CPU Comparison

Core i7-1185G7 vs Core i7-1185G7E

A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-1185G7 is a high-end mobile processor introduced in late 2020 as part of the 11th Generation Tiger Lake lineup. Built on Intel's 10nm SuperFin process, it features 4 cores and 8 threads, utilizing the Willow Cove architecture to deliver significant single-threaded performance improvements over its predecessors. With a base clock of 3.0 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 4.8 GHz, this CPU is engineered for thin-and-light laptops where burst performance is crucial. It integrates Intel Iris Xe-LP Graphics with 96 Execution Units, providing a massive leap in integrated GPU performance. The processor supports PCIe 4.0 and fast LPDDR4X memory, ensuring excellent system responsiveness. Operating within a 28W default TDP, configurable down to 12W, the i7-1185G7 balances power efficiency and performance. Although it has reached end-of-life status, it remains a notable chip that marked Intel's transition to 10nm mobile processors.

Intel · Core i7
Core i7-1185G7
4C / 8T4.8 GHz28 W
8
Full review
Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Core i7-1185G7E
4C / 8T4.4 GHz15 W
8.5
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Embedded
Segment
Mobile
Embedded
Generation
11th Generation Core i7
11th Generation Core i7
Launched
2020
2020
Status
End-of-life
Active
Codename
Tiger Lake-U
Tiger Lake-U
Series
Core i7
Core i7
Family
11th Gen
11th Gen
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-10710U
Intel Core i7-8665UE
Successor
Intel Core i7-1255U
Intel Core i7-1370PE

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
4
Threads
8
8
Base Clock
3 GHz
1.8 GHz
Boost Clock
4.8 GHz
4.4 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
12 MB
12 MB
TDP
28 W
15 W
Architecture
Architecture
Willow Cove
Willow Cove
Process Node
10nm
10nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR4, LPDDR4X
DDR4, LPDDR4X
Memory Speed
DDR4-3200, LPDDR4X-4267
DDR4-3200, LPDDR4X-4267
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
64 GB
64 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
BGA 1449
BGA 1449
PCIe Version
PCIe 4.0
PCIe 4.0
PCIe Lanes
4
4
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Core i7-1185G7Best88

Excellent single-core performance makes everyday tasks and moderate multitasking extremely responsive.

Core i7-1185G7E80

Snappy single-thread performance handles specific industrial applications efficiently.

Gaming

Core i7-1185G7Best75

Capable of playing e-sports titles and older games at 1080p, but struggles with AAA titles at high settings.

Core i7-1185G7E65

Not intended for gaming, but Iris Xe can handle basic visualization loads easily.

Virtualization

Core i7-1185G7Best70

Adequate for light virtualization, but 4 cores limit running multiple heavy VMs.

Core i7-1185G7E65

Adequate for lightweight edge virtualization tasks.

Efficiency

Core i7-1185G785

10nm process provides excellent performance per watt for ultrabook form factors.

Core i7-1185G7EBest95

15W TDP ensures excellent performance per watt for embedded devices.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Core i7-1185G7Limited
  • Features DLBoost for AI inference
  • Suitable for light edge AI tasks
  • No dedicated NPU
Core i7-1185G7EGood
  • DLBoost accelerates AI tasks
  • IPU 6.0 not present on this specific SKU
  • Suitable for edge AI inference

Content Creation

Core i7-1185G7Good
PhotoshopLightroomPremiere Pro (1080p)OBS Streaming
Core i7-1185G7EGood
Industrial VisualizationLocal Media DecodingEdge Rendering

Gaming

Core i7-1185G7Good
  • Iris Xe 96EU is a major upgrade
  • Dependent on system memory configuration
  • Not suitable for high-end gaming
Core i7-1185G7EN/A
  • Not targeted at gaming
  • Graphics capable of basic 3D rendering
  • Dependent on memory configuration

Industry Impact

Gaming
Moderate
None
Workstations
Low
Low
Content Creation
Moderate
Low
Virtualization
Moderate
Moderate

Best CPU by Use Case

Office Productivity
Excellent
Web Browsing
Excellent
Casual Gaming
Good
1080p Video Editing
Good
Software Development
Very Good
Edge AI Inference
Good
Medical Imaging
Excellent
Digital Signage
Excellent
Industrial Control
Excellent
Retail Kiosks
Excellent

Target Audience

Gamers
Content Creators
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Streamers
Office / Productivity
Targeted
Students
Targeted

Strengths & Weaknesses

Core i7-1185G7

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
Core i7-1185G7E

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

Core i7-1185G7

Core i7-1185G7E

  • AMD Ryzen Embedded V2718E

    Embedded

    Rival
  • Intel Core i7-10700TE

    Embedded

    Rival
  • AMD Ryzen Embedded R2544

    Embedded

    Rival
  • Intel Atom x6425E

    Embedded

    Rival
  • NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano

    Edge AI

    Rival
  • Lower cost embedded alternative.

    Compare head-to-head
  • AMD Ryzen Embedded V2546
    Alt

    More cores for edge workloads.

  • Intel Core i7-1185G7
    Alt

    Consumer version with higher base TDP.

  • Intel Xeon D-2700
    Alt

    Server-class edge features.

Our Verdict on Each

Core i7-1185G7Recommended

A 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 review
Core i7-1185G7ERecommended

An 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 review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Core i7-1185G7 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, Core i7-1185G7 or Core i7-1185G7E?

For gaming, the Core i7-1185G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Core i7-1185G7 and Core i7-1185G7E.

Which uses less power?

The Core i7-1185G7E has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-1185G7 (28 W), Core i7-1185G7E (15 W).

Do Core i7-1185G7 and Core i7-1185G7E use the same socket?

Yes — all of these CPUs use the BGA 1449 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.

Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?

The Core i7-1185G7 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Core i7-1185G7 (6,800), Core i7-1185G7E (5,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.