Intel Core i7-1160G7 socket: BGA 1598
The Intel Core i7-1160G7 uses the BGA 1598 package, a grid array that solders to the board. It is a 4-core Tiger Lake-U processor at 15 W, and the soldered chip cannot be replaced.
- Socket
- BGA 1598
- Launched
- January 2021
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 15 W
- Codename
- Tiger Lake-U
- Segment
- Mobile (soldered)
- Family
- Intel Core i7
- Clocks
- 1.2 / 4.4 GHz
Intel Core i7-1160G7 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Willow Cove (Tiger Lake-U) |
| Clocks | 1.2 GHz base at 15 W, up to 4.4 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 12 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 15 W (7 to 15 W configurable) |
| Manufacturing process | 10 nm SuperFin |
| Memory support | LPDDR4x up to 4267 MT/s, two channels, up to 32 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe Gen4 from the CPU plus Thunderbolt 4 through the board |
| Integrated graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics (96 execution units) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FCBGA1598 soldered, 26.5 × 18.5 mm |
| Cooler in the box | None (laptop cooling) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Core i7-1160G7 needs a motherboard with a BGA 1598 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the BGA 1598 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
BGA 1598 at a glance
| Type | BGA, 1,598 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | January 2021 |
| Memory | LPDDR4x up to 4267 MT/s, two channels, up to 32 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | Not applicable (soldered) |
What the Core i7-1160G7 is
The Core i7-1160G7 is a 4-core mobile processor that Intel launched in the first quarter of 2021 for small thin laptops in the UP4 range. Its Willow Cove cores run a 1.2 GHz base at 15 W to 4.4 GHz turbo with Hyper-Threading for 8 threads. Cache is 12 MB of Intel Smart Cache.
The chip gives small thin buyers an i7 UP4 option with Iris Xe graphics in a reduced envelope. The 10 nm SuperFin process pushes one core to 4.4 GHz for responsive launches. Configurable power from 7 W to 15 W lets makers tune the same die for fanless moments or active cooling.
Intel Iris Xe Graphics handle display output, with 96 execution units. The multiplier is locked. The package is FCBGA1598 soldered at 26.5 × 18.5 mm.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 1160G7 fits BGA 1598 only. The chip solders to the laptop board, so there is no socket retention and no later processor upgrade. Board support is fixed to the UP4 platform with LPDDR4x memory soldered nearby.
Because the package is soldered, buyers compare complete small laptops rather than separate parts. A buyer who needs a larger body with DDR4 options steps to the Intel Core i7-1165G7 on BGA1449. The UP4 1160G7 stays in its compact role for its whole service life.
The How to find your CPU socket type guide explains how to confirm a soldered package from the system specifications. For service, a failed processor means a board replacement through the laptop maker.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
The memory controller supports LPDDR4x up to 4267 MT/s across two channels to 32 GB. UP4 designs solder the memory for low idle power, so capacity is fixed at purchase. There is no DDR4 SO-DIMM path on UP4 boards.
The processor exposes PCIe Gen4 from the CPU plus Thunderbolt 4 through the board for storage and docks. Small designs lean on Thunderbolt where internal lanes stay few. Cooler mounting uses no desktop pattern. Cooling follows the laptop thermal design with a slim fan sized for 15 W.
Four cores with eight threads cover office multitasking in small bodies. Single thread bursts to 4.4 GHz keep launches snappy, while sustained results follow the configured TDP between 7 W and 15 W. Iris Xe needs dual channel soldered memory for full graphics speed.
Upgrade paths
On the same BGA1598 footprint there is no CPU upgrade path, since the chip is soldered. Owners who need faster UP4 graphics move to the Intel Core i7-1180G7 rather than a chip swap. Memory is also soldered, which closes that path as well.
Within i7 UP4, the step up is the 1180G7 for higher base clocks at the same 15 W. Both share 4 cores, 8 threads and Iris Xe graphics, so the choice is sustained clocks rather than platform.
Moving past UP4 entirely means a new laptop on UP3 with DDR4 options or a later platform. For buyers choosing in 2021, the 1160G7 suited compact 15 W designs, while UP3 i7 parts asked larger bodies. The two share Willow Cove and 10 nm SuperFin, but they do not share boards.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Core i7-1160G7 use?
It uses BGA 1598, a soldered grid array with 1598 balls. The chip cannot be removed or replaced.
What memory does the Core i7-1160G7 support?
LPDDR4x up to 4267 MT/s in two channels to 32 GB. UP4 boards solder the memory, so capacity is fixed at purchase.
Can the Core i7-1160G7 be overclocked?
No. The multiplier is locked, and laptop firmware does not expose desktop overclocking controls. Sustained speed follows the maker configured value between 7 W and 15 W.
How does the 1160G7 differ from the 1165G7?
The 1160G7 is a 4-core UP4 part at 15 W on BGA1598, while the Intel Core i7-1165G7 is a 4-core UP3 part on BGA1449. Both share Iris Xe graphics and 10 nm SuperFin.
Sources and verification
- Tiger Lake UP4 1160G7 (Wikipedia)
- Intel Core i3-1120G4 specifications - UP4 family reference (Intel ARK)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .