CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1155G7 (IPU) vs Core i7-1185G7
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.
Excellent single-core performance makes everyday tasks and moderate multitasking extremely responsive.
Gaming
Iris Xe 80EU handles esports titles well, similar to other Tiger Lake SKUs.
Capable of playing e-sports titles and older games at 1080p, but struggles with AAA titles at high settings.
Virtualization
Capable of light VMs, but 4 cores limit heavy dev environments.
Adequate for light virtualization, but 4 cores limit running multiple heavy VMs.
Efficiency
The IPU offloads camera tasks, actually saving battery life during long video calls.
10nm process provides excellent performance per watt for ultrabook form factors.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- IPU 6.0 accelerates computer vision tasks
- GNA 2.0 for audio processing
- DL Boost for general AI inference
- Features DLBoost for AI inference
- Suitable for light edge AI tasks
- No dedicated NPU
Content Creation
Gaming
- Performs identical to 1155G7 in gaming
- Capable of 1080p Low in esports
- Heavily dependent on system memory configuration
- Iris Xe 96EU is a major upgrade
- Dependent on system memory configuration
- Not suitable for high-end gaming
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
- Excellent single-thread performance
- Integrated Iris Xe 96EU graphics
- 10nm SuperFin efficiency
- PCIe 4.0 support
- vPro enterprise features
Cons
- Only 4 cores limits multi-threading
- End-of-life status
- Limited PCIe lanes (4x)
- Locked multiplier
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 i7-1185G7
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3Rival
Mobile
Better value for similar daily performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
More cores for multi-threaded workloads.
Newer architecture with more cores.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5825UAlt
Superior integrated graphics and cores.
- Alt
Better efficiency and single-thread speed.
Compare head-to-head
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 4-core mobile processor that brought significant single-thread and integrated graphics improvements to the ultrabook market.
Best for: Buying a used or refurbished premium ultrabook.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1155G7 (IPU) or Core i7-1185G7?
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 i5-1155G7 (IPU) or Core i7-1185G7?
For gaming, the Core i7-1185G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i5-1155G7 (IPU) and Core i7-1185G7.
Do Intel Core i5-1155G7 (IPU) and Core i7-1185G7 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1155G7 (IPU): Intel BGA 1449, Core i7-1185G7: BGA 1449), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-1185G7 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-1155G7 (IPU) (0), Core i7-1185G7 (6,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.