Intel Core i5-1135G7 vs Intel Core i5-8265U Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark comparison between the Intel Core i5-1135G7 and the Intel Core i5-8265U is unusually one-sided. Across every recorded test in the database, the i5-1135G7 emerges as the winner, securing 17 wins to zero for the i5-8265U. The margins, however, vary significantly depending on the workload, revealing distinct performance characteristics for each processor.

In multi-threaded rendering workloads, the i5-1135G7 demonstrates a commanding lead. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the i5-1135G7 scores 7909 against the i5-8265U's 4482, a delta of 76.5%. This pattern holds across the entire Cinebench suite. The R20 multi-core test shows a similar gap with scores of 3321 versus 1882, a 76.5% advantage. The R15 multi-core test produces scores of 797 and 451, respectively, a 76.7% delta. These results indicate a substantial improvement in sustained multi-core performance.

Single-core performance tells a comparable story, though with slightly different margins. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the i5-1135G7 scores 1116 while the i5-8265U manages 632, a 76.6% advantage. The R20 single-core test shows 468 versus 265, a 76.6% delta, while R15 single-core records 112 against 63, a 77.8% gap. These consistent deltas around 76 to 78% suggest a fundamental architectural efficiency gain rather than a workload-specific anomaly.

The PassMark suite reveals more nuanced results. The largest single delta appears in data encryption, where the i5-1135G7 scores 5465 against 1961, an enormous 178.7% advantage. This suggests the newer processor handles cryptographic instructions with significantly greater efficiency. Prime number finding also shows a large gap, with scores of 34 versus 18, an 88.9% delta. Floating-point math results show 19221 versus 12963, a 48.3% advantage, while integer math records 31814 against 21560, a 47.6% delta. Extended instructions produce scores of 7406 and 4904, a 51% gap.

The smallest margins appear in memory-related and sorting tasks. Random string sorting shows the i5-1135G7 at 12625 against 10117, a 24.8% delta, the narrowest gap recorded. Data compression scores 103380 versus 76049, a 35.9% difference. The PassMark multi-thread score shows 9512 against 5838, a 62.9% advantage, while physics simulation records 577 versus 405, a 42.5% delta. Single-thread PassMark scores are 2640 against 2030, a 30% advantage.

Where Each One Wins

The i5-1135G7 wins in every category, but the degree of dominance varies by use case. For workloads heavily dependent on cryptographic operations, the i5-1135G7 is in a different class entirely. The 178.7% lead in data encryption indicates that the newer architecture brings substantial improvements in AES and related instruction throughput. Similarly, prime number computation shows an 88.9% advantage, suggesting stronger integer arithmetic pipelines.

For rendering and content creation, the Cinebench results paint a clear picture. All three versions of Cinebench, R15, R20, and R23, show deltas between 76.5% and 77.8% in both single and multi-core tests. This consistency across software generations indicates that the i5-1135G7 offers broadly applicable performance gains for CPU-bound creative workloads.

The i5-8265U remains competitive in tasks that stress memory bandwidth and sorting algorithms. The random string sorting test shows the smallest gap at 24.8%, and data compression is also relatively close at 35.9%. These workloads often depend on memory subsystem efficiency, where the older platform still holds its ground to a degree. However, even in these favorable areas, the i5-8265U cannot secure a win.

For general productivity and everyday multitasking, the PassMark multi-thread score of 9512 versus 5838 demonstrates a 62.9% advantage for the i5-1135G7. Single-thread responsiveness shows a 30% lead, which translates to snappier application launches and more responsive interface interactions.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural generations. The Intel Core i5-1135G7 is built on Tiger Lake, specifically the Tiger Lake-U platform, while the Intel Core i5-8265U uses Whiskey Lake, the Whiskey Lake-U platform. The i5-1135G7 belongs to the Willow Cove-U core generation, whereas the i5-8265U is part of the Whiskey Lake generation.

Manufacturing processes differ significantly. The i5-1135G7 uses Intel's 10 nm process node, while the i5-8265U is fabricated on a 14 nm node. Both processors are built by Intel, but the newer node allows for greater transistor density and efficiency. The die size of the i5-1135G7 is recorded as 144 mm², while no die size is listed for the i5-8265U.

