Intel Core i7-1068NG7
Intel Core i7-1068NG7: Review of the Processor for Ultrabooks in 2025
(Relevant as of April 2025)
Architecture and Process Technology: Ice Lake-U and the Era of 10 nm
The Intel Core i7-1068NG7 processor, released in 2020, became part of the Ice Lake-U lineup, built on a 10-nanometer process technology. This was a significant step for Intel after many years of using 14-nm architecture.
Key Specifications:
- 4 cores and 8 threads thanks to Hyper-Threading.
- Base frequency: 2.3 GHz, maximum turbo frequency: 4.1 GHz (for a single core).
- L3 Cache: 8 MB.
- Integrated Graphics: Iris Plus (G7) with 64 Execution Units (EU).
Architecture Features:
- Sunny Cove: Improved IPC (Instructions Per Cycle) by 18% compared to previous generations.
- Memory Support: LPDDR4X-3733, which enhances bandwidth for the iGPU.
- Thunderbolt 3: Built-in support for up to 4 ports for fast peripheral connectivity.
iGPU Iris Plus:
The Iris Plus G7 graphics in 2020 was a breakthrough for integrated solutions. It handles:
- Casual gaming: CS:GO at medium settings (60 FPS at 1080p), Rocket League (45-50 FPS).
- Rendering acceleration in Adobe Premiere Pro via Quick Sync.
- Support for 4K@60Hz displays.
Power Consumption and TDP: Balancing Power and Efficiency
With a TDP of 15W, the i7-1068NG7 is ideal for ultrabooks. However, in reality, its consumption can reach 28W in turbo mode, requiring an efficient cooling system.
Power-Saving Technologies:
- Intel Dynamic Tuning: Automatically adjusts power according to workload.
- Speed Shift EPP: Quickly switches between C-states for power savings.
- cTDP Configuration: Manufacturers can configure the TDP in the range of 12–25W to match laptop design.
Performance: From Office Tasks to Light Gaming
Office Tasks:
- Running 20+ tabs in Chrome, Microsoft Teams, and Excel — without lag.
- Rendering PowerPoint presentations with 3D elements — 30% faster than i5-10210U.
Multimedia:
- Video Conversion: Rendering a 10-minute 1080p video in HandBrake in ~8 minutes (compared to ~12 minutes with Ryzen 5 4500U).
- Photo Editing: Working in Lightroom with RAW files — smooth, but noticeable lag when batch processing compared to 6-core CPUs.
Gaming:
- Cyberpunk 2077 (Low, 720p): 20-25 FPS — only suitable for undemanding scenarios.
- Fortnite (Medium, 1080p): 40-45 FPS thanks to Unreal Engine optimization.
Turbo Mode:
The processor maintains 3.8–4.0 GHz for up to 28 seconds under full-core load, after which it reduces frequency to 2.8–3.0 GHz due to thermal throttling in thin chassis (e.g., MacBook Pro 13" 2020).
Use Cases: Who is the i7-1068NG7 Suitable For?
1. Students and Office Workers: Continuous document work, video conferencing, multitasking.
2. Creative Professionals: Photo editing and light video editing in mobile conditions.
3. Travelers: Compact laptops with long battery life.
4. Casual Gamers: Games from indie projects or older AAA titles.
Not Suitable For:
- 3D modeling in Blender.
- Streaming games on Twitch.
- Working with 8K video.
Battery Life: How Long Will the Battery Last?
In laptops with a 50–60 Wh battery (e.g., Dell XPS 13 9300), the i7-1068NG7 provides:
- 8–10 hours of web surfing (brightness at 150 nits).
- 5–6 hours of watching Netflix (4K HDR).
Energy-Saving Technologies:
- Adaptix Dynamic Tuning: Machine learning to predict workload.
- Passive Cooling: In fanless devices (e.g., Acer Swift 5) reduces power consumption by 10–15%.
Comparison with Competitors: AMD, Apple, and Previous Intel Generations
AMD Ryzen 7 4800U (2020):
- Pros: 8 cores, better in multi-threaded tasks (Geekbench 6 Multi-Core: ~6000).
- Cons: Weaker single-threaded performance (Geekbench 6 Single-Core: ~1150).
Apple M1 (2020):
- Pros: Better energy efficiency (18 hours of battery life), integration with macOS.
- Cons: Limited compatibility with Windows programs.
Intel Core i7-1165G7 (Tiger Lake, 2020):
- More powerful iGPU (Iris Xe), but at a higher price.
In 2025: The i7-1068NG7 is only relevant in the secondary market or in budget new devices ($600–800).
Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- High single-threaded performance for 2020–2022.
- Good integrated graphics.
- Support for Thunderbolt 4 (with firmware update).
Weaknesses:
- Only 4 cores — multi-threaded tasks lag behind Ryzen and Apple Silicon.
- Heating in compact chassis.
Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop
1. Device Type: Ultrabooks (Dell XPS 13, HP Spectre x360) or 2-in-1 hybrids.
2. Cooling: Look for models with dual fans (e.g., Lenovo Yoga Slim 7).
3. Display: IPS panel with 100% sRGB for creative tasks.
4. Battery: At least 50 Wh.
Prices in 2025:
- New devices with i7-1068NG7: from $600 (budget lines from ASUS, Acer).
- Premium models (Dell, HP): no longer relevant, replaced with 12th-14th generation CPUs.
Final Conclusion
The Intel Core i7-1068NG7 in 2025 is a choice for those looking for an affordable yet reliable laptop for work and study. Its strengths include:
- Smooth operation in office applications.
- Ability for light gaming.