Intel Core i5-8269U vs Intel Core i7-4870HQ Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data presents a decisive picture: the Intel Core i5-8269U wins every recorded head-to-head test against the Intel Core i7-4870HQ. Across all six Cinebench comparisons, the i5-8269U holds a consistent advantage, with deltas ranging from 10.6% to 11.5%. This uniformity suggests a systematic performance edge rather than workload-specific behavior.

In Cinebench R15 multicore, the i5-8269U scores 609 against 540 for the i7-4870HQ, a margin of 11.3%. The single-core test in the same suite shows 85 against 76, a 10.6% lead. Moving to Cinebench R20, the multicore result is 2538 versus 2253, again an 11.2% gap, while single-core is 358 versus 317, the largest relative difference at 11.5%. In Cinebench R23, the multicore scores are 6044 and 5366, with the i5-8269U ahead by 11.2%, and single-core is 853 versus 757, a 11.3% margin.

The i7-4870HQ does not claim a single win in the head-to-head set. Even in areas where the older Haswell design might be expected to hold its own, such as sustained multicore rendering, the newer Kaby Lake part stays ahead by roughly the same percentage. The data shows a consistent 11% class advantage for the i5-8269U across every test iteration, which points to a fundamental performance gap rather than a transient boost or thermal artifact.

Looking at the broader database averages, the two processors are far closer than the head-to-head tests suggest. The i7-4870HQ has an average benchmark score of 1769, while the i5-8269U sits at 1748. This places the i7-4870HQ slightly ahead in the aggregate, despite losing every direct comparison. The explanation lies in the benchmark mix: the i7-4870HQ has recorded Geekbench scores of 3701 multicore and 1143 singlecore, while the i5-8269U has no Geekbench entries in the database. Those additional scores pull the i7-4870HQ's average upward, even though its Cinebench results are uniformly lower.

Both processors occupy the 41st percentile among all CPUs in the database, meaning they are statistically peers in overall standing. The i7-4870HQ's nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 5 2400GE at 1766 (a 0.2% delta), the Intel Xeon E5-2637 v3 at 1773 (a -0.2% delta), the Intel Xeon E-2224 at 1762 (a 0.4% delta), and the Intel Xeon E5-4610 v3 at 1777 (a -0.4% delta). The i5-8269U's nearest rivals are the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 3200GE at 1750 (a -0.1% delta), the Intel Core i7-980X at 1746 (a 0.1% delta), the Intel Core i5-6600 at 1744 (a 0.3% delta), and the AMD Ryzen 3 4300U at 1742 (a 0.4% delta). These tight deltas around the 1% mark confirm that both chips sit in the same performance band, even though the newer part dominates the direct Cinebench comparisons.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural eras and manufacturing processes. The Intel Core i7-4870HQ uses the Haswell architecture, specifically the Crystalwell codename, built on Intel's 22 nm process node. It integrates 1,400 million transistors on a 264 mm² die. The Intel Core i5-8269U uses the Kaby Lake architecture with the Kaby Lake-R codename, fabricated on a 14 nm node, with a die size of 123 mm². The i5-8269U's transistor count is not recorded in the database, but the smaller die on a more advanced node is a clear generational shift.

Both processors have four cores and eight threads, so the core topology is identical. L1 cache is 64 KB per core on both, and L2 is 256 KB per core on both. L3 cache is 6 MB shared on both as well. The cache hierarchy is therefore unchanged between the two designs, which makes the performance differences attributable to clock speeds, IPC improvements, and platform support rather than raw cache capacity.

Memory support differs. The i7-4870HQ supports DDR3 memory in a dual-channel configuration with a recorded memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s. The i5-8269U supports DDR4 memory, though the database does not list its memory bus width or bandwidth. The i5-8269U's use of DDR4 is a notable platform advantage, as it allows for higher memory densities and potentially better bandwidth per module, even if the exact figures are unrecorded.

PCIe support also differs. The i7-4870HQ lists PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes available from the CPU, while the i5-8269U has no PCIe data recorded. The integrated graphics differ as well: the i7-4870HQ carries Intel HD 5200, whereas the i5-8269U uses Iris Pro Plus. Both are Intel integrated solutions, but the newer Iris Pro Plus part benefits from architectural improvements in the Kaby Lake generation.

The production status separates the two clearly. The i7-4870HQ is end-of-life, released on 2014-06-30, while the i5-8269U is active, released on 2018-04-04. The socket also differs: the i7-4870HQ uses Intel BGA 1364, and the i5-8269U uses Intel BGA 1356. Neither is socketed for user upgrades in a conventional sense, but the platform change reflects the generational shift.

The i7-4870HQ has a TDP of 47 watts, while the i5-8269U is rated at 28 watts. This is a significant thermal difference: the newer part delivers higher benchmark scores while drawing substantially less power on paper. The i5-8269U's boost clock of 4.20 GHz against the i7-4870HQ's 3.70 GHz helps explain the performance edge, as does its higher base clock of 2.60 GHz versus 2.50 GHz.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in Cinebench R23 multicore?

A: The Intel Core i5-8269U scores 6044 in Cinebench R23 multicore, while the Intel Core i7-4870HQ scores 5366. The i5-8269U leads by 11.2%.

Q: How do the two processors compare in single-core performance?

A: The i5-8269U leads in every recorded single-core test. In Cinebench R15 it scores 85 versus 76, in R20 it scores 358 versus 317, and in R23 it scores 853 versus 757. The deltas range from 10.6% to 11.5% in favor of the i5-8269U.

Q: Do the two processors have the same number of cores and threads?

A: Yes, both have 4 cores and 8 threads. The core topology is identical, as is the cache layout: 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 6 MB of shared L3.

Q: What memory types do they support?

A: The i7-4870HQ supports DDR3 memory with dual-channel operation and a recorded bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s. The i5-8269U supports DDR4 memory, though its memory bus width and bandwidth are not recorded in the database.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score in the database?

A: The i7-4870HQ has an average benchmark score of 1769, compared to 1748 for the i5-8269U. This is despite the i5-8269U winning all head-to-head Cinebench tests, because the i7-4870HQ has additional Geekbench scores that raise its average.

Q: What are the TDP ratings for each processor?

A: The i7-4870HQ is rated at 47 watts, and the i5-8269U is rated at 28 watts. The i5-8269U delivers higher benchmark scores while carrying a lower TDP on paper.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several recorded specification fields. The i7-4870HQ has a base clock of 2.50 GHz and a boost clock of 3.70 GHz, while the i5-8269U has a base clock of 2.60 GHz and a boost clock of 4.20 GHz. The i5-8269U is higher in both metrics.

The TDP differs markedly: 47 watts for the i7-4870HQ versus 28 watts for the i5-8269U. The socket is different as well, with the i7-4870HQ using Intel BGA 1364 and the i5-8269U using Intel BGA 1356.

The architecture and codename differ: Haswell with the Crystalwell codename for the i7-4870HQ, and Kaby Lake with the Kaby Lake-R codename for the i5-8269U. The generation labels also differ, with the i7-4870HQ listed as Core i7 (Crystal Well) and the i5-8269U listed as Core i5 (Kaby Lake-U Refresh).

The process node is 22 nm for the i7-4870HQ and 14 nm for the i5-8269U. The i7-4870HQ has recorded transistor and die size data: 1,400 million transistors and 264 mm². The i5-8269U has only a die size of 123 mm² recorded, with no transistor count. The die size reduction is substantial, from 264 mm² down to 123 mm².

Memory support differs: DDR3 for the i7-4870HQ and DDR4 for the i5-8269U. The i7-4870HQ has recorded memory bus and bandwidth data (dual-channel, 25.6 GB/s), while the i5-8269U has neither recorded. PCIe support is listed for the i7-4870HQ (Gen 3, 16 lanes from the CPU) but is absent for the i5-8269U.

The integrated graphics differ: Intel HD 5200 on the i7-4870HQ, and Iris Pro Plus on the i5-8269U. The production status differs, with the i7-4870HQ marked end-of-life and the i5-8269U marked active. The release date also differs: 2014-06-30 for the i7-4870HQ and 2018-04-04 for the i5-8269U. The i7-4870HQ has a recorded part number (SR1ZX), while the i5-8269U does not. Both processors have no recorded launch MSRP, and neither has an unlocked multiplier.

Where Each One Wins

The i5-8269U wins every head-to-head benchmark in the database, which makes its case straightforward: for any Cinebench workload, whether single-core or multicore, across R15, R20, or R23, the i5-8269U is the faster processor. The consistency of the 11% margin suggests this advantage holds across different rendering tasks and thread counts. For users running Cinebench-style workloads, the i5-8269U is the clear choice.

The i5-8269U also wins on efficiency. Its 28 watt TDP is far lower than the i7-4870HQ's 47 watt rating, yet it still delivers higher scores. This makes it the better option for thermally constrained mobile chassis, where sustained performance under load matters and cooling capacity is limited. The lower TDP, combined with the higher boost clock of 4.20 GHz, indicates a design that achieves more performance per watt on paper.

The i5-8269U benefits from a newer platform as well. Its DDR4 memory support and 14 nm process node give it architectural advantages over the 22 nm Haswell design. The smaller die size, 123 mm² versus 264 mm², suggests a more efficient layout and lower manufacturing costs per die, even though pricing is not recorded in the database.

The i7-4870HQ does have one statistical claim to superiority: its average benchmark score of 1769 is higher than the i5-8269U's 1748. This is driven by the Geekbench results, where the i7-4870HQ records 3701 multicore and 1143 singlecore, while the i5-8269U has no Geekbench entries. For users who place heavy weight on Geekbench as a metric, the i7-4870HQ's recorded scores give it an edge in the aggregate database ranking, even though it loses every direct comparison.

The i7-4870HQ also has more complete specification data recorded. Its PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes, dual-channel DDR3 memory with a known 25.6 GB/s bandwidth, and recorded transistor count of 1,400 million make it a better-documented part. For system integration purposes where memory bandwidth figures are required, the i7-4870HQ provides those numbers directly, while the i5-8269U leaves them unrecorded.

In practical terms, the i5-8269U is the stronger choice for current workloads, particularly those that are single-threaded or moderately threaded, where its higher clocks and newer architecture pay off. The i7-4870HQ remains relevant only in contexts where its recorded Geekbench scores and fully specified memory subsystem matter more than the Cinebench results. For any workload represented in the head-to-head set, the i5-8269U's 11% advantage across the board makes it the recommended part.