Intel Core i7-3770K vs Intel Core i7-4910MQ Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data for these two processors paints a split picture. The Intel Core i7-3770K wins six of the eight recorded head-to-head tests, while the Intel Core i7-4910MQ takes the remaining two. The margins in each direction are worth examining closely.

In the Cinebench suite, the i7-3770K consistently leads by a narrow but uniform margin. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the 3770K scores 558 against 536 for the 4910MQ, a delta of -3.9%. The single-core R15 test shows the same pattern: 78 versus 75, a -3.8% delta. Moving to Cinebench R20, the multicore result is 2327 for the 3770K versus 2236, again -3.9%. The R20 single-core test shows 328 versus 315, a -4% delta. Cinebench R23 multicore continues the trend with 5542 against 5326, -3.9%, and R23 single-core shows 782 versus 752, -3.8%. These six Cinebench results are all within a narrow band of 3.8% to 4% in favor of the desktop part.

The Geekbench results flip the script entirely. In Geekbench multicore, the 4910MQ scores 3368 against 3027 for the 3770K, a delta of 11.3% in favor of the mobile chip. The single-core Geekbench test is even more lopsided: 1116 versus 860, a delta of 29.8%. This is a substantial gap, far larger than any of the Cinebench deltas. The data indicates that the two processors have different performance profiles depending on the workload, with the 4910MQ showing a distinct advantage in the Geekbench tests while the 3770K edges ahead across all Cinebench variants.

Where Each One Wins

The use-case split follows the benchmark families closely. The i7-3770K dominates in Cinebench renders, which are heavily threaded and cache-sensitive. Every Cinebench iteration, from R15 through R23, in both single-core and multicore modes, shows the 3770K ahead by roughly 4%. This suggests that for rendering workloads, whether in video production, 3D modeling, or other CPU-bound creative tasks, the desktop chip holds a consistent, if modest, performance edge.

The i7-4910MQ wins decisively in Geekbench, which is a broader system-level test that exercises memory latency, branch prediction, and integer and floating-point throughput in a more general-purpose manner. The 29.8% lead in single-core Geekbench is particularly striking, as it indicates that for day-to-day application responsiveness, single-threaded tasks, and lightly threaded software, the mobile processor delivers noticeably higher performance. The 11.3% multicore Geekbench advantage reinforces this: for general productivity, web browsing, office suites, and code compilation with lighter thread counts, the 4910MQ is the stronger performer.

The practical interpretation is that the 3770K is better suited for sustained, render-oriented workloads where Cinebench-style performance matters, while the 4910MQ excels in mixed, interactive workloads that Geekbench approximates. Neither chip is a clear all-around winner; the choice depends on the dominant application type.

Architecture Differences

Both processors share the same fundamental design lineage: 4 cores, 8 threads, 22 nm process node, 1,400 million transistors, 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, 8 MB shared L3, DDR3 memory support, dual-channel memory bus, 25.6 GB/s memory bandwidth, no ECC memory, and PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The similarities end at the architectural generation and physical details.

The 4910MQ uses the Haswell architecture, while the 3770K uses Ivy Bridge. Both are built on a 22 nm process, but the die sizes differ: the Haswell chip has a 177 mm² die, while the Ivy Bridge chip is 160 mm². The integrated graphics also differ, with the 4910MQ featuring Intel HD 4600 and the 3770K featuring Intel HD 4000.

The base clocks are different: the 4910MQ runs at 2.90 GHz, while the 3770K runs at 3.50 GHz. Both boost to 3.90 GHz, which explains the close Cinebench results. The higher base clock on the 3770K likely contributes to its consistent lead in sustained render workloads. The TDP differs substantially: the 4910MQ is rated at 47 W, while the 3770K is rated at 77 W. This is a critical distinction, as the mobile part achieves nearly the same performance at roughly 61% of the thermal envelope.

The sockets are incompatible: the 4910MQ uses Intel Socket G3, while the 3770K uses Intel Socket 1155. The 4910MQ is a mobile part with the multiplier locked, while the 3770K is a desktop part with an unlocked multiplier. The release dates differ by about two years, with the 3770K launching in April 2012 and the 4910MQ in January 2014. The production status for both is end-of-life.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in Cinebench R23 multicore?

A: The Intel Core i7-3770K scores 5542 versus 5326 for the i7-4910MQ, a delta of -3.9% in favor of the desktop chip.

Q: Why does the i7-4910MQ win Geekbench single-core by such a large margin?

A: The 4910MQ scores 1116 against 860 for the 3770K, a delta of 29.8%. This likely reflects architectural improvements in Haswell over Ivy Bridge for general-purpose single-threaded workloads.

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

A: Yes, both have 4 cores and 8 threads, with identical L1, L2, and L3 cache configurations: 64 KB L1 per core, 256 KB L2 per core, and 8 MB shared L3.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two?

A: The i7-4910MQ has a TDP of 47 W, while the i7-3770K has a TDP of 77 W. The mobile chip delivers comparable performance at a much lower thermal budget.

Q: Are the sockets interchangeable?

A: No. The i7-4910MQ uses Intel Socket G3, while the i7-3770K uses Intel Socket 1155. They are not compatible with each other's platforms.

Q: Which chip has an unlocked multiplier?

A: The i7-3770K has an unlocked multiplier, while the i7-4910MQ does not. This makes the desktop chip more flexible for overclocking, though the locked mobile chip still boosts to the same 3.90 GHz maximum.

The Verdict

The data points to two different use cases. The i7-3770K is the stronger choice for rendering and compute workloads that resemble Cinebench. Its consistent 3.8% to 4% lead across all Cinebench tests, combined with a higher base clock of 3.50 GHz versus 2.90 GHz, makes it the better pick for sustained multi-threaded rendering. The unlocked multiplier also allows for manual overclocking, which the 4910MQ cannot offer.

The i7-4910MQ is the better choice for general-purpose computing where Geekbench scores matter more. Its 29.8% single-core and 11.3% multicore Geekbench advantages indicate superior responsiveness in typical applications. The lower TDP of 47 W versus 77 W means it can fit into mobile platforms with less thermal strain, making it a more power-efficient option for laptops and compact systems.

For a desktop user focused on rendering, the 3770K is the logical pick. For a mobile user or someone prioritizing interactive performance and power efficiency, the 4910MQ is superior. The overall average benchmark score slightly favors the 4910MQ at 1716 versus 1688, and the 4910MQ sits at the 41st percentile versus the 40th percentile for the 3770K, but these aggregate figures mask the workload-specific deltas.

Specification Differences

| Field | Intel Core i7-4910MQ | Intel Core i7-3770K |

|-------|----------------------|---------------------|

| Base Clock | 2.90 GHz | 3.50 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.90 GHz | 3.90 GHz |

| TDP | 47 W | 77 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket G3 | Intel Socket 1155 |

| Architecture | Haswell | Ivy Bridge |

| Codename | Haswell | Ivy Bridge |

| Generation | Core i7 (Haswell) | Core i7 (Ivy Bridge) |

| Die Size | 177 mm² | 160 mm² |

| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD 4600 | Intel HD 4000 |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Release Date | 2014-01-19 | 2012-04-28 |

| Launch MSRP | $570 | $313 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | Yes |

| Part Number | SR1PT | SR0PL |