CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-10210Y vs Intel Core i7-1060G7
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-10210Y is an ultra-low power mobile processor designed for fanless tablets, 2-in-1 detachables, and extremely thin laptops. Released in August 2019, it operates on the 14nm Comet Lake-Y architecture, featuring four cores and eight threads. With a base frequency of just 1.0 GHz and a maximum turbo boost of 4.0 GHz, it prioritizes power efficiency over sustained performance. The processor has a remarkably low 9W TDP, allowing it to run completely passively cooled in many devices. It includes 6MB of L3 cache and supports LPDDR3 memory, ensuring minimal power draw during routine tasks. While its base clock is quite low, making it sluggish under heavy continuous loads, the high boost clock allows it to handle bursty workloads like web browsing and document editing smoothly. It is an ideal chip for highly portable devices where battery life and thermal constraints outweigh raw computing power and space limitations.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Good for basic office tasks, but throttles under heavy loads.
Good IPC ensures snappy performance, but low TDP limits sustained tasks.
Gaming
Only capable of running very old or simple 2D games.
Iris Plus graphics allow for playable frame rates in older or esports titles at low settings.
Virtualization
Not recommended due to low base clock and thermal limits.
Capable of light virtualization but limited by thermal headroom.
Efficiency
Outstanding power efficiency for all-day battery life.
10nm process provides excellent efficiency for battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Low base clock limits inference speed
- Features Intel DLBoost
- Dedicated AI hardware acceleration
Content Creation
Gaming
- UHD Graphics are too weak for 3D gaming
- Thermal throttling limits sustained GPU performance
- Memory bandwidth is restricted by LPDDR3
- 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
- Allows for fanless, silent operation
- Excellent battery life
- Quad-core multitasking in a tablet form factor
- Snappy burst performance
Cons
- Very low 1.0GHz base clock
- Throttles quickly under sustained load
- Uses older LPDDR3 memory
- Weak integrated graphics
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
Intel Core i5-10210Y
- Intel Core m3-8100YRival
Mobile (Fanless)
- AMD Ryzen 3 4300URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10310YRival
Mobile (Fanless)
- Intel Core i5-8500YRival
Mobile (Fanless)
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cxRival
Mobile (ARM)
Better graphics and 10nm efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- Apple A12X BionicAlt
Superior ARM-based performance for tablets.
- Intel Core i5-1230YAlt
Modern hybrid architecture with better efficiency.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600UAlt
Vastly more powerful if a fan is present.
- Intel Pentium Silver N6000Alt
Budget alternative for basic tablet tasks.
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 highly efficient chip for passive cooling, but its very low base clock makes it unsuitable for sustained workloads.
Best for: Buying a used Windows tablet for reading and media.
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, Intel Core i5-10210Y or Intel Core i7-1060G7?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-1060G7 comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. 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, Intel Core i5-10210Y or Intel Core i7-1060G7?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-1060G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Intel Core i5-10210Y and Intel Core i7-1060G7.
Do Intel Core i5-10210Y and Intel Core i7-1060G7 use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1440 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-10210Y posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-10210Y (5,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.