Core i5-4260U vs Core i7-1060G7

Intel

Core i5-4260U

2 Cores4 Thrd512 WWMax: 2.7 GHz2014
Similar parts
·······
VS
Intel

Core i7-1060G7

4 Cores8 Thrd9 WWMax: 3.8 GHz2019
Similar parts
·······

Core i5-4260U vs Core i7-1060G7 Performance Spectrum

About PassMark

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i5-4260U vs Core i7-1060G7 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i5-4260U vs Core i7-1060G7: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i5-4260U

2014

Why buy it

    Trade-offs

    • Worse for gaming: lower average FPS than Core i7-1060G7 across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • Lower PassMark (2,311 vs 2,322).
    • Smaller total L3 cache (3 MB vs 8 MB).
    • 5588.9% higher power demand at 512W vs 9W.
    • No integrated graphics, while Core i7-1060G7 can still boot and troubleshoot without a discrete GPU.

    Core i7-1060G7

    2019

    Why buy it

    • Better for gaming: +9.2% higher average FPS across 50 shared CPU benchmark tests.
    • +166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
    • Draws 9W instead of 512W, a 503W reduction.
    • 100+% more PCIe lanes (16 vs 0) for storage and expansion-heavy builds.
    • Integrated graphics onboard with Iris Plus Graphics, while Core i5-4260U needs a discrete GPU.

    Trade-offs

    • Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

    Quick Answers

    So, is Core i7-1060G7 better than Core i5-4260U?
    Yes. Core i7-1060G7 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 9.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.5% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.
    Which one is better for gaming?
    If gaming is the priority, Core i7-1060G7 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 9.2% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.
    Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?
    For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i7-1060G7 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.5% better PassMark, backed by 4 cores and 8 threads. It also has the larger cache pool with 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB).
    Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?
    Core i7-1060G7 still makes the most sense overall. Core i7-1060G7 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 9.2% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.
    Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?
    Core i7-1060G7 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2019 vs 2014), 166.7% larger total L3 cache (8 MB vs 3 MB), and more multi-core headroom with 4 cores / 8 threads instead of 2/4. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

    Core i5-4260U vs Core i7-1060G7 Technical Specifications

    Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

    Intel

    Core i5-4260U

    The Core i5-4260U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 14 April 2014 (11 years ago). It is based on the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture. It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency is 1.4 GHz, with boost up to 2.7 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB. L2 cache: 512 kB. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1168. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,311 points. Launch price was $325.

    Intel

    Core i7-1060G7

    The Core i7-1060G7 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 August 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Ice Lake (Client) (2019) architecture. It features 4 cores and 8 threads. Base frequency is 1 GHz, with boost up to 3.8 GHz. L3 cache: 8 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 10 nm process technology. Socket: BGA1440. Thermal design power (TDP): 9 Watt. Memory support: LPDDR4-3733. Passmark benchmark score: 2,322 points. Launch price was $69.

    Processing Power

    The Core i5-4260U packs 2 cores / 4 threads, while the Core i7-1060G7 offers 4 cores / 8 threads — the Core i7-1060G7 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 2.7 GHz on the Core i5-4260U versus 3.8 GHz on the Core i7-1060G7 — a 33.8% clock advantage for the Core i7-1060G7 (base: 1.4 GHz vs 1 GHz). The Core i5-4260U uses the Haswell (2013−2015) architecture (22 nm), while the Core i7-1060G7 uses Ice Lake (Client) (2019) (10 nm). In PassMark, the Core i5-4260U scores 2,311 against the Core i7-1060G7's 2,322 — a 0.5% lead for the Core i7-1060G7. L3 cache: 3 MB on the Core i5-4260U vs 8 MB (total) on the Core i7-1060G7.

    FeatureCore i5-4260UCore i7-1060G7
    Cores / Threads
    2 / 4
    4 / 8+100%
    Boost Clock
    2.7 GHz
    3.8 GHz+41%
    Base Clock
    1.4 GHz+40%
    1 GHz
    L3 Cache
    3 MB
    8 MB (total)+167%
    L2 Cache
    512 kB+100%
    256K (per core)
    Process
    22 nm
    10 nm-55%
    Architecture
    Haswell (2013−2015)
    Ice Lake (Client) (2019)
    PassMark
    2,311
    2,322
    Geekbench 6 Single
    1,523
    🧠

    Memory & Platform

    The Core i5-4260U uses the FCBGA1168 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Core i7-1060G7 uses BGA1440 (PCIe 3.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard.

    FeatureCore i5-4260UCore i7-1060G7
    Socket
    FCBGA1168
    BGA1440
    PCIe Generation
    PCIe 3.0
    PCIe 3.0
    Max RAM Speed
    LPDDR4-3733
    Max RAM Capacity
    32 GB
    RAM Channels
    2
    ECC Support
    No
    PCIe Lanes
    16
    🔧

    Advanced Features

    Virtualization: not specified (Core i5-4260U) / VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-1060G7). The Core i7-1060G7 includes integrated graphics (Iris Plus Graphics), while the Core i5-4260U requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-1060G7 targets Premium Ultrabook. Direct competitor: Core i7-1060G7 rivals Ryzen 7 4700U.

    FeatureCore i5-4260UCore i7-1060G7
    Integrated GPU
    Yes
    IGPU Model
    Iris Plus Graphics
    Unlocked
    No
    AVX-512
    Yes
    Virtualization
    VT-x, VT-d, EPT
    Target Use
    Premium Ultrabook