Intel Core i3-8121U vs Intel Core i7-4900MQ

VS
Performance
Core i3-8121U
4,59712% of 36,991
Core i7-4900MQ85% better
8,49023% of 36,991

The Core i7-4900MQ has 85% better performance than the Core i3-8121U for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

Performance per dollar
Core i3-8121U
No data available
Core i7-4900MQ
14.8912% of 121.53

The Core i7-4900MQ has 12% of the performance per dollar compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: Intel Core i5-13400F.

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Summary

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About the Intel Core i3-8121U CPU

The Intel Core i3-8121U is an end-of-life 2-core (4-thread) processor built for the mobile CPU market. It launched in Q2 2018. It is part of Intel's Core i3 lineup, which is based on the Kaby Lake-U Refresh microarchitecture. The i3-8121U is compatible with Intel BGA 1440 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 10 nm manufacturing process.

Memory and Cache

The Core i3-8121U supports DDR4 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i3-8121U has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 64 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 256 KB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 4 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Core i3-8121U features 2 total cores which can process 4 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 2.2 GHz, and it can boost up to 3.2 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is locked, making it incapable of overclocking for pushing performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Core i3-8121U does not include an integrated graphics solution. A dedicated graphics card will be required if you require a monitor with your computer.

Benchmark Performance

The Core i3-8121U has the 418th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 12.43% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

About the Intel Core i7-4900MQ CPU

The Intel Core i7-4900MQ is an end-of-life 4-core (8-thread) processor built for the mobile CPU market. It launched in Q2 2013 with a suggested retail price of $570. It is part of Intel's Core i7 lineup, which is based on the Haswell microarchitecture. The i7-4900MQ is compatible with Intel Socket G3 motherboards and is fabricated on Intel's 22 nm manufacturing process. It features the Intel HD 4600 integrated graphics solution.

Memory and Cache

The Core i7-4900MQ supports DDR3 memory and features a dual-channel memory controller, allowing it to utilize 2 memory modules simultaneously. In terms of cache, the Core i7-4900MQ has multiple levels of cache. Its L1 cache, which is the smallest and fastest, is 64 KB in size, providing rapid access to crucial instructions. Its L2 cache, at 256 KB, is larger but slower than the L1. Its L3 cache, a shared resource among the CPU's cores, has a capacity of 8 MB.

Cores and Clock Speeds

The Core i7-4900MQ features 4 total cores which can process 8 threads simultaneously. The multi-threading capability allows the CPU to execute multiple computational tasks in parallel. The base clock speed of the CPU is 2.8 GHz, and it can boost up to 3.8 GHz under heavy workloads. Higher clock speeds result in better performance for the same microarchitecture. The multiplier is locked, making it incapable of overclocking for pushing performance further.

Integrated Graphics

The Core i7-4900MQ includes an integrated graphics solution called Intel HD 4600. This graphics processor is directly integrated into the CPU and is not as powerful as a dedicated graphics card. While integrated graphics can handle basic tasks like web browsing and office applications, it is not suitable for more demanding activities such as gaming or video editing, where a dedicated graphics card offers superior performance.

Benchmark Performance & Value

The Core i7-4900MQ has the 296th best 3DMark 11 Performance Physics score among the 721 benchmarked CPUs in our database. It achieves 22.95% of the performance of the best benchmarked CPU, the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. Its 8,490 score and $570 launch price (MSRP) gives it a performance per dollar of 14.89. This is the 180th best in value for the 3DMark 11 Perf. Physics benchmark.

General Info

General overview of the CPU, including details like its manufacturer, release date, launch price, and current production status.

InfoCore i3-8121UCore i7-4900MQ
ManufacturerIntelIntel
SeriesCore i3Core i7
Market SegmentMobileMobile
Release DateQ2 2018Q2 2013
Launch Price (MSRP)--$570
Production StatusEnd-of-lifeEnd-of-life
ShopCheck PriceCheck Price

Benchmark Performance

#
Performance
Core i3-8121U
4,59712% of 36,991
Core i7-4900MQ85% better
8,49023% of 36,991

The Core i7-4900MQ has 85% better performance than the Core i3-8121U for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark.

The Core i3-8121U is ranked 418th with a score of 4,597, and the Core i7-4900MQ is ranked 296th with a score of 8,490.

Performance per dollar
Core i3-8121U
No data available
Core i7-4900MQ
14.8912% of 121.53

The Core i7-4900MQ has 28% of the performance per dollar compared to the leader for the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D.

Core i7-4900MQ's 14.89 performance per dollar ranks it 0th among the other benchmarked CPUs in our database.

Relative Performance

The average score in the benchmark test can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative performance. Generally, powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.

