CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1135G7 (IPU) vs Core i7-1185G7
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-1135G7 (IPU) is a specialized variant of the Tiger Lake mobile processor, featuring an integrated Image Processing Unit (IPU) 6.0. Sharing the same 4-core, 8-thread Willow Cove architecture on the 10nm process, it operates at a 15W TDP with boost clocks up to 4.2 GHz. The IPU 6.0 accelerates camera-related workloads, enabling AI-driven background blurring, gaze correction, and high-quality low-light video conferencing without taxing the CPU cores.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Snappy performance for everyday office tasks and multitasking.
Excellent single-core performance makes everyday tasks and moderate multitasking extremely responsive.
Gaming
Capable of playing e-sports titles at 1080p thanks to Iris Xe graphics.
Capable of playing e-sports titles and older games at 1080p, but struggles with AAA titles at high settings.
Virtualization
Can handle light virtualization but is limited by 4 cores.
Adequate for light virtualization, but 4 cores limit running multiple heavy VMs.
Efficiency
Excellent power efficiency, further enhanced by IPU offloading camera tasks.
10nm process provides excellent performance per watt for ultrabook form factors.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- DLBoost and GNA 2.0 provide solid AI acceleration.
- IPU 6.0 accelerates AI-based camera features.
- Features DLBoost for AI inference
- Suitable for light edge AI tasks
- No dedicated NPU
Content Creation
Gaming
- Iris Xe 80EU allows for smooth e-sports gaming.
- Performance scales heavily with dual-channel memory.
- Not suitable for modern AAA gaming at high settings.
- Iris Xe 96EU is a major upgrade
- Dependent on system memory configuration
- Not suitable for high-end gaming
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- IPU 6.0 saves CPU cycles during video calls
- Excellent single-core performance
- Iris Xe 80EU graphics
- Great power efficiency
- Supports fast LPDDR4X-4267 memory
Cons
- Only beneficial if the laptop uses a MIPI camera interface
- Limited to 4 cores
- Soldered onto the motherboard
- Replaced quickly by 12th Gen mobile chips
Pros
- Excellent single-thread performance
- Integrated Iris Xe 96EU graphics
- 10nm SuperFin efficiency
- PCIe 4.0 support
- vPro enterprise features
Cons
- Only 4 cores limits multi-threading
- End-of-life status
- Limited PCIe lanes (4x)
- Locked multiplier
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-1135G7 (IPU)
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1185G7Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1130G7Rival
Mobile
Standard version offers the same performance if IPU isn't needed.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Offers higher clock speeds and 96 EUs for better graphics.
- Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3Alt
ARM-based alternative for extreme battery life.
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800UAlt
Newer generation with RDNA2 graphics and 8 cores.
Core i7-1185G7
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3Rival
Mobile
Better value for similar daily performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
More cores for multi-threaded workloads.
Newer architecture with more cores.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5825UAlt
Superior integrated graphics and cores.
- Alt
Better efficiency and single-thread speed.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
An excellent ultrabook chip that offloads camera processing to dedicated hardware, saving battery life during long video calls.
Best for: Buying a premium business laptop where video call quality is paramount.
Read the full reviewA highly capable 4-core mobile processor that brought significant single-thread and integrated graphics improvements to the ultrabook market.
Best for: Buying a used or refurbished premium ultrabook.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1135G7 (IPU) or Core i7-1185G7?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-1135G7 (IPU) comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-1135G7 (IPU) has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-1135G7 (IPU) (15 W), Core i7-1185G7 (28 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1135G7 (IPU) and Core i7-1185G7 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1135G7 (IPU): Intel BGA 1449, Core i7-1185G7: BGA 1449), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-1185G7 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-1135G7 (IPU) (0), Core i7-1185G7 (6,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.