CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1135G7 vs Intel Core i7-8550U
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.
Snappy for office applications but throttles under sustained load.
Gaming
Capable of playing e-sports titles and older games at 1080p thanks to Iris Xe graphics.
Only suitable for very light 2D or older games due to UHD 620 graphics.
Virtualization
Can handle light virtualization but is limited by 4 cores.
Can run one light VM, but limited by 15W TDP.
Efficiency
Excellent power efficiency due to the 10nm SuperFIN process.
Excellent idle efficiency and good battery life for ultrabooks.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- DLBoost and GNA 2.0 provide solid AI acceleration for background blur and noise cancellation.
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Relies on CPU for basic inference
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.
- Relies on Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Can run esports titles on low settings
- Not suitable for AAA gaming
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
- Brought 4 cores to 15W ultrabooks
- Good single-core burst performance
- Excellent battery life for basic tasks
- Large 8MB L3 cache
Cons
- Low base clock of 1.8 GHz
- Throttles under sustained multi-threaded load
- Basic UHD 620 integrated graphics
- 14nm process is outdated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 i7-8550U
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 2500URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-8250URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-7500URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-8565UAlt
Whiskey Lake refresh with higher clocks and better sustained performance.
- AMD Ryzen 5 4500UAlt
Much better multi-core performance and efficiency.
11th Gen offers massive IPC and graphics improvements.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Vastly superior performance and battery life.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 7 4700UAlt
8-core alternative with excellent battery life.
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 pioneering 15W processor that brought 4 cores to ultrabooks, offering solid multitasking, though its low base clock limits sustained performance.
Best for: If you are considering a laptop with the Core i7-8550U today, it should only be purchased in the used or refurbished market at a significant discount. It remains a capable processor for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. The 4-core design ensures it handles basic multitasking without major slowdowns. However, its 14nm architecture and 15W TDP mean it will struggle with any sustained heavy workloads like video editing or modern gaming. Avoid this processor if you need to run demanding software or if battery life is your absolute top priority, as newer chips are far more efficient. It is best suited for budget-conscious buyers or students who need a cheap, reliable secondary machine for schoolwork and everyday use.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1135G7 or Intel Core i7-8550U?
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 i7-8550U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1135G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i5-1135G7 and Intel Core i7-8550U.
Do Intel Core i5-1135G7 and Intel Core i7-8550U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1135G7: Intel BGA 1449, Intel Core i7-8550U: Intel BGA 1356), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
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.