CPU Comparison
Core i5-11320H vs Core i7-1180G7
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-11320H is a mobile processor that blurs the line between thin-and-light portability and enthusiast performance. Released in June 2021 as part of the Tiger Lake-H family, it is designed for thinner gaming laptops and creator devices. Unlike standard U-series chips, the 11320H packs a 28W TDP, allowing for higher sustained performance. It features 4 cores and 8 threads, built on Intel's 10nm SuperFin process. What makes this SKU particularly interesting is its integrated graphics; it boasts Intel Iris Xe graphics with 96 Execution Units, the highest configuration available for an i5 at the time. This makes it uniquely capable for a chip without a dedicated GPU. With a base clock of 2.5 GHz and a max turbo of 4.5 GHz, it delivers snappy single-threaded performance, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious creators and gamers.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Fast single-core performance makes everyday tasks feel instant.
Excellent single-core burst for office tasks and enterprise software.
Gaming
Impressive for integrated graphics; can play older AAA and eSports titles well.
Good burst gaming capability, but limited by the 9W thermal ceiling.
Virtualization
4 cores limit heavy VM workflows, but adequate for one or two instances.
vPro aids VM management, but 9W limits heavy virtualization.
Efficiency
28W TDP is efficient for an H-series but runs warmer than U-series.
Top-tier efficiency for always-on enterprise foldables.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- GNA 2.0 for AI noise cancellation and background blur
- GNA for background AI
- vPro AMT for remote management AI tasks
Content Creation
Gaming
- 96 EUs provide a noticeable step up over 80 EUs
- Can play GTA V, CS:GO, and Valorant easily
- 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
- Powerful 96EU Iris Xe graphics
- High 4.5 GHz turbo boost
- 28W TDP allows for sustained performance
- Supports PCIe 4.0
- Good single-core speed
Cons
- Only 4 cores and 8 threads
- No DDR5 support
- 10nm process is now outdated
- Locked multiplier
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
Core i5-11320H
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-11375HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-11300HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-11400HAlt
6-core variant within the same generation for better multi-core performance.
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Lower TDP alternative with similar graphics if you want an ultrabook.
Newer Alder Lake chip with 8 cores for significantly better performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5625UAlt
More efficient and offers comparable multi-core performance.
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 unique Tiger Lake chip that offers the best integrated graphics Intel had to offer, perfect for budget creators.
Best for: Budget creator or gaming laptops
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, Core i5-11320H 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 uses less power?
The Core i7-1180G7 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i5-11320H (28 W), Core i7-1180G7 (9 W).
Do Core i5-11320H and Core i7-1180G7 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i5-11320H: Intel BGA 1449, Core i7-1180G7: Intel BGA 1598), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-1180G7 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i5-11320H (0), Core i7-1180G7 (4,100). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.