CPU Comparison
Core i7-1195G7 vs Intel Core i7-1260P
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-1195G7 is a Tiger Lake-U refresh released in mid-2021, offering a slight bump in frequencies over the original i7-1185G7. Built on the 10nm SuperFin process, it features 4 cores and 8 threads, but pushes the turbo frequency to an impressive 5.0 GHz. This makes it one of the fastest single-threaded mobile processors of its era. The base clock is set at 2.9 GHz, with a configurable TDP ranging from 12W to 28W. Unlike the 1185G7, the 1195G7 upgrades the PCIe support to 16 lanes of Gen 4, enabling full bandwidth for high-end discrete GPUs in larger laptop chassis. It retains the excellent Iris Xe-LP Graphics with 96 EUs. Targeted at premium ultrabooks and thin-and-light gaming laptops, this processor aimed to hold off AMD's Ryzen 5000 mobile series by maximizing burst performance and platform connectivity.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
The 5.0 GHz boost provides unmatched snappiness for daily tasks.
Excels at multitasking, heavy office workloads, and web browsing with dozens of tabs open.
Gaming
Excellent when paired with a discrete GPU due to 16 PCIe 4.0 lanes.
Handles esports titles and older games at 1080p well, but struggles with demanding AAA titles without a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Good for light VMs, but 4 cores limit heavy virtualization.
Capable of running local virtual machines for development purposes, though limited by memory bandwidth.
Efficiency
Pushing 5.0 GHz on 10nm can generate significant heat in thin chassis.
The E-cores provide excellent idle and low-load efficiency, extending battery life significantly.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- DLBoost present
- No dedicated NPU
- Fast single-core speeds help CPU AI tasks
- Uses CPU-based inference for AI workloads
- Lacks a dedicated NPU found in later Meteor Lake generations
Content Creation
Gaming
- 16 PCIe lanes prevent dGPU bottlenecks
- Iris Xe is excellent for casual gaming
- CPU bottleneck possible in multi-threaded games
- Relies on Iris Xe 96EU integrated graphics
- Suitable for Minecraft, CS:GO, and League of Legends
- Not recommended for modern AAA gaming without discrete GPU
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 5.0 GHz single-core turbo
- 16 PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Excellent Iris Xe graphics
- Strong single-thread performance
Cons
- Only 4 cores
- End-of-life platform
- Can run hot at 5.0 GHz
- Expensive at launch
Pros
- Excellent multi-core performance for a 28W chip
- Hybrid architecture improves multitasking heavily
- Supports fast DDR5 memory
- Strong integrated graphics (96EU)
- Good sustained performance in well-cooled chassis
Cons
- 28W base TDP requires decent cooling
- No unlocked multiplier for overclocking
- Soldered to the motherboard (BGA)
- Battery life is shorter than 15W U-series equivalents
Competitors & Alternatives
Core i7-1195G7
- AMD Ryzen 9 5900HXRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i9-11900HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1185G7Alt
Cheaper and nearly identical for non-gaming use.
Newer 12th Gen with more cores.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Superior efficiency and multi-core.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 5 5600HAlt
Better budget gaming performance.
Intel Core i7-1260P
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 6600URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1185G7Rival
Mobile
Offers slightly higher clock speeds for marginally better performance.
Compare head-to-headBetter battery life in thinner chassis due to 15W TDP.
Compare head-to-headSimilar P-core count but lower price point in laptops.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 7735UAlt
Excellent efficiency and integrated graphics performance.
Lower power consumption variant for premium ultrabooks.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A potent refresh of Tiger Lake, offering exceptional single-core speeds and improved PCIe expansion for high-end mobile devices.
Best for: Buying a used premium ultrabook or thin-and-light laptop.
Read the full reviewA highly capable mobile processor that brought desktop-class hybrid architecture to thin-and-light laptops, offering excellent multi-core scaling.
Best for: Purchasing a used or discounted premium ultrabook from 2022.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-1195G7 or Intel Core i7-1260P?
For gaming, the Core i7-1195G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 80/100 among Core i7-1195G7 and Intel Core i7-1260P.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-1195G7 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-1195G7 (28 W), Intel Core i7-1260P (64 W).
Do Core i7-1195G7 and Intel Core i7-1260P use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-1195G7: BGA 1449, Intel Core i7-1260P: Intel BGA 1744), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-1260P has the most cores. Core counts: Core i7-1195G7 (4 cores), Intel Core i7-1260P (12 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-1195G7 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-1195G7 (7,200), Intel Core i7-1260P (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.