Choose Baseline CPU:Core i3-8121U or
CPUBenchmark Performance
Core i7-4910MQ8,706+89%
Core i5-8259U8,528.5+86%
Core i7-4900MQ8,490+85%
Core i7-2960XM8,098+76%
Core i7-4810MQ8,012+74%
Core i7-6600U4,606.5+0%
Core i5-6360U4,600+0%
Core i3-8121U4,597
Ryzen 3 3300U4,587-0%
Core i7-7600U4,575-0%

Relative Value For Money

The average performance per dollar in the benchmark test can be compared to similar CPUs to assess relative value. A higher score implies a better value for your money.

Choose Baseline CPU:Core i3-8121U orCore i7-4900MQ
CPUPerformance Per Dollar
Core i7-8565U16.48+11%
Core i3-N30016.13+8%
Xeon E3-1535M v515.84+6%
Core i7-4910MQ15.27+3%
Core i3-8145U15.19+2%
Core i7-4900MQ14.89
Core i5-5257U12.37-17%
Core i5-5350U11.04-26%
Core i7-5557U10.38-30%
Core i7-5600U9.65-35%

Benchmark Scores

This table showcases the average performance scores achieved by both CPUs across industry-standard benchmark tests. These scores provide a valuable insight into overall performance. Powerful CPUs tend to have higher scores.

  • Popular
BenchmarkCore i3-8121UCore i7-4900MQ
3DMark 11 Performance Physics
4,597
8,490
(+84.69%)
Cinebench R15 Multi-Core
317.6
641
(+101.83%)
Cinebench R15 Single-Core
133
145
(+9.02%)
Geekbench 6.2 Multi-Core
2,366
3,339
(+41.12%)
Geekbench 6.2 Single-Core
1,163
(+6.21%)
1,095
CPU Mark Multi-Thread
4,388
6,098
(+38.97%)
CPU Mark Single-Thread
1,942
1,986
(+2.27%)
Benchmarks Source: Notebookcheck

Technical Specs

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Manufacturing Details

Information about the CPU's manufacturing like its foundry, process size, and transistor count.

SpecCore i3-8121UCore i7-4900MQ
ManufacturerIntelIntel
FoundryIntelIntel
Process Size10 nm22 nm
Transistors--1,400 million

Architecture

CPU architecture specs like its memory channels, memory support, and microarchitecture. Newer CPU architectures can minimize bottlenecks and improve execution efficiency using more advanced techniques.

SpecCore i3-8121UCore i7-4900MQ
SeriesCore i3Core i7
MicroarchitectureKaby Lake-U RefreshHaswell
CodenameCannon LakeHaswell
Memory SupportDDR4DDR3
Memory ChannelsDual-channelDual-channel
ECC MemoryNoNo

Cores & Clock Speeds

Processing power information like its cores and clock speed. These specs impact how fast they can handle instructions and tasks. These have a strong impact on the CPU's performance.

SpecCore i3-8121UCore i7-4900MQ
Cores24
Threads48
Clock Speed2.2 GHz2.8 GHz
Turbo Clock3.2 GHz3.8 GHz
Base Clock100 MHz100 MHz
Multiplier22.0x28.0x
Multiplier UnlockedNoNo

Cache

CPU cache specs like its L1 & L2 cache. These provide the CPU with a small, but super-fast memory access. A larger cache can improve a CPU's performance.

SpecCore i3-8121UCore i7-4900MQ
L1 Cache64 KB64 KB
L2 Cache256 KB256 KB
L3 Cache4 MB8 MB

Compatibility & Power Consumption

Compatibility and power consumption information like its socket type, thermal design power, power limits. These can help verify the CPU's compatibility with other PC components.

SpecCore i3-8121UCore i7-4900MQ
SocketIntel BGA 1440Intel Socket G3
PCI ExpressPCIe 3.0 x16PCIe 3.0 x16
Thermal Design Power (TDP)15 W47 W
Tcase Max72 °C100 °C
TJ Max105 °C100 °C

Graphics, Features, & Extensions

Additional CPU features like its bundled coolers, integrated graphics, and extensions/technologies.

SpecCore i3-8121UCore i7-4900MQ
Integrated Graphics--Intel HD 4600
Extensions / TechnologiesMMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, VT-x, VT-d, HTT, AES-NI, TSX, TXT, CLMUL, RDRAND, FMA3, F16C, BMI1, BMI2, MPX, Boost 2.0MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, EIST, Intel 64, XD bit, VT-x, HTT, AES-NI, TXT, TSX, CLMUL, FMA3

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* Performance rating, performance per dollar, and rankings are based on the 3DMark 11 Performance Physics benchmark and MSRP.