Intel Core i5-1155G7 (IPU)

The Intel Core i5-1155G7 (IPU) is a specialized 11th Gen Tiger Lake-U refresh processor released in mid-2021, designed explicitly for premium laptops emphasizing advanced camera and vision capabilities. The '(IPU)' designation indicates the inclusion of Intel's Image Processing Unit 6.0, enabling high-quality hardware-level image processing for features like AI-enhanced auto-framing, gaze correction, and background blur without taxing the CPU. Built on the 10nm SuperFin process, this 4-core, 8-thread chip operates at a base clock of 2.5 GHz and boosts up to 4.5 GHz. It features Iris Xe-LP Graphics G7 with 80 Execution Units, delivering strong integrated graphical performance. With a default 28W TDP configurable down to 12W, it balances power and performance for ultrabooks. This processor was highly sought after during the remote-work boom, as it provided OEMs with a turnkey solution to significantly improve webcam quality in thin-and-light laptops without requiring discrete camera components.

The Intel Core i5-1155G7 (IPU) is a mid-cycle refresh of Tiger Lake, optimized for the era of remote work. It features 4 Willow Cove cores clocking up to 4.5 GHz and Iris Xe-LP 80EU graphics.

Its defining feature is the integrated Image Processing Unit (IPU) 6.0, which offloads complex video processing tasks like auto-framing, gaze correction, and noise reduction from the CPU. This results in superior webcam quality and lower power consumption during video calls.

With configurable TDP and robust single-thread performance, it remains a highly capable chip for premium business ultrabooks.

The Core i5-1155G7 (IPU) was introduced in mid-2021 as a specialized refresh of the Tiger Lake lineup. Following the remote work boom of 2020, Intel identified a critical pain point: laptop webcams were terrible, and software-based image correction drained batteries and slowed down CPUs. To address this, Intel packaged the Tiger Lake silicon with a strong emphasis on its integrated Image Processing Unit (IPU) 6.

0. This wasn't a new architecture, but rather a targeted SKU designed to give OEMs like Dell, HP, and Lenovo a marketing angle ('Intel IPU') for their premium business ultrabooks. It provided a slight clock speed bump over the original 1145G7 while guaranteeing the IPU was active for advanced vision workloads.

This launch highlighted Intel's strategy to add value to their mobile platforms through specialized integrated accelerators, a trend that would expand significantly with dedicated AI NPUs in subsequent Meteor Lake generations.