CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1145G7 vs Core i7-1180G7
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responsiveness for everyday productivity, content consumption, and light creative workloads, though it is now superseded by newer generations.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 single-core burst for office tasks and enterprise software.
Gaming
Iris Xe 80EU allows for playable framerates in older or esports titles at 1080p Low, a massive step up from UHD graphics.
Good burst gaming capability, but limited by the 9W thermal ceiling.
Virtualization
Can run basic VMs for development, but 4 cores limit heavy virtualization workloads.
vPro aids VM management, but 9W limits heavy virtualization.
Efficiency
Good efficiency at 15W, though 10nm SuperFin is slightly surpassed by newer nodes.
Top-tier efficiency for always-on enterprise foldables.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Intel DL Boost for INT8
- GNA 2.0 for background noise cancellation
- Suitable for consumer AI features like background blur
- GNA for background AI
- vPro AMT for remote management 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)
- Capable of 1080p medium in short bursts
- Throttling is inevitable in passive designs
- Iris Xe scales well despite low TDP
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
- Ultra-low 9W TDP
- vPro Enterprise for remote management
- Supports foldable and dual-screen form factors
- Includes 96 EU Iris Xe graphics
- Compact BGA 1598 package
Cons
- Very niche product
- Expensive
- Low base clock limits sustained performance
- cTDP Up only reaches 15W
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 i7-1180G7
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1160G7Rival
Mobile
- Microsoft SQ3Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1145G7Rival
Mobile
12th Gen U-series offers better efficiency and more cores.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 5850UAlt
Enterprise AMD alternative with vPro equivalent.
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 specialized chip that combines ultra-low power consumption with enterprise vPro management for cutting-edge form factors.
Best for: Buying a used enterprise foldable PC or premium detachable that requires vPro management.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1145G7 or Core i7-1180G7?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-1180G7 comes out ahead with a score of 8.7/10. 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 i7-1180G7?
For gaming, the Core i7-1180G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 72/100 among Intel Core i5-1145G7 and Core i7-1180G7.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-1180G7 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-1145G7 (28 W), Core i7-1180G7 (9 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1145G7 and Core i7-1180G7 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1145G7: Intel BGA 1449, Core i7-1180G7: Intel BGA 1598), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-1180G7 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-1145G7 (0), Core i7-1180G7 (4,100). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.