CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1145G7E vs Intel Core i5-1145GRE
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-1145G7E is a specialized 11th Generation Tiger Lake-U processor tailored for embedded and edge computing applications. Released in late 2020, this quad-core, eight-thread CPU leverages Intel's 10nm SuperFin process and Willow Cove architecture to deliver a balance of performance and power efficiency. Operating at a base frequency of 1.5 GHz with the ability to boost up to 4.1 GHz, it is designed to handle intermittent compute spikes common in industrial environments. The 'E' suffix denotes its extended lifecycle support, ensuring availability for long-term deployments. With a configurable TDP ranging from 12W to 28W, system designers have the flexibility to optimize for either fanless low-power operation or higher sustained performance. It also features Iris Xe Graphics with 80 Execution Units, providing capable graphical and parallel processing power for edge inference, digital signage, and IoT workloads. This makes it a versatile choice for modern embedded systems requiring robust x86 compatibility.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Strong single-core performance ensures snappy response times in embedded applications and control software.
High IPC and 4.1GHz boost ensure quick execution of network routing and control logic.
Gaming
Not intended for gaming, though integrated Iris Xe can handle legacy or lightweight titles at low settings.
Not intended for gaming; integrated graphics handle UI and media playback only.
Virtualization
Capable of running lightweight virtual machines for edge consolidation, though limited to 4 cores.
Strong hardware virtualization support (VT-x, VT-d, EPT) makes it capable of running SD-WAN or light VMs.
Efficiency
Excellent performance-per-watt, especially when configured at the 12W configurable TDP limit.
Excellent performance-per-watt, especially when scaled down to the 12W cTDP limit.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Includes Intel GNA 2.0 for low-power AI inference
- DL Boost accelerates INT8 operations
- Suitable for edge vision and audio processing
- DL Boost for INT8 inference
- GNA 2.0 for audio processing
- Suitable for edge vision systems requiring high reliability
Content Creation
Gaming
- Integrated graphics are sufficient for UI rendering but not 3D gaming
- Not targeted at consumer gaming markets
- Lacks PCIe lanes for external GPU expansion
- 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
- 10nm SuperFin process offers excellent efficiency
- Extended lifecycle availability for industrial deployments
- Configurable TDP provides thermal flexibility
- Strong single-thread performance via Willow Cove architecture
- Integrated Iris Xe graphics with 80 EUs
Cons
- Limited to only 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Does not support ECC memory
- Locked multiplier prevents core overclocking
- High cost compared to consumer mobile counterparts
- BGA package means it cannot be user-upgraded
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 i5-1145G7E
- AMD Ryzen 5 Embedded V2546Rival
Embedded Mobile
- Intel Atom x6425ERival
Embedded Low-Power
- AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5650URival
Embedded Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1185G7ERival
Embedded Mobile
- NXP i.MX 8QuadMaxRival
Embedded ARM
Identical architecture but adds ECC memory support for critical data integrity.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-1155G7EAlt
Slightly newer embedded variant with higher clock speeds (if available).
- Intel N100Alt
More modern and cost-effective for lower-power edge devices, though with fewer threads.
- AMD Ryzen 3 Embedded V1605BAlt
Older generation but offers more cores for multi-threaded edge workloads.
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 highly capable embedded processor offering an excellent balance of single-thread performance and power efficiency, though its limited PCIe lanes may restrict expansion capabilities in complex edge servers.
Best for: Designing a long-life embedded system requiring x86 compatibility and low power consumption.
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 i5-1145G7E 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.
Do Intel Core i5-1145G7E 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.