CPU Comparison
Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) vs Core i7-1185G7
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) is a specialized variant of the standard Tiger Lake mobile processor, featuring an integrated Image Processing Unit (IPU 6.0). Released in September 2020, it shares the same 10nm SuperFin manufacturing process and Willow Cove architecture, offering 4 cores and 8 threads with boost speeds up to 4.7 GHz. The primary distinction lies in its enhanced media capabilities, designed specifically for premium thin-and-light laptops that prioritize high-quality video conferencing and content creation. The IPU 6.0 provides dedicated hardware acceleration for camera pipelines, enabling features like AI-driven background blur, auto-framing, and advanced noise reduction without taxing the CPU cores. Coupled with the powerful Iris Xe Graphics (96 EUs), this processor delivers a comprehensive multimedia experience. It supports LPDDR4X-4267 memory and PCIe 4.0 storage, ensuring snappy system responsiveness. This chip represents Intel's push to integrate specialized silicon for modern hybrid work environments where video communication is paramount.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Unaffected by IPU; maintains 4.7 GHz burst performance.
Excellent single-core performance makes everyday tasks and moderate multitasking extremely responsive.
Gaming
Identical to standard 1165G7; Iris Xe handles 1080p medium gaming well.
Capable of playing e-sports titles and older games at 1080p, but struggles with AAA titles at high settings.
Virtualization
Standard 4-core mobile performance.
Adequate for light virtualization, but 4 cores limit running multiple heavy VMs.
Efficiency
IPU is highly efficient, offloading work that would otherwise use CPU power.
10nm process provides excellent performance per watt for ultrabook form factors.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- GNA for audio AI
- IPU for visual AI tasks like gaze correction
- Features DLBoost for AI inference
- Suitable for light edge AI tasks
- No dedicated NPU
Content Creation
Gaming
- Identical gaming performance to standard 1165G7
- Great for 1080p medium settings
- Requires fast dual-channel memory
- 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
- 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
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
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.
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
A 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 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, Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) or Core i7-1185G7?
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, Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) or Core i7-1185G7?
For gaming, the Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) and Core i7-1185G7.
Do Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) and Core i7-1185G7 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-1165G7 (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: Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) (4,500), Core i7-1185G7 (6,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.