CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1135G7 vs Core i5-1235U (IPU)
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 performance in office applications and heavy multitasking.
Gaming
Capable of playing e-sports titles and older games at 1080p thanks to Iris Xe graphics.
Capable of light gaming via Iris Xe 80EU, but not designed for AAA titles.
Virtualization
Can handle light virtualization but is limited by 4 cores.
Excellent VM performance due to the dedicated IPU offloading network overhead.
Efficiency
Excellent power efficiency due to the 10nm SuperFIN process.
Outstanding power-to-performance ratio for all-day battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- DLBoost and GNA 2.0 provide solid AI acceleration for background blur and noise cancellation.
- GNA 3.0 provides AI acceleration for audio and background blur
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 80EU handles eSports titles well
- Not suitable for modern AAA gaming without low settings
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
- Includes an Infrastructure Processing Unit (IPU)
- Excellent hybrid core efficiency (2P + 8E)
- Supports modern DDR5 memory
- 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Great battery life potential
Cons
- Overkill for standard home users
- Integrated graphics not for heavy gaming
- Soldered to motherboard (BGA)
- Locked multiplier
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
Core i5-1235U (IPU)
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-1255URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-1245URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
More P-cores for better sustained performance.
Compare head-to-headBetter integrated graphics and clock speeds.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5625UAlt
Refreshed Zen 3 architecture with solid efficiency.
- Intel Core i5-1230UAlt
Lower TDP variant for fanless designs.
Budget-friendly alternative for basic office work.
Compare head-to-head
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 unique Alder Lake chip that combines excellent efficiency with an IPU for specialized enterprise workloads.
Best for: Enterprise thin-and-light laptops
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-1135G7 or Core i5-1235U (IPU)?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1135G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i5-1135G7 and Core i5-1235U (IPU).
Do Intel Core i5-1135G7 and Core i5-1235U (IPU) use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1135G7: Intel BGA 1449, Core i5-1235U (IPU): Intel BGA 1744), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Core i5-1235U (IPU) has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-1135G7 (4 cores), Core i5-1235U (IPU) (10 cores).