CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1135G7 vs Intel Core i7-4550U
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.
Slow for modern office tasks and multitasking.
Gaming
Capable of playing e-sports titles and older games at 1080p thanks to Iris Xe graphics.
HD 5000 is slightly better than HD 4400 but still too weak for modern games.
Virtualization
Can handle light virtualization but is limited by 4 cores.
Not recommended due to 2 cores.
Efficiency
Excellent power efficiency due to the 10nm SuperFIN process.
15W TDP was efficient in 2013, but outdated now.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- DLBoost and GNA 2.0 provide solid AI acceleration for background blur and noise cancellation.
- No AI hardware
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.
- HD 5000 is too weak for modern gaming
- Suitable only for older 2D games
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
- Was efficient in 2013
- Good single-core burst performance
- 15W TDP
- Better graphics than 4500U
Cons
- Only 2 cores
- Very slow for modern tasks
- No Windows 11 support
- 22nm process is outdated
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 i7-4550U
- AMD A6-5200Rival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5545MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4200URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4500URival
Mobile
- AMD A4-5000Rival
Mobile
Modern budget CPU with vastly superior performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 5300UAlt
Modern budget alternative with 4 cores.
Excellent modern ultrabook chip.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Unmatched efficiency for basic use.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Great budget performance.
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 reviewA capable 2013 ultrabook chip with better graphics than the 4500U, but too slow for modern tasks.
Best for: If you are considering a laptop with the Intel Core i7-4550U today, it should only be purchased in the used market at an extremely low price. It remains capable of very basic web browsing and document editing, but its 2-core design is a major bottleneck for modern multitasking. Avoid purchasing a laptop with this CPU if you need to do any modern productivity work, video editing, or gaming. It is best suited for budget-conscious buyers who need a cheap, secondary machine for light web browsing. For any primary computing needs, investing in a newer platform is strongly recommended.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1135G7 or Intel Core i7-4550U?
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 i7-4550U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1135G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i5-1135G7 and Intel Core i7-4550U.
Do Intel Core i5-1135G7 and Intel Core i7-4550U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1135G7: Intel BGA 1449, Intel Core i7-4550U: Intel BGA 1168), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i5-1135G7 has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-1135G7 (4 cores), Intel Core i7-4550U (2 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-1135G7 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-1135G7 (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.