CPU Comparison
Core i7-1165G7 vs Intel Core i7-4950HQ
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.
Handles everyday tasks well, but slow by modern standards.
Gaming
Capable of playing modern titles at 1080p medium settings thanks to Iris Xe.
Competent for 2013 games, but struggles with modern titles.
Virtualization
Adequate for light VMs, but limited by 4 cores.
Adequate for basic VM usage.
Efficiency
Excellent idle power and load efficiency on the 10nm node.
High TDP and 22nm process result in poor battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- DL Boost for low-power AI inference
- GNA for background noise cancellation
- Lacks modern AI acceleration
- Slow compute times
Content Creation
Gaming
- Excellent for an iGPU
- Requires dual-channel memory for best results
- Can play CS:GO and Valorant easily
- Iris Pro eDRAM helps textures
- Unlocked multiplier allows slight performance tuning
- Not for modern AAA gaming
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
- Unlocked multiplier (rare for mobile)
- Iris Pro 5200 with eDRAM
- Solid multi-threaded performance for its era
Cons
- Very poor efficiency by modern standards
- End-of-life
- Soldered to motherboard
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 i7-4950HQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4700HQRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3632QMRival
Mobile
- Apple A7Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700UAlt
Massive leap in efficiency and multi-core performance.
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Modern single-core speeds and superior integrated graphics.
- Alt
Industry-leading performance per watt.
Compare head-to-head Better battery life and modern feature set.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Affordable modern alternative with 6 cores.
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 important step forward for mobile integrated graphics, offering unique overclocking potential, but now obsolete.
Best for: Purchasing a used laptop at a rock-bottom price. Buying advice for the Core i7-4950HQ today suggests avoiding significant investment. While it was a formidable processor in its prime, modern applications and operating systems demand greater efficiency and newer instruction sets. If you encounter a used laptop featuring this chip at a very low price, it can still serve adequately for web browsing, office tasks, and media playback. However, its 47-watt TDP and older 22nm process mean it will run warmer and consume more power than modern equivalents. For gaming or content creation, its integrated graphics, while historically significant, no longer meet modern baseline requirements. Save your budget for a newer system that offers better longevity.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-1165G7 or Intel Core i7-4950HQ?
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 i7-4950HQ?
For gaming, the Core i7-1165G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Core i7-1165G7 and Intel Core i7-4950HQ.
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 i7-4950HQ (47 W).
Do Core i7-1165G7 and Intel Core i7-4950HQ use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-1165G7: Intel BGA 1449, Intel Core i7-4950HQ: Intel BGA 1364), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-4950HQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-1165G7 (4,500), Intel Core i7-4950HQ (8,400). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.