Intel Core i7-5850HQ

The Intel Core i7-5850HQ is a 4-core, 8-thread mobile-class processor built on Intel’s 14 nm Broadwell-H architecture, released in mid-2015 and now end-of-life. With a base clock of 2.70 GHz and a boost clock of 3.60 GHz, it sits in the 47 W TDP class and is designed for compact desktop systems using the Intel BGA 1364 socket. Its benchmark profile places it at the 42nd percentile among all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 1688, indicating a processor that remains relevant for specific workloads despite its age. The data suggests this is not a flagship part, but rather a balanced performer for users who need integrated graphics capability and moderate multi-threaded throughput in a soldered, space-constrained form factor.

Who Should Consider It

The i7-5850HQ’s workload suitability is best understood through its Cinebench results. In multi-threaded tests, it scores 588 in Cinebench R15, 2451 in R20, and 5836 in R23. These numbers place it roughly in line with a 42nd percentile position, meaning it outperforms a slight majority of all CPUs but is far from top-tier. For gaming, the single-core scores matter most: 82 in R15, 345 in R20, and 823 in R23. These are modest figures, suggesting the processor can handle older or less demanding titles, but modern games that rely heavily on high single-thread performance may show limitations. The integrated Iris Pro Graphics 6200 adds capability for light gaming without a discrete GPU, but the data does not include any GPU-specific benchmarks, so conclusions must remain qualitative.

For content creation, the multi-threaded scores indicate that the i7-5850HQ can handle basic video editing, 3D rendering, or compilation tasks, but it will not excel in heavily threaded workloads. The 4-core/8-thread configuration provides decent parallel throughput, yet the 6 MB shared L3 cache and dual-channel DDR3 memory (29.9 GB/s bandwidth) are modest by modern standards. Office productivity, web browsing, and spreadsheet work are well within its capabilities, as those tasks rarely stress multi-core performance beyond what the R15 multicore score of 588 implies. Users with legacy software or those who need a compact, all-in-one system with acceptable CPU and iGPU performance could find this part sufficient, but the 42nd percentile ranking warns against expecting high-end results.

Power and Thermals

The 47 W TDP class places the i7-5850HQ in a range that requires a capable air cooler, but not an exotic liquid solution. For a soldered BGA 1364 package, thermal management is typically handled by the system builder, not the end user. The 14 nm process node helps keep power draw reasonable, but the 47 W figure means sustained multi-threaded loads will generate noticeable heat. Benchmarks like Cinebench R23 multicore (5836) likely push the processor to its thermal limits, especially in a compact chassis. The data does not provide specific temperature or power consumption measurements, so only the TDP class can inform cooling recommendations. A low-profile cooler with a modest heatsink and fan should suffice for most workloads, but extended rendering sessions may benefit from better airflow. The lack of an unlocked multiplier means no overclocking headroom, so thermal design must focus on stock operation.

How It Compares

Intel Core i7-980: The i7-5850HQ’s average benchmark score of 1688 is 0.2% higher than the i7-980’s 1685, making them effectively identical in overall performance. The i7-980 is an older architecture, yet the data shows no meaningful gap in average scores. In practice, the i7-5850HQ’s newer process node and integrated graphics might offer other advantages, but raw compute is nearly a tie.

Intel Xeon E-2124: The Xeon E-2124 scores 1698, which is 0.6% higher than the i7-5850HQ’s 1688. This is a negligible difference, placing both parts on par. The Xeon lacks integrated graphics, so the i7-5850HQ’s Iris Pro 6200 becomes a differentiator for systems without a discrete GPU. For pure CPU tasks, the data shows no clear winner.

Intel Xeon D-1528: With an average score of 1677, the Xeon D-1528 is 0.7% lower than the i7-5850HQ. This is again a marginal difference. The Xeon D-1528 targets embedded or server-like workloads, but the benchmark data suggests the i7-5850HQ holds a slight edge in typical CPU tests. The i7-5850HQ’s higher boost clock (3.60 GHz vs. unspecified) may contribute to this.

