Intel Core i7-4870HQ vs Intel Core i7-980X Comparison

The Intel Core i7-4870HQ and Intel Core i7-980X are two end-of-life processors from different generations and market segments. The recorded benchmark data shows a clear split: the 980X wins all six Cinebench tests by a consistent margin of about 7.3% to 7.6%, while the 4870HQ wins both Geekbench tests, with a particularly massive 73.4% lead in single-core performance. Their average benchmark scores are nearly identical, 1769 for the 4870HQ and 1746 for the 980X, and both sit at the 41st percentile among all CPUs.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core i7-980X dominates the Cinebench suite. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, it scores 584 against 540 for the 4870HQ, a 7.5% advantage. The single-core R15 test shows 82 versus 76, a 7.3% lead. Moving to Cinebench R20, the 980X posts 2434 multi-core and 343 single-core, while the 4870HQ manages 2253 and 317, yielding 7.4% and 7.6% margins respectively. In Cinebench R23, the 980X scores 5797 multi-core and 818 single-core, compared to 5366 and 757 for the 4870HQ, again a 7.4% and 7.5% gap. These results are remarkably consistent: the 980X is roughly 7.5% faster across every Cinebench workload, whether multi-threaded or single-threaded.

The Intel Core i7-4870HQ takes the Geekbench tests decisively. In Geekbench multi-core, it scores 3701 versus 3247 for the 980X, a 14% advantage. The single-core result is far more lopsided: 1143 for the 4870HQ against 659 for the 980X, a 73.4% lead. This is the largest performance difference in the entire comparison. While the 980X wins all Cinebench tests by a modest single-digit percentage, the 4870HQ wins Geekbench single-core by a factor of nearly 1.7. The data indicates that the 4870HQ is far superior in Geekbench, especially for single-threaded tasks, while the 980X holds a steady but smaller edge in Cinebench.

The Verdict

Based on the recorded benchmarks, the Intel Core i7-980X is the better choice for Cinebench workloads. It wins all six Cinebench tests, with margins ranging from 7.3% to 7.6%. For users who rely on Cinebench for rendering or other multi-threaded tasks, the 980X is the clear pick. The Intel Core i7-4870HQ, on the other hand, is the better choice for Geekbench, particularly for single-core performance. Its 73.4% lead in Geekbench single-core is overwhelming, and its 14% advantage in multi-core is also substantial. The average benchmark scores are nearly identical, so the decision hinges on which benchmark suite matters more. If the workload is Cinebench, choose the 980X. If it is Geekbench, choose the 4870HQ.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural eras. The 4870HQ uses the Haswell architecture, specifically the Crystalwell codename, built on a 22 nm process. The 980X uses the Westmere architecture, codename Gulftown, on a 32 nm process. The 4870HQ has 4 cores and 8 threads, while the 980X has 6 cores and 12 threads. The 980X has a larger L3 cache: 12 MB shared versus 6 MB shared for the 4870HQ. The 4870HQ includes integrated graphics (Intel HD 5200), while the 980X has no integrated graphics. The 4870HQ is a mobile processor (Intel BGA 1364 socket) with a 47 W TDP, while the 980X is a desktop processor (Intel Socket 1366) with a 130 W TDP. The 4870HQ supports dual-channel DDR3 memory with a recorded bandwidth of 25.6 GB/s, while the 980X supports triple-channel DDR3 (bandwidth not recorded). The 4870HQ uses PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the 980X uses PCIe Gen 2. The 4870HQ has a locked multiplier, while the 980X is multiplier-unlocked. The 4870HQ contains 1,400 million transistors on a 264 mm² die, while the 980X has 1,170 million transistors on a 239 mm² die. The 4870HQ was released in 2014, the 980X in 2010.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i7-4870HQ has a boost clock of 3.70 GHz, while the Intel Core i7-980X has a boost clock of 3.60 GHz.

Q: Which CPU has more cores?

A: The Intel Core i7-980X has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Intel Core i7-4870HQ has 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: Which CPU wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The Intel Core i7-980X scores 5797, while the Intel Core i7-4870HQ scores 5366, a 7.4% advantage for the 980X.

Q: Which CPU has integrated graphics?

A: The Intel Core i7-4870HQ includes Intel HD 5200 integrated graphics; the Intel Core i7-980X does not have integrated graphics.

Q: What is the TDP difference?

A: The Intel Core i7-4870HQ has a TDP of 47 W, while the Intel Core i7-980X has a TDP of 130 W.

Q: Which CPU has a larger L3 cache?

A: The Intel Core i7-980X has 12 MB shared L3 cache, while the Intel Core i7-4870HQ has 6 MB shared L3 cache.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i7-980X wins all six Cinebench tests: R15 multi-core (584 vs 540), R15 single-core (82 vs 76), R20 multi-core (2434 vs 2253), R20 single-core (343 vs 317), R23 multi-core (5797 vs 5366), and R23 single-core (818 vs 757). These margins are consistent, between 7.3% and 7.6%. This makes the 980X the stronger choice for Cinebench-based rendering workloads, whether multi-threaded or single-threaded.

The Intel Core i7-4870HQ wins both Geekbench tests: multi-core (3701 vs 3247, a 14% lead) and single-core (1143 vs 659, a 73.4% lead). For Geekbench-based general performance, especially single-threaded tasks, the 4870HQ is clearly superior. Additionally, the 4870HQ includes integrated graphics, which may be relevant for systems without a discrete GPU, while the 980X requires a separate graphics card.

Specification Differences

| Field | Intel Core i7-4870HQ | Intel Core i7-980X |

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

| Cores | 4 | 6 |

| Threads | 8 | 12 |

| Base Clock | 2.50 GHz | 3.33 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.70 GHz | 3.60 GHz |

| TDP | 47 W | 130 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1364 | Intel Socket 1366 |

| Architecture | Haswell | Westmere |

| Codename | Crystalwell | Gulftown |

| Generation | Core i7 (Crystal Well) | Core i7 Extreme (Gulftown) |

| Process Node | 22 nm | 32 nm |

| Transistors | 1,400 million | 1,170 million |

| Die Size | 264 mm² | 239 mm² |

| L3 Cache | 6 MB (shared) | 12 MB (shared) |

| Memory Bus | Dual-channel | Triple-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 25.6 GB/s | Not recorded |

| PCIe | Gen 3, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 2 |

| Integrated Graphics | Intel HD 5200 | None |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Release Date | 2014-06-30 | 2010-03-15 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | Yes |

| Part Number | SR1ZX | SLBUZ |

Both processors support DDR3 memory and do not support ECC. Both are end-of-life.