G2 laptops, where its thread count and 8 MB cache could help in multitasking scenarios, but the database shows no benchmark where it beats the i5-4690T.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i5-4690T wins in every measured category. It takes all six head-to-head Cinebench tests, including single-core and multi-core variants across R15, R20, and R23. Its wins are characterized by small but consistent margins: 0.8% in R15 multi-core, 1.9% in R15 single-core, 0.9% in R20 multi-core, 0.9% in R20 single-core, 0.8% in R23 multi-core, and 0.9% in R23 single-core. It also holds a higher average benchmark score (1129 versus 1120) and a better integrated graphics unit (HD 4600 versus HD 3000). For any workload that the database measures, the i5-4690T is the recommended choice.

The Intel Core i7-2860QM does not win any head-to-head benchmark. Its advantages in the specification sheet are limited to thread count (8 versus 4), boost clock (3.60 GHz versus 3.50 GHz), L3 cache (8 MB versus 6 MB), and a lower transistor count on a larger die. None of these translate into a benchmark win. Where it could be considered is in a mobile platform context: it is the only one of the two with a recorded mobile market segment, and its end-of-life status means it is an older part that may be available in existing laptops. For users who already own a Socket G2 system, the i7-2860QM offers 8 threads for multitasking, but the database provides no evidence that this helps in any Cinebench test.

In summary, the data directs a user toward the i5-4690T for any new build, while the i7-2860QM remains a viable option only for those constrained to its specific mobile socket and willing to accept a slight performance deficit in every recorded benchmark.