AMD Athlon Gold 3150G: The Athlon Gold 3150G scores 1701, which is 0.8% higher than the i7-5850HQ. This is the largest delta among the nearest rivals, yet still under 1%. The Athlon Gold is a modern budget part, and the data shows it barely outperforms the older i7-5850HQ. The i7-5850HQ counters with more threads (8 vs. 4 for the Athlon), which may help in multi-threaded scenarios despite the slightly lower average score.

FAQ

Q: What is the launch MSRP of the Intel Core i7-5850HQ?

A: The launch MSRP is $434.

Q: Does the i7-5850HQ support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported; it uses standard DDR3 memory.

Q: How many PCIe lanes does the CPU provide?

A: It provides 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes from the CPU only.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth of the i7-5850HQ?

A: The dual-channel DDR3 memory bus delivers 29.9 GB/s.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier is locked, so overclocking is not possible.

Q: What integrated graphics does the i7-5850HQ include?

A: It includes Iris Pro Graphics 6200.

Platform and Compatibility

The i7-5850HQ uses the Intel BGA 1364 socket, which is a soldered interface, meaning it is not upgradeable in the traditional sense; the processor is permanently attached to the motherboard. This limits the upgrade path to replacing the entire system. The architecture is Broadwell-H, part of the 5th generation Core lineup, and the process node is 14 nm. Memory support is limited to DDR3 with a dual-channel bus, achieving a memory bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported, which rules out certain server or workstation use cases that require error correction. The CPU provides 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, sufficient for a single discrete GPU or several NVMe drives, but not for multi-GPU configurations. The integrated Iris Pro Graphics 6200 offers a fallback for display output without a dedicated card. The production status is end-of-life, so new availability is limited, and the socket’s soldered nature means any future upgrade requires a new motherboard and possibly new memory.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The i7-5850HQ shows a clear split between single-thread and multi-thread performance. In Cinebench R23, the single-core score is 823, while the multi-core score is 5836, giving a ratio of roughly 7.1x for the 8 threads. This is typical for a 4-core/8-thread part with a 3.60 GHz boost. Single-thread performance is modest, as seen in the R15 single-core score of 82, which places it below many modern processors. This means tasks like web browsing, office applications, and older games that rely on one or two cores will see acceptable but not stellar performance. Multi-threaded workloads, however, benefit from the 8 threads, with the R20 multicore score of 2451 showing reasonable scaling. The data implies that the processor is better suited for lightly threaded daily tasks and moderately parallel workloads, but it will struggle in heavily threaded scenarios compared to newer 6-core or 8-core parts. The 6 MB shared L3 cache helps mitigate some latency, but the dual-channel DDR3 bandwidth of 29.9 GB/s may bottleneck certain memory-intensive multi-threaded applications.

Benchmark Performance

The average benchmark score of 1688 places the i7-5850HQ at the 42nd percentile of all CPUs, indicating it beats 42% of the market. Against its nearest rivals, the deltas are all under 1%. Specifically, it is 0.2% ahead of the Intel Core i7-980 (1685), 0.6% behind the Intel Xeon E-2124 (1698), 0.7% ahead of the Intel Xeon D-1528 (1677), and 0.8% behind the AMD Athlon Gold 3150G (1701). These are statistical ties, suggesting that in raw CPU compute, the i7-5850HQ is equivalent to these parts. However, the Cinebench scores reveal nuances. In Cinebench R23 multicore, the 5836 score is roughly 2.4x the R20 multicore score of 2451, which is expected as R23 is more demanding. The single-core R23 score of 823 is about 2.4x the R20 single-core score of 345, showing consistent scaling. The R15 scores (588 multi, 82 single) are lower in absolute terms but follow the same pattern. The data indicates that the i7-5850HQ’s performance is balanced across generations of Cinebench, with no anomalous dips. The 42nd percentile ranking reflects its age; newer CPUs in the same TDP class often score higher, but the nearest rivals show that this part remains competitive with a narrow set of alternatives. The lack of an unlocked multiplier and end-of-life status further cement its position as a historical, rather than current, performance option.