CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1155G7 vs Intel Core i3-1215U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-1155G7 is a mid-cycle refresh of the 11th Gen Tiger Lake-U mobile processor lineup, released in May 2021. Built on the 10nm SuperFin process with Willow Cove architecture, it features 4 cores and 8 threads, operating at a base clock of 2.5 GHz and boosting up to 4.5 GHz. This refresh offered a slight frequency bump over the original i5-1145G7 to maintain competitiveness against AMD's Ryzen 5000 mobile series. A notable improvement in this SKU is the doubling of usable PCIe 4.0 lanes to 16, allowing OEMs to connect high-speed NVMe storage and discrete components simultaneously without bottlenecking. It integrates Iris Xe-LP Graphics G7 with 80 Execution Units, providing robust integrated graphics for thin-and-light laptops. With a configurable TDP of 12W to 28W, it remains a highly capable processor for everyday productivity, media consumption, and light creative workloads, though it has been superseded by Intel's 12th Gen Alder Lake series.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Excellent single-thread speed makes office apps and browsing feel instant.
Handles standard office applications and web browsing smoothly. Heavier multitasking with many browser tabs and applications can show some slowdown.
Gaming
Iris Xe 80EU performs well in older titles and esports at 1080p Low settings.
Not designed for gaming. The UHD 64EU can handle very light casual titles but modern AAA games are unplayable.
Virtualization
Can run a light VM, but 4 cores limit parallel virtualization.
8 threads allow for a lightweight VM alongside host tasks, but this is not a virtualization-focused part.
Efficiency
Good power efficiency, though surpassed by newer 10nm and TSMC nodes.
The 15W base TDP with Intel's Thread Director scheduler enables efficient power distribution between P and E cores.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Intel DL Boost for INT8
- GNA 2.0 for audio AI
- No dedicated NPU
- No dedicated AI acceleration hardware
- 2 P-cores provide limited CPU inference capability
- Not suitable for AI or ML development workloads
Content Creation
Gaming
- Iris Xe 80EU is capable but bottlenecked by 4 cores
- Performance depends heavily on dual-channel memory
- Supports modern graphics APIs
- Not designed for gaming workloads
- UHD 64EU can manage 2D games and very basic 3D
- Modern AAA titles will not run at playable frame rates
- Older eSports titles at lowest settings may be marginally playable
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- 16 PCIe 4.0 lanes provide good expansion flexibility
- Strong single-thread performance up to 4.5 GHz
- Excellent integrated Iris Xe graphics
- Good power efficiency for battery life
- Hardware AV1 video decoding
Cons
- Only 4 cores limit multi-threaded performance
- Surpassed by 12th Gen Alder Lake hybrid architecture
- Locked multiplier
- No ECC memory support
- End-of-life is approaching as newer generations dominate
Pros
- Hybrid architecture brings efficiency gains to the i3 tier
- 2 P-cores provide responsive single-threaded performance
- 4 E-cores handle background tasks without waking P-cores
- Broad memory compatibility for OEM flexibility
- 15W TDP enables excellent battery life
- 20 PCIe Gen 4 lanes for fast storage
Cons
- Only 8 threads limit heavy multitasking
- 15W base power constrains sustained performance
- E-cores lack Hyper-Threading
- UHD 64EU integrated graphics are weak for 3D workloads
- BGA package means no CPU upgrade path
- E-core L2 cache is 2MB per module (less than Raptor Lake's 4MB)
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-1155G7
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600URival
Consumer Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700URival
Consumer Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Consumer Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Rival
Consumer Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2Rival
Consumer Mobile
12th Gen successor with 12 cores (4P+8E) offering massive multi-core gains.
Compare head-to-headOlder but nearly identical single-thread performance if PCIe lanes aren't needed.
Compare head-to-head- Apple M1 (MacBook Air)Alt
Offers superior battery life and efficiency for basic office work.
A newer 12th Gen i3 that often matches this i5 in multi-core while being cheaper.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i3-1215U
- AMD Ryzen 3 5300URival
Budget Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500URival
Mainstream Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5625URival
Mainstream Mobile
- Apple M1 (base)Rival
Premium Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1235URival
Mid-Range Mobile
Raptor Cove P-cores offer better IPC and higher boost clocks for similar power.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 5425UAlt
Zen 3 architecture provides competitive efficiency for basic computing tasks.
- Apple M1 (base MacBook Air)Alt
Dramatically better performance per watt and battery life at a higher price point.
Our Verdict on Each
A solid refresh that fixed the PCIe lane limitation of the original Tiger Lake i5. It offers great single-thread performance and integrated graphics, though 4 cores show their age in 2024.
Best for: Purchasing a discounted 2021-era laptop for standard school or office work.
Read the full reviewA competent entry-level hybrid mobile chip that introduced the P+E architecture to the i3 laptop segment. Adequate for everyday tasks, though the 8-thread ceiling and 15W power limit constrain heavier workloads.
Best for: Purchasing a budget to mid-range laptop in 2022-2023 for everyday tasks, schoolwork, and office use where battery life matters more than raw performance.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1155G7 or Intel Core i3-1215U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-1155G7 comes out ahead with a score of 7.8/10. 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 or Intel Core i3-1215U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1155G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 62/100 among Intel Core i5-1155G7 and Intel Core i3-1215U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i3-1215U has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-1155G7 (28 W), Intel Core i3-1215U (15 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1155G7 and Intel Core i3-1215U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1155G7: Intel BGA 1449, Intel Core i3-1215U: BGA 1744), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i3-1215U has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-1155G7 (4 cores), Intel Core i3-1215U (6 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-1155G7 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-1155G7 (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.