CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1135G7 vs Core i7-1165G7 (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.
Unaffected by IPU; maintains 4.7 GHz burst performance.
Gaming
Capable of playing e-sports titles and older games at 1080p thanks to Iris Xe graphics.
Identical to standard 1165G7; Iris Xe handles 1080p medium gaming well.
Virtualization
Can handle light virtualization but is limited by 4 cores.
Standard 4-core mobile performance.
Efficiency
Excellent power efficiency due to the 10nm SuperFIN process.
IPU is highly efficient, offloading work that would otherwise use CPU power.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- DLBoost and GNA 2.0 provide solid AI acceleration for background blur and noise cancellation.
- GNA for audio AI
- IPU for visual AI tasks like gaze correction
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.
- Identical gaming performance to standard 1165G7
- Great for 1080p medium settings
- Requires fast dual-channel memory
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
- Dedicated IPU 6.0 improves webcam quality drastically
- Offloads video processing from CPU
- Excellent single-core speed
- Powerful Iris Xe integrated graphics
- Supports MIPI camera sensors
Cons
- Performance is identical to standard 1165G7 for non-camera tasks
- Only 4 cores
- Requires OEM to actually wire a MIPI camera to the IPU to be useful
- End-of-life platform
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 i7-1165G7 (IPU)
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1185G7Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1135G7Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2Rival
Mobile
Better efficiency and more cores, though IPU integration continues.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5800UAlt
Superior multi-core performance for heavy workloads.
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Standard version performs identically if IPU isn't needed.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600UAlt
Great budget alternative with solid multi-core 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 highly capable mobile CPU that distinguishes itself with dedicated image processing hardware, perfect for the modern remote-work laptop.
Best for: Buying a used premium laptop specifically for remote work and high-quality video calls.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1135G7 or Core i7-1165G7 (IPU)?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) comes out ahead with a score of 8.9/10. 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 Core i7-1165G7 (IPU)?
For gaming, the Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Intel Core i5-1135G7 and Core i7-1165G7 (IPU).
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), Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) (28 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1135G7 and Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1449 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-1135G7 (0), Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) (4,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.