CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1145G7E vs Core i7-1185G7E
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.
Snappy single-thread performance handles specific industrial applications efficiently.
Gaming
Not intended for gaming, though integrated Iris Xe can handle legacy or lightweight titles at low settings.
Not intended for gaming, but Iris Xe can handle basic visualization loads easily.
Virtualization
Capable of running lightweight virtual machines for edge consolidation, though limited to 4 cores.
Adequate for lightweight edge virtualization tasks.
Efficiency
Excellent performance-per-watt, especially when configured at the 12W configurable TDP limit.
15W TDP ensures excellent performance per watt for embedded devices.
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
- DLBoost accelerates AI tasks
- IPU 6.0 not present on this specific SKU
- Suitable for edge 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
- Not targeted at gaming
- Graphics capable of basic 3D rendering
- Dependent on 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
- 15-year extended lifecycle support
- Low 15W base TDP
- Excellent single-thread performance
- Iris Xe 96EU graphics
- 10nm SuperFin efficiency
Cons
- Only 4 cores
- Low base clock (1.8 GHz)
- Limited PCIe lanes (4x)
- Not suitable for consumer builds
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.
Core i7-1185G7E
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V2718ERival
Embedded
- Intel Core i7-10700TERival
Embedded
- AMD Ryzen Embedded R2544Rival
Embedded
- Intel Atom x6425ERival
Embedded
- NVIDIA Jetson Orin NanoRival
Edge AI
Lower cost embedded alternative.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen Embedded V2546Alt
More cores for edge workloads.
- Intel Core i7-1185G7Alt
Consumer version with higher base TDP.
- Intel Xeon D-2700Alt
Server-class edge features.
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 embedded processor combining 10nm efficiency, strong single-thread performance, and long-term availability for critical infrastructure.
Best for: Designing medical, retail, or industrial equipment requiring long-term availability.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1145G7E or Core i7-1185G7E?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-1185G7E 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 i5-1145G7E or Core i7-1185G7E?
For gaming, the Core i7-1185G7E leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Intel Core i5-1145G7E and Core i7-1185G7E.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-1185G7E has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-1145G7E (28 W), Core i7-1185G7E (15 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1145G7E and Core i7-1185G7E use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1145G7E: Intel BGA 1449, Core i7-1185G7E: BGA 1449), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-1185G7E posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-1145G7E (0), Core i7-1185G7E (5,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.