CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1135G7 vs Intel Core i7-8650U
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 performance for office tasks, but throttles under sustained multi-threaded load.
Gaming
Capable of playing e-sports titles and older games at 1080p thanks to Iris Xe graphics.
Not suitable for gaming beyond basic 2D applications.
Virtualization
Can handle light virtualization but is limited by 4 cores.
Can handle light VMs, but limited by 15W TDP.
Efficiency
Excellent power efficiency due to the 10nm SuperFIN process.
Excellent efficiency for all-day battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- DLBoost and GNA 2.0 provide solid AI acceleration for background blur and noise cancellation.
- No dedicated 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.
- UHD 620 graphics are very basic
- Suitable for older games only
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
- 4 cores and 8 threads
- Intel vPro support for enterprise
- Good single-core burst performance
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Low base clock
- Basic integrated graphics
- 14nm process is outdated
- Throttles under heavy load
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 i7-8650U
- AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 2700URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8550URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8350URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 Pro 2500URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-7600URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-8665UAlt
Whiskey Lake refresh with slightly better performance.
- AMD Ryzen 5 Pro 4650UAlt
Much better multi-core performance and efficiency.
11th Gen offers massive improvements in IPC and graphics.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Vastly superior performance and battery life.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 7 5825UAlt
Modern alternative with excellent battery life and 8 cores.
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 reviewThe Core i7-8650U is a 15W mobile CPU with vPro support, designed for business ultrabooks.
Best for: The Intel Core i7-8650U is a processor you will encounter primarily in the refurbished business laptop market. It is an excellent choice for professionals or students who need a reliable, portable machine for office work, web browsing, and video conferencing. The inclusion of vPro technology makes it particularly appealing for IT departments or users who require remote management capabilities. However, like other 15W 8th Gen chips, its low base clock means it will throttle under heavy sustained workloads. Avoid purchasing a laptop with this CPU if you need to do video editing, 3D rendering, or gaming. It is best suited for budget-conscious buyers looking for a high-quality, durable business ultrabook like a used ThinkPad X1 Carbon or Dell Latitude.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1135G7 or Intel Core i7-8650U?
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 i7-8650U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1135G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i5-1135G7 and Intel Core i7-8650U.
Do Intel Core i5-1135G7 and Intel Core i7-8650U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1135G7: Intel BGA 1449, Intel Core i7-8650U: 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.