CPU Comparison
Core i7-1160G7 vs Core i7-1165G7 (IPU)
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-1160G7 is an ultra-low power mobile processor designed for the thinnest and lightest computing devices, including premium tablets and fanless ultrabooks. Launched in September 2020, it is built on the 10nm SuperFin process and utilizes the Willow Cove architecture. Featuring 4 cores and 8 threads, it operates with a low base frequency of 1.2 GHz to conserve power, while capable of boosting up to 4.4 GHz for burst performance. What sets this chip apart is its extremely low configurable TDP, scaling down to just 7W, enabling completely fanless designs without compromising on snappy responsiveness. It integrates the powerful Iris Xe Graphics with 96 Execution Units, a remarkable feat for a 7W chip, allowing for smooth 4K media playback and casual gaming. The processor exclusively supports LPDDR4X-4267 memory to minimize power footprint and supports 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes for fast storage. The i7-1160G7 represents the pinnacle of Intel's efficiency engineering for the Tiger Lake generation.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Snappy burst performance handles everyday tasks easily.
Unaffected by IPU; maintains 4.7 GHz burst performance.
Gaming
Good for casual gaming, but thermal throttling in fanless designs limits sustained performance.
Identical to standard 1165G7; Iris Xe handles 1080p medium gaming well.
Virtualization
Low power limits make running VMs difficult.
Standard 4-core mobile performance.
Efficiency
Top-tier efficiency; designed for maximum battery life.
IPU is highly efficient, offloading work that would otherwise use CPU power.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- GNA for audio AI
- Low power limits restrict heavy AI inference
- GNA for audio AI
- IPU for visual AI tasks like gaze correction
Content Creation
Gaming
- Great for 2D and e-sports titles
- Will throttle in heavy 3D loads due to fanless chassis
- Iris Xe provides surprising capability at 7W
- Identical gaming performance to standard 1165G7
- Great for 1080p medium settings
- Requires fast dual-channel memory
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Dedicated IPU 6.0 improves webcam quality drastically
- Offloads video processing from CPU
- Excellent single-core speed
- Powerful Iris Xe integrated graphics
- Supports MIPI camera sensors
Cons
- Performance is identical to standard 1165G7 for non-camera tasks
- Only 4 cores
- Requires OEM to actually wire a MIPI camera to the IPU to be useful
- End-of-life platform
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Core i7-1165G7 (IPU)
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1185G7Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1135G7Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2Rival
Mobile
Better efficiency and more cores, though IPU integration continues.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5800UAlt
Superior multi-core performance for heavy workloads.
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Standard version performs identically if IPU isn't needed.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600UAlt
Great budget alternative with solid multi-core performance.
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA highly capable mobile CPU that distinguishes itself with dedicated image processing hardware, perfect for the modern remote-work laptop.
Best for: Buying a used premium laptop specifically for remote work and high-quality video calls.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-1160G7 or Core i7-1165G7 (IPU)?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) comes out ahead with a score of 8.9/10. 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, Core i7-1160G7 or Core i7-1165G7 (IPU)?
For gaming, the Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Core i7-1160G7 and Core i7-1165G7 (IPU).
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-1160G7 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-1160G7 (15 W), Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) (28 W).
Do Core i7-1160G7 and Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-1160G7: Intel BGA 1598, Core i7-1165G7 (IPU): Intel BGA 1449), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-1160G7 (4,000), Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) (4,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.