CPU Comparison
Core i7-1185G7 vs Intel Core i7-1265U
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.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Excellent single-core performance makes everyday tasks and moderate multitasking extremely responsive.
Extremely responsive for daily tasks, with enough E-cores to handle background downloads and syncs seamlessly.
Gaming
Capable of playing e-sports titles and older games at 1080p, but struggles with AAA titles at high settings.
Can handle esports titles at 1080p medium settings, but thermal limits in thin laptops will cause throttling.
Virtualization
Adequate for light virtualization, but 4 cores limit running multiple heavy VMs.
Capable of light VM work for development, but limited by the 2 P-cores under heavy loads.
Efficiency
10nm process provides excellent performance per watt for ultrabook form factors.
Excellent idle efficiency and low-power state management provide all-day battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Features DLBoost for AI inference
- Suitable for light edge AI tasks
- No dedicated NPU
- CPU and GPU handle AI inference
- No dedicated NPU
Content Creation
Gaming
- Iris Xe 96EU is a major upgrade
- Dependent on system memory configuration
- Not suitable for high-end gaming
- Iris Xe 96EU provides decent 1080p low-setting performance
- Thermal throttling is common in thin chassis
- Not a replacement for a discrete GPU
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Excellent performance-per-watt ratio
- Supports a wide variety of memory standards
- High 4.8 GHz single-core boost
- 20 PCIe 4.0 lanes for fast storage
- Strong Iris Xe 96EU integrated graphics
Cons
- Only 2 P-cores limit heavy multi-threaded tasks
- Soldered BGA 1744 package
- Throttles quickly under sustained 55W turbo loads
- Not suitable for high-end gaming
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Intel Core i7-1265U
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 7730URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M2Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 6600URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
A slightly cheaper 15W alternative with near-identical performance.
Compare head-to-headOffers better sustained performance if you have the cooling for 28W.
Compare head-to-headBetter value for money for users who don't need maximum clock speeds.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 7735UAlt
Excellent alternative with superior battery life and integrated graphics.
- Intel Core i7-1365UAlt
The 13th Gen successor with slightly better clock speeds and efficiency.
Our Verdict on Each
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 reviewA highly efficient 15W processor that delivers excellent everyday responsiveness and battery life, making it a staple for premium ultrabooks.
Best for: Purchasing a premium ultrabook where battery life and daily responsiveness are the main goals.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is faster for gaming, Core i7-1185G7 or Intel Core i7-1265U?
For gaming, the Core i7-1185G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Core i7-1185G7 and Intel Core i7-1265U.
Which uses less power?
The Core i7-1185G7 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Core i7-1185G7 (28 W), Intel Core i7-1265U (55 W).
Do Core i7-1185G7 and Intel Core i7-1265U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Core i7-1185G7: BGA 1449, Intel Core i7-1265U: Intel BGA 1744), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i7-1265U has the most cores. Core counts: Core i7-1185G7 (4 cores), Intel Core i7-1265U (10 cores).
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), Intel Core i7-1265U (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.