CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-10510U vs Intel Core i7-10810U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-10510U is a quad-core mobile processor that debuted as part of the 10th Generation Comet Lake-U lineup in August 2019. Designed primarily for thin-and-light laptops, it operates on Intel's refined 14nm process node. With a base frequency of 1.8 GHz and the ability to boost up to 4.9 GHz on a single core, it offers a noticeable bump in clock speeds compared to its 8th-generation predecessors. The processor features 8MB of L3 cache and supports up to 8 threads via Intel's Hyper-Threading technology. Its 25-watt default TDP strikes a balance between performance and power consumption, making it suitable for ultraportables requiring sustained multitasking capabilities. While it lacks the advanced Sunny Cove architecture found in Intel's 10nm Ice Lake chips, the i7-10510U remains a reliable choice for everyday productivity, media consumption, and light content creation on the go.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Snappy performance for office applications and heavy multitasking.
Strong performance in office applications and multitasking.
Gaming
Only suitable for very light or older games due to basic UHD integrated graphics.
Basic UHD graphics limit it to non-demanding titles.
Virtualization
Capable of running light virtual machines but limited by 4 cores.
12 threads handle virtualization well for a mobile chip.
Efficiency
14nm process is less efficient than newer 10nm alternatives.
14nm process limits efficiency compared to newer chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Lacks dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- Relies on CPU-based inference
- No dedicated AI silicon
- Handles basic inferencing via CPU
Content Creation
Gaming
- Relies on Intel UHD Graphics
- Can run esports titles on low settings
- Not recommended for AAA gaming
- Relies on UHD Graphics
- Not intended for gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Strong single-core boost clocks
- Good for everyday productivity
- Supports Wi-Fi 6 CNVi
- Proven 14nm reliability
Cons
- Outdated 14nm process
- Basic integrated graphics
- End-of-life status
- Lower IPC than Ice Lake
Pros
- 6 cores and 12 threads
- High 4.9 GHz turbo boost
- Good for multitasking
- 12MB L3 cache
Cons
- OEM exclusive, hard to find in retail
- 14nm process is outdated
- Low base clock
- Basic integrated graphics
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-10510U
- AMD Ryzen 7 3750URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 4700URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-8665URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10210URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500URival
Mobile
Better graphics and newer 10nm architecture.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 4800UAlt
Significantly better multi-core performance.
11th Gen improvements in efficiency and IPC.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Vastly superior efficiency and performance.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Better overall performance and Xe graphics.
Intel Core i7-10810U
- AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 4750URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-10710URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-10610URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 Pro 4650URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-8665URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Better single-core IPC and faster integrated graphics.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800UAlt
Superior multi-core performance and battery life.
More modern architecture often outperforms it in everyday tasks.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Vastly superior efficiency for similar productivity workloads.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 5 5625UAlt
Modern budget alternative with better multi-threading.
Our Verdict on Each
A dependable 14nm quad-core CPU that delivers strong single-core bursts for everyday tasks, though it lags behind newer architectures in efficiency and multi-threaded workloads.
Best for: For users considering a laptop powered by the Intel Core i7-10510U in the modern era, the primary appeal lies in the budget and refurbished markets. It is not recommended for new purchases, as newer processors offer significantly better efficiency and performance. However, if found at a steep discount, it remains a solid choice for students, office workers, and casual users who need a reliable machine for web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. Avoid this processor if your workflow involves heavy video editing, 3D rendering, or modern gaming, as its aging 14nm architecture and UHD integrated graphics lack the horsepower for demanding creative workloads or smooth frame rates.
Read the full reviewA solid OEM-specific 6-core processor that offers a slight frequency bump over the 10710U, making it excellent for business productivity and multitasking.
Best for: The Core i7-10810U is exclusively found in pre-built laptops, making it a factor only when shopping for used or refurbished business machines. It is a solid choice if you need a multitasking laptop for office work, heavy web browsing, and light content creation at a lower price point. The 6-core configuration ensures it can handle parallel tasks better than older 8th Gen chips. However, due to its 14nm heritage, battery life may suffer compared to newer laptops with 10nm or newer processors. Avoid paying a premium for this chip today; if the price is close to a laptop with an 11th Gen Intel or Ryzen 5000 processor, opt for the latter. It is best suited for budget-conscious buyers needing solid productivity performance.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-10510U or Intel Core i7-10810U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-10810U comes out ahead with a score of 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 i7-10510U or Intel Core i7-10810U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-10810U leads with a gaming performance score of 45/100 among Intel Core i7-10510U and Intel Core i7-10810U.
Do Intel Core i7-10510U and Intel Core i7-10810U use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1440 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-10810U has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-10510U (4 cores), Intel Core i7-10810U (6 cores).