CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1145G7 vs Intel Core i5-1145GRE
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-1145G7 is a standard consumer mobile processor released in late 2020 as part of the 11th Gen Tiger Lake lineup. Built on the 10nm SuperFin process, it features 4 cores and 8 threads based on the Willow Cove microarchitecture. Designed primarily for thin-and-light laptops, it operates at a base frequency of 2.6 GHz and can boost up to 4.4 GHz. The chip features a 28W default TDP, though it is often configured lower by OEMs to fit 15W ultrabook thermal limits. It integrates Iris Xe Graphics G7 with 80 Execution Units, delivering a massive leap in integrated graphical performance compared to previous generations, enabling smooth 1080p gaming and rapid hardware video encoding. With 8MB of L3 cache and support for PCIe 4.0 (though limited to 4 lanes), it offered excellent single-threaded responsiveness for everyday productivity, content consumption, and light creative workloads, though it is now superseded by newer generations.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
High single-thread performance makes everyday tasks and web browsing feel extremely snappy.
High IPC and 4.1GHz boost ensure quick execution of network routing and control logic.
Gaming
Iris Xe 80EU allows for playable framerates in older or esports titles at 1080p Low, a massive step up from UHD graphics.
Not intended for gaming; integrated graphics handle UI and media playback only.
Virtualization
Can run basic VMs for development, but 4 cores limit heavy virtualization workloads.
Strong hardware virtualization support (VT-x, VT-d, EPT) makes it capable of running SD-WAN or light VMs.
Efficiency
Good efficiency at 15W, though 10nm SuperFin is slightly surpassed by newer nodes.
Excellent performance-per-watt, especially when scaled down to the 12W cTDP limit.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Intel DL Boost for INT8
- GNA 2.0 for background noise cancellation
- Suitable for consumer AI features like background blur
- DL Boost for INT8 inference
- GNA 2.0 for audio processing
- Suitable for edge vision systems requiring high reliability
Content Creation
Gaming
- Can play CS:GO, Valorant, and League of Legends at 1080p
- Driver support is mature
- Performance heavily depends on laptop memory configuration (dual-channel is essential)
- Iris Xe 80EU is capable of light 3D rendering but not gaming
- No support for external GPUs due to 4-lane PCIe limitation
- Focus is entirely on enterprise/industrial workloads
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent single-thread performance for everyday tasks
- Iris Xe 80EU provides best-in-class integrated graphics at launch
- Good power efficiency for battery life
- Hardware AV1 video decoding
- Native Thunderbolt 4 support (via platform)
Cons
- Only 4 cores and 8 threads limits multi-threaded headroom
- Limited to 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes
- End-of-life status means no further BIOS/feature updates
- Does not support ECC memory
- Surpassed by 12th Gen Alder Lake-U in efficiency and performance
Pros
- ECC memory support for absolute data integrity
- Intel vPro and TXT for enterprise-grade security
- 10nm SuperFin process offers excellent power efficiency
- Configurable TDP for versatile thermal designs
- Strong single-thread performance
Cons
- Very high launch price ($362) for a quad-core chip
- Limited to only 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes
- BGA socket requires specialized manufacturing
- Locked multiplier
- Not available in standard consumer retail channels
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-1145G7
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500URival
Consumer Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 4700URival
Consumer Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Consumer Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Rival
Consumer Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2Rival
Consumer Mobile
12th Gen successor with hybrid architecture (P+E cores) offering better multi-core performance.
Compare head-to-headSlightly lower clocks but nearly identical performance, often found in cheaper laptops.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600UAlt
Superior Zen 3 architecture with more cores and better battery life.
A newer 12th gen i3 that matches or beats this i5 in multi-core while being cheaper.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i5-1145GRE
- AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5650URival
Embedded Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 Embedded V2546Rival
Embedded Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1185GRERival
Embedded Mobile
- Intel Xeon W-11865MLERival
Workstation Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 3 Embedded V1605BRival
Embedded Mobile
Identical performance but lacks ECC memory; better for non-critical edge devices.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-1155GREAlt
A slightly refreshed embedded SKU with higher clock speeds (if applicable).
- Intel Atom x6425REAlt
Lower power and cost alternative for less demanding network appliances.
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V2718Alt
Higher performance AMD alternative with ECC and more lanes.
Our Verdict on Each
A solid 11th gen mobile chip that brought significant IPC and graphics improvements to ultrabooks. However, it is now end-of-life and surpassed by 12th, 13th, and 14th Gen alternatives.
Best for: Buying a heavily discounted used laptop from 2021 for basic office work or student needs.
Read the full reviewAn excellent enterprise embedded processor. The addition of ECC memory and vPro makes it a top-tier choice for critical edge infrastructure, justifying its premium price over the non-ECC variant.
Best for: Building mission-critical edge servers, network appliances, or medical devices where data integrity is required.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1145G7 or Intel Core i5-1145GRE?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-1145GRE 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 i5-1145G7 or Intel Core i5-1145GRE?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1145G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 60/100 among Intel Core i5-1145G7 and Intel Core i5-1145GRE.
Do Intel Core i5-1145G7 and Intel Core i5-1145GRE use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1449 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.