CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1130G7 vs Core i7-1180G7
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.
Excellent single-core burst for office tasks and enterprise software.
Gaming
Capable of playing e-sports titles, though slightly slower than the 1135G7 due to lower boost clocks.
Good burst gaming capability, but limited by the 9W thermal ceiling.
Virtualization
Can handle light virtualization but is limited by 4 cores.
vPro aids VM management, but 9W limits heavy virtualization.
Efficiency
Outstanding power efficiency due to the low base clock and 10nm process.
Top-tier efficiency for always-on enterprise foldables.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- DLBoost and GNA 2.0 provide solid AI acceleration for background blur and noise cancellation.
- GNA for background AI
- vPro AMT for remote management AI tasks
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.
- Capable of 1080p medium in short bursts
- Throttling is inevitable in passive designs
- Iris Xe scales well despite low TDP
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
- Ultra-low 9W TDP
- vPro Enterprise for remote management
- Supports foldable and dual-screen form factors
- Includes 96 EU Iris Xe graphics
- Compact BGA 1598 package
Cons
- Very niche product
- Expensive
- Low base clock limits sustained performance
- cTDP Up only reaches 15W
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 i7-1180G7
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1160G7Rival
Mobile
- Microsoft SQ3Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1145G7Rival
Mobile
12th Gen U-series offers better efficiency and more cores.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 5850UAlt
Enterprise AMD alternative with vPro equivalent.
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 highly specialized chip that combines ultra-low power consumption with enterprise vPro management for cutting-edge form factors.
Best for: Buying a used enterprise foldable PC or premium detachable that requires vPro management.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1130G7 or Core i7-1180G7?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-1180G7 comes out ahead with a score of 8.7/10. 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 i7-1180G7?
For gaming, the Core i7-1180G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 72/100 among Intel Core i5-1130G7 and Core i7-1180G7.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-1180G7 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-1130G7 (15 W), Core i7-1180G7 (9 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1130G7 and Core i7-1180G7 use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1598 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-1180G7 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-1130G7 (0), Core i7-1180G7 (4,100). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.