CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1145G7 vs Core i5-1245U
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responsiveness for everyday productivity, content consumption, and light creative workloads, though it is now superseded by newer generations.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.
Excellent for office apps, heavy browsing, and light coding.
Gaming
Iris Xe 80EU allows for playable framerates in older or esports titles at 1080p Low, a massive step up from UHD graphics.
Good for casual and older titles at 1080p low settings.
Virtualization
Can run basic VMs for development, but 4 cores limit heavy virtualization workloads.
Can handle light VMs, but memory bandwidth is a limit.
Efficiency
Good efficiency at 15W, though 10nm SuperFin is slightly surpassed by newer nodes.
Dynamic power management ensures excellent battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Intel DL Boost for INT8
- GNA 2.0 for background noise cancellation
- Suitable for consumer AI features like background blur
- Intel GNA 3.0 for background AI tasks
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)
- Can run eSports titles at 60fps
- Shares system memory, so RAM speed affects FPS
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
- Excellent balance of performance and 15W power draw
- 10 cores for heavy multitasking
- Supports fast DDR5 memory
- Strong single-core performance for an ultrabook chip
- Good integrated graphics
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy gaming
- Locked multiplier
- Soldered to motherboard
- Can run warm under sustained all-core loads
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
Core i5-1245U
- AMD Ryzen 5 5625URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5825URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-1255URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1235URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
Better graphics and slightly higher clocks for premium ultrabooks.
Compare head-to-headMore P-cores for better sustained performance.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-1230UAlt
Lower TDP variant for ultimate portability.
Budget alternative for basic office tasks.
Compare head-to-head
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 reviewA highly efficient U-series processor that hits the sweet spot for everyday productivity and portable computing.
Best for: Mainstream thin-and-light laptops
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1145G7 or Core i5-1245U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i5-1245U comes out ahead with a score of 8.6/10. 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 Core i5-1245U?
For gaming, the Core i5-1245U leads with a gaming performance score of 62/100 among Intel Core i5-1145G7 and Core i5-1245U.
Which uses less power?
The Core i5-1245U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-1145G7 (28 W), Core i5-1245U (15 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1145G7 and Core i5-1245U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1145G7: Intel BGA 1449, Core i5-1245U: Intel BGA 1744), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Core i5-1245U has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-1145G7 (4 cores), Core i5-1245U (10 cores).