CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1130G7 vs Intel Core i7-1068NG7
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-1130G7 is a 4-core, 8-thread mobile processor launched in September 2020. Built on the 10nm SuperFIN process, it utilizes the Willow Cove microarchitecture. Designed for ultra-thin and fanless laptops, it operates at a low 1.1 GHz base clock and boosts up to 4.0 GHz within a 15W TDP. It features Iris Xe Graphics G7 with 80 Execution Units and notably offers 16 PCIe 4.0 lanes, doubling the connectivity of the 1135G7.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Snappy performance for everyday tasks, though sustained loads are limited by thermals.
High sustained clocks make it excellent for professional workflows.
Gaming
Capable of playing e-sports titles, though slightly slower than the 1135G7 due to lower boost clocks.
Iris Plus graphics handle macOS games and light Steam titles well.
Virtualization
Can handle light virtualization but is limited by 4 cores.
Good for running Windows VMs on macOS.
Efficiency
Outstanding power efficiency due to the low base clock and 10nm process.
10nm process ensures good battery life despite the 28W TDP.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- DLBoost and GNA 2.0 provide solid AI acceleration for background blur and noise cancellation.
- Intel DLBoost provides AI acceleration
- AVX-512 support
Content Creation
Gaming
- Iris Xe 80EU allows for smooth e-sports gaming.
- Performance may throttle in fanless designs.
- Not suitable for modern AAA gaming at high settings.
- Iris Plus 64 EUs offer good performance
- Suitable for light gaming on macOS
- Not a dedicated gaming machine
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent power efficiency for fanless designs
- 16 PCIe 4.0 lanes for expanded connectivity
- Iris Xe 80EU graphics
- Enhanced 96 KB L1 cache per core
- Strong single-core performance when boosting
Cons
- Lower base clock limits sustained multi-thread performance
- Soldered onto the motherboard (BGA 1598)
- Limited to 4 cores
- Often paired with expensive premium tablets
Pros
- High sustained performance for a mobile chip
- Iris Plus Graphics with 64 EUs
- Excellent for macOS productivity
- Good balance of power and efficiency
Cons
- End-of-life platform
- Apple Silicon is vastly superior
- Soldered and non-upgradable
- Can run warm under heavy load
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-1130G7
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1135G7Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1160G7Alt
Slightly higher clocked variant for premium tablets.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800UAlt
Excellent 8-core alternative for heavy multitasking.
Budget alternative with 2 cores for basic tasks.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-1068NG7
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-1065G7Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1038NG7Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 4700URival
Mobile
- Alt
The modern standard for Mac laptops.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Core i7-1185G7Alt
Better x86 alternative if staying on Windows.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800UAlt
Excellent Windows alternative for productivity.
Our Verdict on Each
A highly efficient variant of Tiger Lake optimized for premium tablets, offering slightly lower clocks but more PCIe lanes than the 1135G7.
Best for: Purchasing a premium 2-in-1 tablet like the Surface Pro 8.
Read the full reviewA custom 28W Intel chip for Apple that offered an excellent balance of performance and efficiency in the 13-inch MacBook Pro, though now superseded by Apple Silicon.
Best for: If you are considering purchasing a used 13-inch MacBook Pro with the Core i7-1068NG7, it is important to weigh its pros and cons carefully. This processor offers excellent performance for everyday tasks, programming, and light video editing. The 28W TDP ensures it can sustain high clock speeds better than standard ultrabook chips. However, you must be aware that Apple has transitioned entirely to its own M-series silicon, meaning Intel-based Macs will eventually lose software support and optimization. It is recommended only if you can find one at a highly discounted price and you specifically need x86 architecture for legacy applications or Boot Camp. Avoid paying anywhere near the original retail price. For most users, an M1 MacBook Air will offer significantly better battery life, cooler operation, and faster overall performance.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1130G7 or Intel Core i7-1068NG7?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-1068NG7 comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. 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 i5-1130G7 or Intel Core i7-1068NG7?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1130G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 70/100 among Intel Core i5-1130G7 and Intel Core i7-1068NG7.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-1130G7 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-1130G7 (15 W), Intel Core i7-1068NG7 (28 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1130G7 and Intel Core i7-1068NG7 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1130G7: Intel BGA 1598, Intel Core i7-1068NG7: Intel BGA 1344), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-1130G7 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-1130G7 (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.