CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1130G7 vs Core i7-1165G7
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.
Snappy application launch and multitasking due to high single-core boost.
Gaming
Capable of playing e-sports titles, though slightly slower than the 1135G7 due to lower boost clocks.
Capable of playing modern titles at 1080p medium settings thanks to Iris Xe.
Virtualization
Can handle light virtualization but is limited by 4 cores.
Adequate for light VMs, but limited by 4 cores.
Efficiency
Outstanding power efficiency due to the low base clock and 10nm process.
Excellent idle power and load efficiency on the 10nm node.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- DLBoost and GNA 2.0 provide solid AI acceleration for background blur and noise cancellation.
- DL Boost for low-power AI inference
- GNA for background noise cancellation
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.
- Excellent for an iGPU
- Requires dual-channel memory for best results
- Can play CS:GO and Valorant easily
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
- Excellent single-core performance
- Iris Xe graphics are class-leading for integrated
- Great power efficiency
- Supports fast PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs
- Built on Intel's 10nm process
Cons
- Only 4 cores and 8 threads
- Soldered to motherboard (BGA)
- Multi-core performance lags behind AMD's 8-core mobile chips
- Can throttle under sustained load if laptop cooling is poor
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
Core i7-1165G7
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1135G7Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600URival
Mobile
12th Gen offers better efficiency and more cores.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Budget-friendly with good multi-core performance.
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 landmark mobile processor that brought massive single-core and integrated graphics improvements to the ultrabook segment.
Best for: Purchasing a used or refurbished premium ultrabook for productivity and light gaming.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1130G7 or Core i7-1165G7?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-1165G7 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, Intel Core i5-1130G7 or Core i7-1165G7?
For gaming, the Core i7-1165G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Intel Core i5-1130G7 and Core i7-1165G7.
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), Core i7-1165G7 (28 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1130G7 and Core i7-1165G7 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1130G7: Intel BGA 1598, Core i7-1165G7: Intel BGA 1449), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-1165G7 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-1130G7 (0), Core i7-1165G7 (4,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.