CPU Comparison
Core i7-1180G7 vs Intel Core i7-1260U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-1180G7 is a specialized ultra-low power mobile processor introduced in March 2021 for next-generation foldable and dual-screen devices. Built on the 10nm SuperFin process with Willow Cove architecture, it features 4 cores and 8 threads. Operating with a base frequency of 1.3 GHz and boosting up to 4.6 GHz, it balances performance with an incredibly low 9W base TDP. This processor is designed for innovative form factors where thermal headroom is severely limited. It includes the Iris Xe Graphics with 96 Execution Units, ensuring smooth visuals across multiple high-resolution displays. The chip supports LPDDR4X-4267 memory and 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes. A unique aspect of the 1180G7 is its support for vPro Enterprise, bringing advanced manageability and security features to niche, futuristic devices. The processor is packaged in the ultra-thin BGA 1598 format, allowing manufacturers to create incredibly compact motherboards necessary for foldable screens and ultra-thin chassis designs.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Excellent single-core burst for office tasks and enterprise software.
Great for bursty office tasks like email and documents, but slows down under heavy continuous loads.
Gaming
Good burst gaming capability, but limited by the 9W thermal ceiling.
Very limited gaming performance due to the 9W TDP. Only suitable for basic 2D games and old software.
Virtualization
vPro aids VM management, but 9W limits heavy virtualization.
Not recommended for VMs. The low power and core count will result in severe sluggishness.
Efficiency
Top-tier efficiency for always-on enterprise foldables.
Industry-leading efficiency for x86 laptops, often providing 15+ hours of battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- GNA for background AI
- vPro AMT for remote management AI tasks
- Low power limits restrict AI workloads
- No dedicated NPU
Content Creation
Gaming
- Capable of 1080p medium in short bursts
- Throttling is inevitable in passive designs
- Iris Xe scales well despite low TDP
- Severely limited by 9W thermal envelope
- Suitable only for retro or 2D indie games
- Throttles quickly under 3D load
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Incredible 9W power efficiency
- Enables fanless, silent designs
- Excellent single-core burst performance
- Supports fast LPDDR5 memory
- Very light on battery drain
Cons
- Very low sustained multi-core performance
- Only 2 P-cores
- Soldered BGA 1781 socket
- Limited to 29W turbo power
- Not suitable for heavy workloads
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Intel Core i7-1260U
- Compare head-to-headApple M2Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800URival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 6600URival
Mobile
Essentially identical 9W performance, often used interchangeably by OEMs.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-1230UAlt
A more budget-friendly 9W option with similar efficiency.
Offers better performance in a 15W envelope if you don't need a fanless design.
Compare head-to-head- Apple M2 MacBook AirAlt
Superior performance-per-watt in a fanless chassis.
- AMD Ryzen 5 7640UAlt
Excellent efficiency with significantly better performance.
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewAn excellent 9W processor for silent, fanless laptops, though its strict power limits mean it lags behind 15W chips in sustained workloads.
Best for: Buying a premium 2-in-1 tablet or fanless laptop where silence and weight are the primary concerns.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-1180G7 or Intel Core i7-1260U?
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 i7-1180G7 or Intel Core i7-1260U?
For gaming, the Core i7-1180G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 72/100 among Core i7-1180G7 and Intel Core i7-1260U.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-1180G7 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-1180G7 (9 W), Intel Core i7-1260U (29 W).
Do Core i7-1180G7 and Intel Core i7-1260U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-1180G7: Intel BGA 1598, Intel Core i7-1260U: Intel BGA 1781), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-1260U has the most cores. Core counts: Core i7-1180G7 (4 cores), Intel Core i7-1260U (10 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-1180G7 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-1180G7 (4,100), Intel Core i7-1260U (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.