CPU Comparison
Intel Core 5 120UL vs Core i7-1185G7E
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core 5 120UL is a 10-core, 12-thread Raptor Lake-PS processor designed for embedded and edge devices that require LGA1700 socketed compatibility, low sustained power, and capable integrated graphics. It pairs 2 performance cores (P-cores) with 8 efficiency cores (E-cores), runs at up to 4.6 GHz boost, and offers dual-channel DDR4/DDR5 memory alongside modern I/O including PCIe 4.0 from the CPU and Gen 3 from the PCH.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
With 12 threads and 4.6 GHz boost, everyday office tasks feel snappy; heavy multi-core workloads are constrained by 15 W base power.
Snappy single-thread performance handles specific industrial applications efficiently.
Gaming
The 15 W PL1 and 80 EU iGPU limit high-refresh gaming; the chip is acceptable for casual or legacy titles at low-to-mid settings, but not a gaming solution.
Not intended for gaming, but Iris Xe can handle basic visualization loads easily.
Virtualization
Can run a few lightweight VMs, but limited PCIe lanes and 15 W PL1 make it unsuitable for dense virtualization.
Adequate for lightweight edge virtualization tasks.
Efficiency
Excellent efficiency per watt at 15 W base and 12 W minimum assured; well-suited to always-on edge devices.
15W TDP ensures excellent performance per watt for embedded devices.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- DL Boost (VNNI) is present for CPU-based inference, and GNA 3.0 is integrated for low-power audio/sensor AI tasks.
- No dedicated NPU; heavy local AI workloads (LLM inference, large vision models) are better handled on GPUs or higher-end platforms.
- Suitable for lightweight classification and edge inference scenarios common in retail and industrial IoT.
- DLBoost accelerates AI tasks
- IPU 6.0 not present on this specific SKU
- Suitable for edge AI inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- 80 EU Iris Xe GPU with 1.25 GHz max dynamic frequency is sufficient for eSports at low settings or older titles.
- No PCIe 5.0 or wide x16 Gen4 lanes for high-end dGPUs; only 20 total lanes and 15 W PL1 limit gaming.
- Expect playable frame rates in lightweight titles; for serious gaming, a higher-TDP CPU and dedicated GPU are needed.
- 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
- 10 cores (2P+8E) with 12 threads in a low-power 15 W envelope.
- LGA1700 socket enables modular, serviceable embedded designs.
- 80 EU Iris Xe GPU with AV1 decode and multiple modern display outputs.
- Dual-channel DDR4/DDR5 support up to 96 GB.
- Low 12 W minimum assured power supports fanless or small-cooler designs.
- Thunderbolt 4 support for flexible I/O in edge devices.
Cons
- Only 20 total PCIe lanes limit expansion and high-bandwidth configurations.
- 15 W PL1 constrains sustained multi-core performance vs desktop 65 W parts.
- Locked multiplier; not suitable for overclocking.
- No NPU, so AI offload is limited to CPU/GNA.
- Targeted at embedded/edge; poor value for gaming or enthusiast desktop builds.
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 5 120UL
- AMD Ryzen 5 7530URival
Embedded / Mobile-ish
- AMD Ryzen 7 7730URival
Embedded / Mobile-ish
- Intel Core Ultra 3 105ULRival
Next-gen Embedded
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core 5 130ULRival
Embedded (Higher clocks)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-12100Rival
Entry Desktop (non-embedded)
- Intel Core i3-12100 (LGA1700)Alt
Higher base power and more headroom for desktop/gaming use cases; lacks E-cores but offers better sustained throughput.
- Intel Core i5-12400 (LGA1700)Alt
Six P-cores with higher TDP provide better multi-core performance for general desktop workloads at a modest price premium.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (AM4)Alt
Strong integrated graphics and higher multi-core performance for small-form-factor desktops, though not embedded-focused.
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 well-balanced embedded SKU for LGA1700 deployments that need more threads and better graphics than traditional embedded chips, with low 15 W base power and 55 W turbo. Not intended for gaming or heavy creator workloads; best in edge appliances, thin clients, and signage where efficiency and integrated graphics matter.
Best for: Building or refreshing embedded appliances, POS terminals, digital signage players, or thin clients that benefit from LGA1700 socketed convenience, 10 cores, and integrated graphics.
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 5 120UL 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 5 120UL or Core i7-1185G7E?
For gaming, the Core i7-1185G7E leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Intel Core 5 120UL and Core i7-1185G7E.
Do Intel Core 5 120UL and Core i7-1185G7E use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core 5 120UL: FCLGA1700 (LGA1700), Core i7-1185G7E: BGA 1449), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core 5 120UL has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core 5 120UL (10 cores), Core i7-1185G7E (4 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-1185G7E posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-1185G7E (5,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.