CPU Comparison
Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) vs Intel Core i7-1255U
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.
Highly responsive for daily office tasks, with plenty of E-cores to keep background apps from slowing down the system.
Gaming
Identical to standard 1165G7; Iris Xe handles 1080p medium gaming well.
Can run esports games like League of Legends smoothly, but struggles with modern AAA titles on integrated graphics.
Virtualization
Standard 4-core mobile performance.
Good for light Docker containers, but 2 P-cores limit performance when running full Windows VMs.
Efficiency
IPU is highly efficient, offloading work that would otherwise use CPU power.
Excellent power management ensures long battery life during typical office use.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- GNA for audio AI
- IPU for visual AI tasks like gaze correction
- No NPU
- AI workloads handled by CPU/GPU
Content Creation
Gaming
- Identical gaming performance to standard 1165G7
- Great for 1080p medium settings
- Requires fast dual-channel memory
- Iris Xe 96EU handles 1080p low settings for older games
- Throttles under sustained 3D loads
- Best paired with a discrete GPU for serious 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 performance-per-watt
- Very flexible memory support
- Good single-core burst performance
- Plenty of PCIe lanes for an ultrabook chip
- Reliable Iris Xe integrated graphics
Cons
- Only 2 P-cores limit heavy multi-threading
- Soldered to the motherboard
- Can get warm during 55W turbo bursts
- Not suitable for gaming without a discrete GPU
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.
Intel Core i7-1255U
- AMD Ryzen 7 7730URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M2Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 6600URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1185G7Rival
Mobile
Offers slightly higher clock speeds (4.8 GHz) for marginally better burst performance.
Compare head-to-headA more cost-effective alternative that offers very similar everyday performance.
Compare head-to-headBetter sustained performance if you can accommodate the 28W TDP.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 7735UAlt
Strong alternative with better integrated graphics efficiency.
- Intel Core i7-1355UAlt
The 13th Gen successor with refined efficiency and clock speeds.
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 efficient and popular 15W processor that powers a vast majority of mid-range premium ultrabooks, offering great daily responsiveness.
Best for: Buying a standard ultrabook for school or office work where you need strong battery life and snappy daily performance.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) or Intel Core i7-1255U?
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 Intel Core i7-1255U?
For gaming, the Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) leads with a gaming performance score of 78/100 among Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) and Intel Core i7-1255U.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) (28 W), Intel Core i7-1255U (55 W).
Do Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) and Intel Core i7-1255U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-1165G7 (IPU): Intel BGA 1449, Intel Core i7-1255U: Intel BGA 1744), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-1255U has the most cores. Core counts: Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) (4 cores), Intel Core i7-1255U (10 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-1165G7 (IPU) (4,500), Intel Core i7-1255U (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.