CPU Comparison

Intel Core i7-1068NG7 vs Intel Core i7-10710U

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-1068NG7 is a specialized 10th Gen mobile processor launched in August 2019. Based on the 10nm Ice Lake-U architecture, it was uniquely tailored for Apple's MacBook Pro lineup. The 'N' in its designation denotes its exclusive availability for Apple products. It features 4 cores and 8 threads, operating at a higher 28-watt TDP compared to standard 15W Ice Lake chips. This allows for a higher base clock of 2.3 GHz and a boost clock of up to 4.1 GHz. With 8MB of L3 cache and Intel Iris Plus Graphics, it delivers robust performance for both CPU and GPU-intensive tasks. The processor supports LPDDR4 memory and includes Intel's DLBoost for AI acceleration. Its 28W TDP strikes a balance between the low-power U-series and the higher-performance H-series, making it ideal for Apple's compact 13-inch MacBook Pro. It provided a significant upgrade over previous dual-core Mac models.

Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-1068NG7
4C / 8T4.1 GHz28 W
8.5
Full review
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-10710U
6C / 12T4.7 GHz25 W
8
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Mobile
Segment
Mobile
Mobile
Generation
10th Gen Core i7
10th Gen Core i7
Launched
2019
2019
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Ice Lake-U
Comet Lake-U
Series
Core i7
Core i7
Family
Ice Lake
Comet Lake
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-8559U
Intel Core i7-8565U
Successor
Apple M1
Intel Core i7-1185G7

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
6
Threads
8
12
Base Clock
2.3 GHz
1.1 GHz
Boost Clock
4.1 GHz
4.7 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
8 MB
12 MB
TDP
28 W
25 W
Architecture
Architecture
Ice Lake-U
Comet Lake-U
Process Node
10nm
14nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR4
DDR3, DDR4
Memory Speed
3733 MT/s
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
64 GB
64 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel BGA 1344
Intel BGA 1440
PCIe Version
PCIe 3.0
PCIe 3.0
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i7-1068NG7Best85

High sustained clocks make it excellent for professional workflows.

Intel Core i7-10710U82

Excellent multi-threaded performance for an ultrabook chip of its era.

Gaming

Intel Core i7-1068NG7Best65

Iris Plus graphics handle macOS games and light Steam titles well.

Intel Core i7-10710U45

Basic integrated graphics limit gaming to light esports titles.

Virtualization

Intel Core i7-1068NG770

Good for running Windows VMs on macOS.

Intel Core i7-10710UBest75

12 threads make it highly capable for running multiple VMs on the go.

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-1068NG7Best80

10nm process ensures good battery life despite the 28W TDP.

Intel Core i7-10710U55

Low base clock helps idle efficiency, but 14nm runs warm under load.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-1068NG7Good
  • Intel DLBoost provides AI acceleration
  • AVX-512 support
Intel Core i7-10710ULimited
  • No dedicated AI hardware
  • CPU inference is decent due to 12 threads

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-1068NG7Very Good
Final Cut ProLogic ProPhotoshopLightroom
Intel Core i7-10710UGood
PhotoshopLightroomPremiere Pro (1080p)Basic 3D Modeling

Gaming

Intel Core i7-1068NG7Good
  • Iris Plus 64 EUs offer good performance
  • Suitable for light gaming on macOS
  • Not a dedicated gaming machine
Intel Core i7-10710UPoor
  • UHD Graphics are not meant for gaming
  • Suitable for older or 2D games only

Industry Impact

Gaming
Low
Low
Workstations
Moderate
Moderate
Content Creation
High
Moderate
Virtualization
Moderate
Moderate

Best CPU by Use Case

Programming
Excellent
Video Editing (1080p/4K)
Very Good
Photo Editing
Excellent
Everyday Productivity
Excellent
Light Gaming
Good
Software Compilation
Very Good
Heavy Multitasking
Excellent
1080p Video Editing
Good
Office Productivity
Excellent
Web Browsing
Excellent

Target Audience

Gamers
Content Creators
Targeted
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Streamers
Office / Productivity
Targeted
Targeted
Students
Targeted
Targeted

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i7-1068NG7

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
Intel Core i7-10710U

Pros

  • 6 cores and 12 threads
  • Strong multi-threaded performance
  • Good for programming and compilation
  • Large 12MB L3 cache

Cons

  • Low base clock of 1.1 GHz
  • Outdated 14nm process
  • Basic UHD integrated graphics
  • Can run warm under sustained load

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core i7-1068NG7

Intel Core i7-10710U

Our Verdict on Each

A 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 review

A pioneering 6-core U-series processor that delivered excellent multi-threaded performance for ultrabooks, though its low base clock and 14nm limitations hold it back today.

Best for: If you are looking at a laptop with the Core i7-10710U today, it is best suited for the second-hand or refurbished market. It is not recommended for new purchases unless heavily discounted, as 11th and 12th Gen Intel processors offer substantially better performance and battery life. For users who need a budget-friendly machine for moderate multitasking, programming, or light video editing, the 6-core design still holds up reasonably well. Avoid this processor if you prioritize battery life above all else, as the 14nm process is notably less efficient than modern 10nm or Intel 7 nodes. It is a capable chip for daily productivity but shows its age in demanding workloads.

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Intel Core i7-1068NG7 or Intel Core i7-10710U?

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 i7-1068NG7 or Intel Core i7-10710U?

For gaming, the Intel Core i7-1068NG7 leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Intel Core i7-1068NG7 and Intel Core i7-10710U.

Which uses less power?

The Intel Core i7-10710U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-1068NG7 (28 W), Intel Core i7-10710U (25 W).

Do Intel Core i7-1068NG7 and Intel Core i7-10710U use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-1068NG7: Intel BGA 1344, Intel Core i7-10710U: Intel BGA 1440), so each needs a compatible motherboard.

Which has more cores?

The Intel Core i7-10710U has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i7-1068NG7 (4 cores), Intel Core i7-10710U (6 cores).