At a Glance
- The 4700MQ is a mobile processor designed for laptops, whereas the 10900X is a desktop CPU meant for high-performance computing.
- The Intel Core i7 4700MQ has a TDP of 47 watts, making it more energy-efficient compared to the Intel Core i9 10900X, which has a TDP of 165 watts.
- The decision between the Intel Core i7 4700MQ and the Intel Core i9 10900X depends on your specific needs and budget.
Choosing the right CPU for your needs can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a vast array of options. Today, we’ll delve into a comparison between two processors from different generations and price points: the Intel Core i7 4700MQ and the Intel Core i9 10900X. This head-to-head analysis will help you understand their strengths, weaknesses, and which one might be the better choice for your specific requirements.
Generation Gap: A Look at the Architecture
The Intel Core i7 4700MQ, released in 2013, belongs to the fourth generation of Intel’s Core series, codenamed Haswell. The Intel Core i9 10900X, on the other hand, is part of the tenth generation, codenamed Comet Lake, and came out in 2019. This significant generational gap translates into major differences in architecture, performance, and features.
The 4700MQ is a mobile processor designed for laptops, whereas the 10900X is a desktop CPU meant for high-performance computing. This difference in target market affects their power consumption, thermal design power (TDP), and overall performance characteristics.
Core Count and Threading: Multitasking Powerhouse
The Intel Core i7 4700MQ features a quad-core design with Hyper-Threading technology, enabling it to handle eight threads simultaneously. This makes it suitable for multitasking scenarios like web browsing, email, and light productivity tasks.
The Intel Core i9 10900X, however, packs a whopping 10 cores and 20 threads, making it a true powerhouse for demanding workloads. Its multi-threading capabilities excel in tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming, where multiple processes can be tackled concurrently.
Clock Speeds: The Race for Speed
Clock speeds play a crucial role in determining a CPU’s raw processing power. The Intel Core i7 4700MQ operates at a base frequency of 2.4 GHz, which can boost up to 3.6 GHz.
The Intel Core i9 10900X, however, boasts a significantly higher base clock speed of 3.7 GHz and can turbo boost up to 4.8 GHz. This translates to noticeably faster performance in all types of applications.
Cache Memory: The Speed Boosters
Cache memory acts as a temporary storage space for frequently accessed data, accelerating performance by reducing the need to access slower main memory. The Intel Core i7 4700MQ features 6 MB of L3 cache, while the Intel Core i9 10900X comes with a whopping 20 MB of L3 cache.
This larger cache size allows the 10900X to store more data closer to the processor core, resulting in faster data access and overall improved performance.
Integrated Graphics: A Visual Comparison
The Intel Core i7 4700MQ integrates Intel HD Graphics 4600, a capable graphics unit for basic tasks like web browsing and casual gaming. The Intel Core i9 10900X, however, does not come with integrated graphics. This means you’ll need a dedicated graphics card for any visual tasks.
While the 4700MQ’s integrated graphics are suitable for basic needs, the 10900X’s lack of integrated graphics is a consideration for users who prioritize budget-friendly configurations.
Performance Benchmarks: Real-World Implications
Benchmark tests provide a standardized way to compare the performance of different CPUs. In various benchmarks like Cinebench R23, Geekbench, and 3DMark, the Intel Core i9 10900X consistently outperforms the Intel Core i7 4700MQ.
The 10900X’s superior core count, clock speed, and cache memory translate to significantly faster performance in demanding workloads like video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming.
Power Consumption and Heat Dissipation: The Energy Trade-Off
The Intel Core i7 4700MQ has a TDP of 47 watts, making it more energy-efficient compared to the Intel Core i9 10900X, which has a TDP of 165 watts. This higher power consumption of the 10900X necessitates a more robust cooling solution to prevent overheating.
Which CPU is Right for You?
The decision between the Intel Core i7 4700MQ and the Intel Core i9 10900X depends on your specific needs and budget.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Intel Core i7 4700MQ: Ideal for budget-conscious users who primarily need a CPU for light multitasking, web browsing, and casual gaming. Its integrated graphics also make it suitable for laptops with limited space for dedicated graphics cards.
- Intel Core i9 10900X: The ultimate choice for demanding users who require maximum performance for tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and high-end gaming. While it comes with a higher price tag and power consumption, its raw processing power is unmatched.
The Verdict: A Tale of Two Generations
The Intel Core i9 10900X undeniably offers superior performance thanks to its advanced architecture, higher core count, and faster clock speeds. However, it comes with a higher price tag and power consumption.
The Intel Core i7 4700MQ, though older, remains a capable processor for basic tasks and budget-conscious users. Its integrated graphics and lower power consumption make it a suitable option for laptops and desktops with limited space or power budgets.
Popular Questions
1. What is the difference between the Intel Core i7 4700MQ and the Intel Core i9 10900X?
The Intel Core i7 4700MQ is an older, mobile processor designed for laptops, while the Intel Core i9 10900X is a newer, desktop CPU aimed at high-performance computing. The 10900X has significantly more cores, higher clock speeds, and larger cache memory, leading to superior performance in demanding workloads.
2. Which CPU is better for gaming?
The Intel Core i9 10900X is generally better for gaming due to its higher core count and clock speeds. However, the 4700MQ can still handle casual gaming, especially when paired with a dedicated graphics card.
3. What is the difference between TDP and power consumption?
TDP (Thermal Design Power) is a measure of the maximum heat output of a CPU under full load. Power consumption refers to the actual amount of power the CPU draws at a given time, which can fluctuate based on the workload.
4. Can I upgrade my CPU from an Intel Core i7 4700MQ to an Intel Core i9 10900X?
It’s highly unlikely that you can directly upgrade from a 4700MQ to a 10900X. The two processors use different sockets and are incompatible with each other. You would need to replace the entire motherboard to make the upgrade.
5. Is the Intel Core i9 10900X still relevant in 2023?
While the Intel Core i9 10900X was a powerful CPU at its time, newer processors like the Intel Core i9 12900K offer significantly better performance and efficiency. However, the 10900X can still be a viable option for budget-conscious users who prioritize raw processing power.
