CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1145G7E vs Intel Core i5-1155G7 (IPU)
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.
The 4.5 GHz boost provides excellent single-thread responsiveness for office tasks.
Gaming
Not intended for gaming, though integrated Iris Xe can handle legacy or lightweight titles at low settings.
Iris Xe 80EU handles esports titles well, similar to other Tiger Lake SKUs.
Virtualization
Capable of running lightweight virtual machines for edge consolidation, though limited to 4 cores.
Capable of light VMs, but 4 cores limit heavy dev environments.
Efficiency
Excellent performance-per-watt, especially when configured at the 12W configurable TDP limit.
The IPU offloads camera tasks, actually saving battery life during long video calls.
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
- IPU 6.0 accelerates computer vision tasks
- GNA 2.0 for audio processing
- DL Boost for general AI inference
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
- Performs identical to 1155G7 in gaming
- Capable of 1080p Low in esports
- Heavily dependent on system memory configuration
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
- Integrated IPU 6.0 provides superior webcam quality
- High 4.5 GHz boost clock for snappy single-thread tasks
- Iris Xe-LP 80EU graphics
- Low power consumption during video calls due to hardware offload
- Configurable TDP for versatile laptop designs
Cons
- Only 4 cores limit heavy multi-threading
- Limited to 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes
- IPU is only useful if the laptop OEM implements a compatible sensor
- Surpassed by 12th Gen Alder Lake in raw performance
- Soldered to the motherboard, non-upgradable
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 i5-1155G7 (IPU)
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600URival
Consumer Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Consumer Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1185G7Rival
Consumer Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 5GRival
Consumer Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1135G7Rival
Consumer Mobile
The standard version without the explicit IPU focus, often found in cheaper laptops.
Compare head-to-head12th Gen successor with 12 cores (4P+8E) for vastly superior multi-core performance.
Compare head-to-head- Apple M1 (MacBook Air)Alt
Unmatched battery life and efficiency, though different ecosystem.
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Higher clocks and slightly better graphics (96EU) if CPU power is preferred over IPU.
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 choice for business professionals needing top-tier video conferencing capabilities out of the box. The IPU handles heavy camera lifting, freeing up the CPU for multitasking.
Best for: Purchasing a used premium business laptop (2021-2022) where webcam quality and battery life during calls are priorities.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1145G7E or Intel Core i5-1155G7 (IPU)?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-1155G7 (IPU) comes out ahead with a score of 8.2/10. 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 i5-1145G7E or Intel Core i5-1155G7 (IPU)?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1155G7 (IPU) leads with a gaming performance score of 62/100 among Intel Core i5-1145G7E and Intel Core i5-1155G7 (IPU).
Do Intel Core i5-1145G7E and Intel Core i5-1155G7 (IPU) use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1449 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.