CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-10510Y vs Core i7-1160G7
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-10510Y is an ultra-low power mobile processor launched in August 2019 as part of the 10th Gen Comet Lake-Y lineup. Designed for fanless tablets and extremely thin laptops, it operates at a mere 9-watt TDP. Built on the 14nm process, it features 4 cores and 8 threads, a significant upgrade from the dual-core Y-series chips of the past. It runs at a base clock of 1.2 GHz and can boost up to 4.5 GHz. With 8MB of L3 cache, it offers good responsiveness for everyday tasks. The processor includes Intel UHD Graphics for basic multimedia needs. While its low TDP ensures long battery life and cool operation, it also limits sustained performance under heavy workloads. The i7-10510Y is ideal for users prioritizing ultimate portability over raw computing power. It brought true quad-core performance to the sub-10W category for the first time.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Good for light office tasks but throttles under sustained load.
Snappy burst performance handles everyday tasks easily.
Gaming
Only capable of running older or very simple 2D games.
Good for casual gaming, but thermal throttling in fanless designs limits sustained performance.
Virtualization
Not recommended due to low TDP and limited sustained performance.
Low power limits make running VMs difficult.
Efficiency
Extremely efficient, offering excellent battery life.
Top-tier efficiency; designed for maximum battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Low power limits restrict inference performance
- GNA for audio AI
- Low power limits restrict heavy AI inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Basic UHD graphics
- Throttles quickly in fanless designs
- Great for 2D and e-sports titles
- Will throttle in heavy 3D loads due to fanless chassis
- Iris Xe provides surprising capability at 7W
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Extremely low 9W TDP
- Fanless design capability
- Quad-core performance for tablets
- Good single-core burst speeds
Cons
- Throttles heavily under load
- Outdated 14nm process
- Uses LPDDR3 memory instead of DDR4
- Basic integrated graphics
Pros
- Incredible power efficiency
- Allows for completely silent, fanless designs
- Retains 96 EU Iris Xe graphics
- Excellent burst performance for daily tasks
- Ultra-thin package size
Cons
- Very low base clock (1.2 GHz)
- Will throttle quickly under sustained load without a fan
- Limited to LPDDR4X memory
- Expensive and niche market positioning
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-10510Y
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10210YRival
Mobile
- Intel Core m3-8100YRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 3450URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-8500YRival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cxRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1160G7Alt
Newer 10nm architecture with better efficiency and performance.
- Alt
Vastly superior performance per watt for fanless designs.
Compare head-to-head Better integrated graphics and IPC.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Much higher performance if a slightly thicker chassis is acceptable.
- Microsoft SQ2Alt
ARM-based alternative for extreme efficiency in tablets.
Core i7-1160G7
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Mobile
- Microsoft SQ2Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1130G7Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2Rival
Mobile
12th Gen offers better efficiency and more cores in the 9W bracket.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600UAlt
More multi-core performance if you can accept active cooling.
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Higher base clocks if you have active cooling.
Our Verdict on Each
A highly efficient 9W processor that brought quad-core performance to fanless devices, though its performance is heavily throttled by thermal limits.
Best for: When considering a device with the Core i7-10510Y, it is crucial to understand its intended use case. This processor is best suited for users who prioritize extreme portability, fanless operation, and long battery life, such as students or traveling professionals. It handles web browsing, document editing, and media consumption perfectly fine. However, its 9W TDP means it will quickly throttle under sustained loads like video editing or heavy compiling. In the current market, devices with this CPU should only be purchased used or at a significant discount. Avoid this processor if you plan to do any gaming or intensive rendering. If battery life is your main goal, an Apple Silicon MacBook Air might be a better alternative, but for Windows-based ultra-portables, the 10510Y still offers a competent, albeit aging, experience.
Read the full reviewA remarkably efficient 10nm chip that brings high-end integrated graphics to completely silent, fanless form factors.
Best for: Buying a used premium fanless tablet like the Surface Pro X alternative or Dell XPS 13 2-in-1.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-10510Y or Core i7-1160G7?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-1160G7 comes out ahead with a score of 8.6/10. 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 i7-10510Y or Core i7-1160G7?
For gaming, the Core i7-1160G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 70/100 among Intel Core i7-10510Y and Core i7-1160G7.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-10510Y has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-10510Y (9 W), Core i7-1160G7 (15 W).
Do Intel Core i7-10510Y and Core i7-1160G7 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-10510Y: Intel BGA 1440, Core i7-1160G7: Intel BGA 1598), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-1160G7 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-1160G7 (4,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.