CPU Comparison
Core i7-1165G7 vs Intel Core i7-4870HQ
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-1165G7 is a high-end mobile processor introduced in September 2020 for thin-and-light laptops. Built on Intel's 10nm SuperFin process, it features 4 cores and 8 threads based on the Willow Cove architecture. Operating with a base frequency of 2.8 GHz and boosting up to 4.7 GHz, it was designed to deliver exceptional single-threaded performance for ultraportable devices. A defining feature of this chip is the integration of Iris Xe Graphics with 96 Execution Units, marking a massive leap in integrated GPU performance and enabling casual 1080p gaming without a discrete GPU. The processor supports both DDR4-3200 and LPDDR4X-4267 memory, ensuring high bandwidth for the integrated graphics. With a configurable TDP ranging from 12W to 28W, it balances power and performance. It also brings PCIe 4.0 support to mobile, allowing for faster SSD speeds. The i7-1165G7 was instrumental in Intel's competitive stance against AMD's Ryzen 4000 mobile series.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Snappy application launch and multitasking due to high single-core boost.
Adequate for standard office tasks and light content creation.
Gaming
Capable of playing modern titles at 1080p medium settings thanks to Iris Xe.
Handles older or less demanding games well, but struggles with modern titles.
Virtualization
Adequate for light VMs, but limited by 4 cores.
Can handle basic VMs but limited by 47W TDP and older architecture.
Efficiency
Excellent idle power and load efficiency on the 10nm node.
22nm process is inefficient compared to modern mobile chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- DL Boost for low-power AI inference
- GNA for background noise cancellation
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Slow inference times
Content Creation
Gaming
- Excellent for an iGPU
- Requires dual-channel memory for best results
- Can play CS:GO and Valorant easily
- Good for retro gaming
- Iris Pro eDRAM helps frame rates
- Not suitable for modern AAA games
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent single-core performance
- Iris Xe graphics are class-leading for integrated
- Great power efficiency
- Supports fast PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs
- Built on Intel's 10nm process
Cons
- Only 4 cores and 8 threads
- Soldered to motherboard (BGA)
- Multi-core performance lags behind AMD's 8-core mobile chips
- Can throttle under sustained load if laptop cooling is poor
Pros
- Strong integrated graphics for its era
- Good multi-threaded performance
- Includes eDRAM cache
Cons
- End-of-life platform
- High TDP for mobile
- Poor efficiency by modern standards
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-1165G7
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1135G7Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600URival
Mobile
12th Gen offers better efficiency and more cores.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Budget-friendly with good multi-core performance.
Intel Core i7-4870HQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4700HQRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-7500Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-4200HRival
Mobile
- NVIDIA Tegra K1Rival
Mobile
Vastly superior performance and efficiency in the mobile space.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 4600HAlt
More cores, better integrated graphics, and modern architecture.
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Massive leap in single-thread speed and battery life.
- Alt
Revolutionary ARM-based efficiency and performance.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 7 5800UAlt
Excellent multi-core scaling and low power consumption.
Our Verdict on Each
A landmark mobile processor that brought massive single-core and integrated graphics improvements to the ultrabook segment.
Best for: Purchasing a used or refurbished premium ultrabook for productivity and light gaming.
Read the full reviewAn innovative mobile processor for its time, offering strong integrated graphics, though outclassed by modern efficiency standards.
Best for: Buying a used laptop for basic computing or retro gaming at a heavily discounted price. Buying Advice for the Core i7-4870HQ in the modern context is straightforward: it is no longer viable for new builds, and purchasing a used laptop with this processor requires careful consideration. While it still offers respectable performance for basic productivity, web browsing, and media consumption, its age means it lacks support for modern instruction sets and efficiency improvements found in current-generation chips. If you are buying a used laptop heavily discounted, ensure the battery is healthy, as older systems degrade over time. For any serious gaming or content creation, a newer processor—even a budget modern one—will vastly outperform this aging chip. Avoid spending significant money on this platform today.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-1165G7 or Intel Core i7-4870HQ?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-1165G7 comes out ahead with a score of 8.8/10. 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 i7-1165G7 or Intel Core i7-4870HQ?
For gaming, the Core i7-1165G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Core i7-1165G7 and Intel Core i7-4870HQ.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-1165G7 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-1165G7 (28 W), Intel Core i7-4870HQ (47 W).
Do Core i7-1165G7 and Intel Core i7-4870HQ use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-1165G7: Intel BGA 1449, Intel Core i7-4870HQ: Intel BGA 1364), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-4870HQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-1165G7 (4,500), Intel Core i7-4870HQ (8,520). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.