Quick Verdict
A highly capable 4-core mobile processor that brought significant single-thread and integrated graphics improvements to the ultrabook market.
Overview
Launch
2020
Status
End-of-lifeGeneration
11th Generation Core i7
Market
Mobile
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.
Featuring Intel's Willow Cove architecture and 10nm SuperFin process, the i7-1185G7 offers excellent single-thread performance up to 4.8 GHz. Its 96EU Iris Xe graphics provide great casual gaming capabilities, making it a well-rounded chip for mobile productivity.
Specifications
Performance
Excellent single-core performance makes everyday tasks and moderate multitasking extremely responsive.
Adequate for light virtualization, but 4 cores limit running multiple heavy VMs.
Capable of playing e-sports titles and older games at 1080p, but struggles with AAA titles at high settings.
10nm process provides excellent performance per watt for ultrabook form factors.
- •Iris Xe 96EU is a major upgrade
- •Dependent on system memory configuration
- •Not suitable for high-end gaming
- •Features DLBoost for AI inference
- •Suitable for light edge AI tasks
- •No dedicated NPU
Architecture
10nm
Process Node
Tiger Lake-U
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
12 MB
L3 Cache
28 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The Core i7-1185G7 utilizes the Willow Cove architecture, succeeding Sunny Cove. Manufactured on Intel's 10nm SuperFin process, Willow Cove introduces redesigned transistors and a thicker gate oxide, significantly reducing capacitance and improving power delivery. This allows for higher clock speeds without a corresponding linear increase in power consumption. The architecture features 1.25MB of L2 cache per core and 3MB of L3 cache per core (12MB total). Willow Cove also implements a new power delivery architecture that better handles voltage transients, enabling aggressive Turbo Boost 2.0 behavior. A key component of this chip is the integration of the Iris Xe-LP graphics architecture, which increases Execution Units to 96 and supports adaptive sync and advanced display pipelines. Additionally, the chip includes an integrated PCIe 4.0 controller, offering double the bandwidth per lane compared to PCIe 3.0, critical for high-speed NVMe storage and external connectivity via Thunderbolt 4.
CPU Design
4 physical cores with Hyper-Threading and 12MB L3 cache.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR4 and LPDDR4X controller.
PCIe & I/O
4 lanes of PCIe 4.0 directly from the CPU.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier; no manual overclocking.
- Higher single-core IPC
- Massive integrated graphics upgrade
- PCIe 4.0 introduction
Key Highlights
- Excellent single-thread performance
- Integrated Iris Xe 96EU graphics
- 10nm SuperFin efficiency
- PCIe 4.0 support
- vPro enterprise features
- Only 4 cores limits multi-threading
- End-of-life status
- Limited PCIe lanes (4x)
- Locked multiplier
History
Launched on September 2nd, 2020, the Core i7-1185G7 arrived at a crucial time for Intel. The company was under immense pressure to deliver a competitive 10nm mobile product after years of 14nm stagnation. Tiger Lake-U, and specifically the i7-1185G7, was the flagship demonstrating Intel's 10nm SuperFin capabilities.
It directly challenged AMD's Ryzen 4000 mobile series, which had gained significant market share due to its multi-core advantage on the 7nm process. While Tiger Lake focused on fewer cores, it countered with superior single-thread speed, massive integrated graphics improvements, and platform features like PCIe 4.0 and Thunderbolt 4.
The i7-1185G7 powered numerous premium ultrabooks, effectively re-establishing Intel's dominance in the high-end thin-and-light segment. However, its reign was short-lived as Intel quickly transitioned to 12th Gen Alder Lake, introducing hybrid architecture. Today, it stands as a transitional yet highly capable milestone in Intel's mobile processor history.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Higher single-core IPC
- Massive integrated graphics upgrade
- PCIe 4.0 introduction
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Buying a used or refurbished premium ultrabook.
Avoid if…
- Building a new desktop
- Need heavy multi-threaded rendering
- Require DDR5 memory
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
First Intel mobile chip to feature Iris Xe 96EU graphics.
Built on Intel's 10nm SuperFin technology.
Supports Thunderbolt 4 natively.
Die size is only 144 mm².
Features 1.25MB of L2 cache per core.
Launched at $426.
Configurable TDP down to 12W.
Integrates AVX-512 instructions.
Marked Intel's shift to 10nm for mobile.
Supports LPDDR4X up to 4267 MT/s.
People Also Ask
What generation is the i7-1185G7?
It is an 11th generation Intel Core processor.
Can I upgrade the i7-1185G7?
No, it is soldered to the motherboard (BGA 1449).
Is the i7-1185G7 good for gaming?
It is decent for casual gaming with its Iris Xe graphics, but not for AAA gaming at high settings.
Does the i7-1185G7 support Thunderbolt 4?
Yes, Tiger Lake processors support Thunderbolt 4.
What is the process node of the i7-1185G7?
It is built on Intel's 10nm SuperFin process.
How many cores does the i7-1185G7 have?
It features 4 physical cores and 8 threads.
What is the TDP of the i7-1185G7?
The default TDP is 28W, configurable down to 12W.
Does the i7-1185G7 support PCIe 4.0?
Yes, it supports PCIe 4.0 with 4 lanes.
Is the i7-1185G7 unlocked?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What is the max turbo frequency?
The maximum turbo frequency is 4.8 GHz.
Frequently Asked Questions
What memory does the i7-1185G7 support?
It supports DDR4 and LPDDR4X memory.
Does the i7-1185G7 have integrated graphics?
Yes, it has Intel Iris Xe-LP Graphics with 96 EUs.
What is the base clock of the i7-1185G7?
The base clock is 3.0 GHz.
Is the i7-1185G7 still good in 2024?
It is adequate for basic tasks and light gaming, but outdated for heavy workloads.
What socket does the i7-1185G7 use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1449 socket.
Does it support vPro?
Yes, the 1185G7 includes vPro enterprise features.
Can it handle 4K video playback?
Yes, the integrated graphics fully support 4K hardware decoding.
What is the L3 cache size?
It has 12MB of L3 cache.
Is it good for video editing?
It can handle basic 1080p editing, but struggles with heavy 4K workloads.
What is the PL2 power limit?
The PL2 power limit is 52W.