CPU Comparison
Core i7-1160G7 vs Core i7-1180G7
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.
Excellent single-core burst for office tasks and enterprise software.
Gaming
Good for casual gaming, but thermal throttling in fanless designs limits sustained performance.
Good burst gaming capability, but limited by the 9W thermal ceiling.
Virtualization
Low power limits make running VMs difficult.
vPro aids VM management, but 9W limits heavy virtualization.
Efficiency
Top-tier efficiency; designed for maximum battery life.
Top-tier efficiency for always-on enterprise foldables.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- GNA for audio AI
- Low power limits restrict heavy AI inference
- GNA for background AI
- vPro AMT for remote management AI tasks
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
- 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
- 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
- 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 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 i7-1180G7
- 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 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 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 i7-1160G7 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 is faster for gaming, Core i7-1160G7 or Core i7-1180G7?
For gaming, the Core i7-1180G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 72/100 among Core i7-1160G7 and Core i7-1180G7.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-1180G7 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-1160G7 (15 W), Core i7-1180G7 (9 W).
Do Core i7-1160G7 and Core i7-1180G7 use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1598 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-1180G7 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-1160G7 (4,000), Core i7-1180G7 (4,100). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.