CPU Comparison
Apple M1 vs Intel Core i7-1060G7
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Apple M1 is an 8-core ARM-based system-on-a-chip (SoC) that marked Apple’s transition from Intel to its own Apple Silicon for the Mac, combining four high‑performance and four efficiency cores, an 8‑core integrated GPU, and a 16‑core Neural Engine on a 5 nm process.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Very responsive for everyday tasks, Xcode builds, and light creative work; benefits from fast single‑core and SSD, but heavy multi‑thread workloads are constrained by 8 threads.
Good IPC ensures snappy performance, but low TDP limits sustained tasks.
Gaming
Competent for 1080p gaming in macOS and via Rosetta 2 for many titles, but the 8‑core GPU and 8–16 GB memory limit modern AAA performance and resolution scaling.
Iris Plus graphics allow for playable frame rates in older or esports titles at low settings.
Virtualization
Capable for a couple of light VMs, but not ideal for large parallel VM farms due to core count and memory ceiling.
Capable of light virtualization but limited by thermal headroom.
Efficiency
Outstanding performance per watt; MacBook Air and 13‑inch MacBook Pro with M1 delivered dramatically better battery life and lower heat than comparable Intel Macs.
10nm process provides excellent efficiency for battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- 16‑core Neural Engine accelerates Core ML models
- CPU and GPU also provide ML accelerators for framework‑level ops
- Not designed for large‑scale training or server‑side inference
- Features Intel DLBoost
- Dedicated AI hardware acceleration
Content Creation
Gaming
- 8‑core GPU comparable to low‑end discrete GPUs of its era in some Metal titles
- Rosetta 2 adds overhead for x86 games; some titles have compatibility or performance quirks
- 16 GB memory limit and 8 GPU cores cap texture resolutions and frame rates in modern AAA games
- Iris Plus graphics are a major upgrade
- Can run CS:GO and LoL
- Not suitable for modern AAA titles
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent single‑thread performance and responsiveness
- Outstanding performance per watt and battery life
- Integrated GPU much faster than old Intel UHD/Iris in Macs
- Unified memory simplifies development and improves efficiency
- Silent, fanless operation in MacBook Air and Mac mini under light loads
- Strong on‑device ML inference via Neural Engine
Cons
- Only 8 CPU threads; heavy multi‑thread workloads can hit a ceiling
- Max 16 GB unified memory; not user‑upgradeable
- No eGPU support and limited PCIe expansion
- Rosetta 2 translation layer for some x86 apps; not all software is native
- Newer M2/M3 chips and modern x86 CPUs offer more cores, higher clocks, and better GPU performance
Pros
- Modern 10nm Sunny Cove architecture
- Iris Plus Graphics with 64 EUs
- Intel DLBoost for AI
- Excellent power efficiency
Cons
- Low base and boost clocks
- 9W TDP limits sustained performance
- Soldered to motherboard
- First-gen 10nm yields were limited
Competitors & Alternatives
Apple M1
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Rival
Thin‑and‑Light Laptop
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Thin‑and‑Light Laptop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1135G7Rival
Thin‑and‑Light Laptop
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600HRival
Performance Laptop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11800HRival
High‑Performance Laptop
- Alt
Same platform with ~18% faster CPU, 35% faster GPU, and support for up to 24 GB unified memory.
Compare head-to-head - Alt
More CPU/GPU cores and higher memory bandwidth for heavier creative workloads.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 7 6800UAlt
Modern x86 laptop CPU with higher multi‑thread performance and DDR5 memory.
Higher core count and better sustained multi‑thread performance in thin laptops.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Newer architecture with better GPU and CPU performance per watt and improved media engines.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-1060G7
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-10510YRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 3450URival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cxRival
Mobile
- Apple A12X BionicRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1030G7Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1160G7Alt
Tiger Lake offers much better performance and efficiency.
- Alt
Superior performance per watt in the fanless category.
Compare head-to-head Higher 15W TDP allows for better sustained performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Much better CPU performance if a slightly thicker chassis is acceptable.
A newer 11th Gen alternative with similar efficiency but better clocks.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A landmark chip that delivered class‑leading efficiency and single‑thread speed for thin laptops, still very capable for most users but increasingly outdated compared to M2/M3 and modern x86 rivals in multi‑thread and GPU workloads.
Best for: Used or refurbished M1 MacBook Air / Mac mini for general use, study, or light creative work at a low price
Read the full reviewA highly efficient 10nm processor that brought significant IPC and graphical improvements to the Y-series, though its low clock speeds limit absolute performance.
Best for: The Core i7-1060G7 is a unique processor that offers an early glimpse into Intel's 10nm architecture. If you are buying a used device with this chip, you are getting a highly efficient processor with surprisingly capable Iris Plus graphics. It is an excellent choice for students and professionals who want a fanless, lightweight device for everyday productivity and light photo editing. The AI acceleration and AVX-512 support also make it interesting for developers experimenting with edge AI workloads. However, its lower peak clock speeds mean it will lag behind 14nm Comet Lake chips in raw single-threaded bursts. Avoid this processor if you need sustained high-performance computing or plan to play modern AAA games. It is best purchased at a discount, offering solid value for users who prioritize efficiency and integrated graphics over raw CPU frequency.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Apple M1 or Intel Core i7-1060G7?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Apple M1 comes out ahead with a score of 8.8/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Apple M1 or Intel Core i7-1060G7?
For gaming, the Apple M1 leads with a gaming performance score of 72/100 among Apple M1 and Intel Core i7-1060G7.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-1060G7 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-1060G7 (9 W).
Do Apple M1 and Intel Core i7-1060G7 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Apple M1: On-package (BGA-style, not user-replaceable), Intel Core i7-1060G7: Intel BGA 1440), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Apple M1 has the most cores. Core counts: Apple M1 (8 cores), Intel Core i7-1060G7 (4 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Apple M1 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Apple M1 (7,404). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.