CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1155G7 (IPU) vs Core i7-1165G7 (IPU)
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-1155G7 (IPU) is a specialized 11th Gen Tiger Lake-U refresh processor released in mid-2021, designed explicitly for premium laptops emphasizing advanced camera and vision capabilities. The '(IPU)' designation indicates the inclusion of Intel's Image Processing Unit 6.0, enabling high-quality hardware-level image processing for features like AI-enhanced auto-framing, gaze correction, and background blur without taxing the CPU. Built on the 10nm SuperFin process, this 4-core, 8-thread chip operates at a base clock of 2.5 GHz and boosts up to 4.5 GHz. It features Iris Xe-LP Graphics G7 with 80 Execution Units, delivering strong integrated graphical performance. With a default 28W TDP configurable down to 12W, it balances power and performance for ultrabooks. This processor was highly sought after during the remote-work boom, as it provided OEMs with a turnkey solution to significantly improve webcam quality in thin-and-light laptops without requiring discrete camera components.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
The 4.5 GHz boost provides excellent single-thread responsiveness for office tasks.
Unaffected by IPU; maintains 4.7 GHz burst performance.
Gaming
Iris Xe 80EU handles esports titles well, similar to other Tiger Lake SKUs.
Identical to standard 1165G7; Iris Xe handles 1080p medium gaming well.
Virtualization
Capable of light VMs, but 4 cores limit heavy dev environments.
Standard 4-core mobile performance.
Efficiency
The IPU offloads camera tasks, actually saving battery life during long video calls.
IPU is highly efficient, offloading work that would otherwise use CPU power.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- IPU 6.0 accelerates computer vision tasks
- GNA 2.0 for audio processing
- DL Boost for general AI inference
- GNA for audio AI
- IPU for visual AI tasks like gaze correction
Content Creation
Gaming
- Performs identical to 1155G7 in gaming
- Capable of 1080p Low in esports
- Heavily dependent on system memory configuration
- Identical gaming performance to standard 1165G7
- Great for 1080p medium settings
- Requires fast dual-channel memory
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Dedicated IPU 6.0 improves webcam quality drastically
- Offloads video processing from CPU
- Excellent single-core speed
- Powerful Iris Xe integrated graphics
- Supports MIPI camera sensors
Cons
- Performance is identical to standard 1165G7 for non-camera tasks
- Only 4 cores
- Requires OEM to actually wire a MIPI camera to the IPU to be useful
- End-of-life platform
Competitors & Alternatives
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.
Core i7-1165G7 (IPU)
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1185G7Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1135G7Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2Rival
Mobile
Better efficiency and more cores, though IPU integration continues.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5800UAlt
Superior multi-core performance for heavy workloads.
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Standard version performs identically if IPU isn't needed.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600UAlt
Great budget alternative with solid multi-core performance.
Our Verdict on Each
An 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 reviewA highly capable mobile CPU that distinguishes itself with dedicated image processing hardware, perfect for the modern remote-work laptop.
Best for: Buying a used premium laptop specifically for remote work and high-quality video calls.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1155G7 (IPU) or Core i7-1165G7 (IPU)?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) comes out ahead with a score of 8.9/10. 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 i5-1155G7 (IPU) or Core i7-1165G7 (IPU)?
For gaming, the Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Intel Core i5-1155G7 (IPU) and Core i7-1165G7 (IPU).
Do Intel Core i5-1155G7 (IPU) and Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the Intel BGA 1449 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-1155G7 (IPU) (0), Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) (4,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.