CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1135G7 vs Intel Core i5-8305G
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-1135G7 is a 4-core, 8-thread mobile processor launched in September 2020. Built on the 10nm SuperFIN process, it utilizes the Willow Cove microarchitecture. Designed for thin-and-light laptops, it operates at a 15W TDP with a base clock of 1.5 GHz and a turbo boost up to 4.2 GHz. It features the highly capable Iris Xe Graphics G7 with 80 Execution Units, bringing significant gaming and media improvements to the ultrabook segment.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Snappy performance for everyday office tasks and multitasking.
Strong quad-core CPU performance for everyday and moderate heavy tasks.
Gaming
Capable of playing e-sports titles and older games at 1080p thanks to Iris Xe graphics.
Capable of playing modern games at 1080p medium settings.
Virtualization
Can handle light virtualization but is limited by 4 cores.
Good for running VMs, though limited to 4 cores.
Efficiency
Excellent power efficiency due to the 10nm SuperFIN process.
65W is efficient for the performance, but requires active cooling.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- DLBoost and GNA 2.0 provide solid AI acceleration for background blur and noise cancellation.
- Can utilize AMD GPU for compute
- Lacks modern AI instruction sets
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.
- Radeon RX Vega M GL with 4GB HBM2
- Comparable to an Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti
- Driver support is essentially discontinued
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent single-core performance
- Massive leap in integrated graphics (Iris Xe 80EU)
- Great power efficiency
- Supports fast LPDDR4X-4267 memory
- Includes PCIe 4.0 for fast storage
Cons
- Limited to 4 cores
- Integrated graphics still weaker than entry-level discrete GPUs
- Soldered onto the motherboard (BGA package)
- Replaced quickly by 12th Gen P-series and U-series
Pros
- Excellent integrated graphics performance
- Dedicated HBM2 memory for the GPU
- Fits high-end gaming into small form factors
- Good CPU performance with 4 cores and 8 threads
Cons
- Driver support is effectively abandoned
- 65W TDP requires active cooling
- Only 8 PCIe lanes available for external devices
- Unique BGA 2270 socket limits upgradability
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-1135G7
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1035G1Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600UAlt
Provides better multi-core performance with 6 cores.
Budget alternative with 2 cores for basic office tasks.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5800UAlt
Excellent 8-core alternative for heavy multitasking.
Newer 12th gen alternative with more cores and better efficiency.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i5-8305G
- AMD Ryzen 5 2500URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8705GRival
Mobile (G-Series)
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-8300HRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600HAlt
Better modern alternative with superior integrated graphics.
Newer architecture with Xe graphics and better drivers.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5800UAlt
Much faster and more efficient for thin gaming.
- Intel Core i5-8259UAlt
Cheaper alternative if heavy graphics aren't needed.
Our Verdict on Each
A breakthrough mobile chip that brought console-like integrated graphics to thin-and-light laptops, though limited to 4 cores.
Best for: Buying a mid-range ultrabook for everyday use and light gaming.
Read the full reviewAn innovative and powerful hybrid processor that delivers exceptional 1080p gaming performance in thin form factors, though its driver support is now outdated.
Best for: Buying a used NUC8 or thin gaming laptop at a steep discount.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1135G7 or Intel Core i5-8305G?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-1135G7 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 is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-1135G7 or Intel Core i5-8305G?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-8305G leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Intel Core i5-1135G7 and Intel Core i5-8305G.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-1135G7 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-1135G7 (15 W), Intel Core i5-8305G (65 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1135G7 and Intel Core i5-8305G use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1135G7: Intel BGA 1449, Intel Core i5-8305G: Intel BGA 2270), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-8305G posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-1135G7 (0), Intel Core i5-8305G (7,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.