CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-8665UE vs Core i7-1185GRE
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-8665UE is a specialized mobile processor designed for the embedded sector, offering a balance of performance and power efficiency for compact industrial and edge computing devices. As part of the Whiskey Lake family, it features four cores and eight threads, providing substantial parallel processing capabilities within a strict 15-watt thermal envelope. What sets this embedded variant apart is its long-life availability, ensuring extended support cycles crucial for medical, retail, and industrial applications. Operating with a base frequency of 1.7 GHz and a maximum turbo of 4.4 GHz, it delivers responsive performance for specialized workloads. The processor supports both DDR4 and LPDDR3 memory configurations, giving system designers flexibility in balancing speed and power consumption. With configurable TDP options, it can adapt to various thermal constraints, making it highly versatile for custom form factors where reliability and sustained performance are paramount over raw clock speed.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles specialized industrial software efficiently.
Strong single-core performance for edge processing tasks.
Gaming
Not intended for gaming; UHD 620 is insufficient for modern titles.
Not intended for gaming, but Iris Xe handles it adequately if required.
Virtualization
vPro and TSX make it decent for light edge virtualization.
vPro and ECC make it excellent for lightweight edge virtualization.
Efficiency
Excellent efficiency for always-on embedded devices.
10nm SuperFin ensures reliable 24/7 operation within 15W.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Relies on CPU for inference
- DL Boost for edge AI inference
- GNA for low-power audio processing
Content Creation
Gaming
- Uses Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Suitable only for basic display output
- Not for gaming applications
- Not targeted at gamers
- Graphics capable of driving industrial displays
- Can run 2D applications flawlessly
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Intel vPro support
- Long lifecycle availability
- Configurable TDP for fanless designs
- Good burst performance
Cons
- Expensive due to embedded market
- Weak integrated graphics
- Soldered BGA package
- Older 14nm process
Pros
- Supports ECC memory for data integrity
- Long-term embedded lifecycle guarantee
- vPro Enterprise for remote management
- 96 EU Iris Xe graphics for machine vision
- Flexible 12W-28W configurable TDP
Cons
- Overkill and expensive for consumer use
- BGA soldered, requiring custom board design
- Only 4 cores limits heavy multi-threaded edge tasks
- Niche availability through industrial channels
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-8665UE
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V1605BRival
Embedded
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8650URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8365UERival
Embedded
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V1807BRival
Embedded
- Intel Atom x7-E3950Rival
Embedded
- Intel Core i7-1185GREAlt
Newer 11th Gen embedded with better graphics.
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V2000Alt
More cores and better efficiency.
- Intel NUC 11 ProAlt
Modern alternative for edge computing.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600GEAlt
Desktop embedded alternative with more power.
Core i7-1185GRE
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V2748ARival
Embedded
- Intel Core i7-1185G7Rival
Mobile
- Intel Xeon E-2386GRival
Workstation
- AMD Ryzen Embedded R2544ARival
Embedded
- NXP i.MX 8M PlusRival
Embedded
- Intel Core i7-1270PEAlt
Newer 12th Gen embedded with better efficiency and more cores.
- Intel Core i7-1085GREAlt
Older 10th Gen embedded alternative if Tiger Lake is unavailable.
- Intel Atom x6425REAlt
Lower power, cheaper alternative for light IoT tasks.
Our Verdict on Each
A robust embedded processor offering excellent longevity and vPro manageability for specialized industrial applications.
Best for: Designing a long-life medical or industrial edge device.
Read the full reviewA highly reliable, embedded-grade processor that combines Tiger Lake performance with ECC memory and long-term availability for critical systems.
Best for: System integrators designing IoT devices, medical equipment, or industrial PCs requiring ECC and long-term supply.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-8665UE or Core i7-1185GRE?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-1185GRE comes out ahead with a score of 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 i7-8665UE or Core i7-1185GRE?
For gaming, the Core i7-1185GRE leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i7-8665UE and Core i7-1185GRE.
Do Intel Core i7-8665UE and Core i7-1185GRE use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-8665UE: Intel BGA 1528, Core i7-1185GRE: Intel BGA 1449), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-8665UE posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-8665UE (8,200), Core i7-1185GRE (4,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.