Core and thread counts are identical at 4 cores and 8 threads. Base clocks are close, with the i5-8265U at 1600 MHz and the i5-1135G7 at 1500 MHz. The boost clocks differ more substantially, with the i5-1135G7 reaching 4200 MHz against the i5-8265U's 3900 MHz. Both processors carry a 15 W TDP, making them comparable in power envelope.

Cache hierarchies show notable differences. The i5-1135G7 has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, and 8 MB of shared L3 cache. The i5-8265U has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 256 KB of L2 cache per core, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The larger L2 cache in the i5-1135G7 is particularly significant, as it reduces reliance on slower memory tiers.

Memory support also diverges. The i5-1135G7 supports both DDR4 and LPDDR4X memory, while the i5-8265U supports DDR4 only. Both use dual-channel memory buses. The i5-8265U lists a memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s, while no bandwidth figure is recorded for the i5-1135G7.

PCIe capabilities differ by generation. The i5-1135G7 provides PCIe Gen 4 with 4 CPU-only lanes, while the i5-8265U provides PCIe Gen 3 with 16 CPU-only lanes. The newer standard offers higher per-lane bandwidth, though the older chip provides more lanes.

Integrated graphics are a major differentiator. The i5-1135G7 features Iris Xe Graphics G7 with 80 execution units, while the i5-8265U uses UHD Graphics 620. The database shows 3DMark results for the i5-1135G7, including a single-thread score of 801, a 2-thread score of 1348, a 4-thread score of 1995, an 8-thread score of 2475, a 16-thread score of 2595, and a max-thread score of 2713. No 3DMark scores are available for the i5-8265U. Both processors have locked multipliers, and neither supports ECC memory.

The i5-1135G7 uses the Intel BGA 1449 socket, while the i5-8265U uses Intel BGA 1528. The i5-1135G7 has a launch MSRP of $309, and the i5-8265U has a launch MSRP of $297. Both processors are end-of-life and target the mobile market segment.

The Verdict

The data is unambiguous. The Intel Core i5-1135G7 outperforms the Intel Core i5-8265U in every benchmark recorded in the database, with wins across all 17 head-to-head tests. The average benchmark score for the i5-1135G7 is 9053, placing it in the 65th percentile of all CPUs. The i5-8265U has an average score of 8568, placing it in the 64th percentile.

Looking at nearest rivals contextualizes these results. The i5-1135G7 sits within 1.4% of the Intel Core i7-8650U, which scores 8932, and within 1.3% of the Intel Xeon Gold 6330 at 8939. It trails the Intel Xeon Gold 6346 by 1.1%, which scores 9155, and leads the Intel Core i5-8350U by 0.6%, which scores 8998. This places the i5-1135G7 in competitive territory with higher-tier processors despite its mobile 15 W envelope.

The i5-8265U's nearest rivals show a different landscape. It sits 0.1% behind the Intel Core i5-8250U at 8577 and 0.1% behind the Intel Core i7-10510U at 8580. It trails the AMD EPYC 7601 by 0.6%, which scores 8619, and leads the Intel Pentium Gold G7400 by 0.6%, which scores 8515. The i5-8265U holds its own within its generation but does not reach the performance tier of the i5-1135G7.

For users selecting between these two processors, the choice depends on workload priorities. The i5-1135G7 is the clear pick for encryption-heavy tasks, rendering, and any workload that benefits from the newer instruction set and larger caches. The 178.7% advantage in data encryption alone justifies its selection for security-focused applications. The consistent 76% range advantages in Cinebench tests make it the obvious choice for content creation.

The i5-8265U may still serve adequately in scenarios where the software is optimized for older architectures or where the PCIe Gen 3 lane count of 16 is preferable to the i5-1135G7's 4 PCIe Gen 4 lanes. The older chip also lists a specific memory bandwidth figure of 38.4 GB/s, which may be useful for certain validation purposes. However, no benchmark in the database favors the i5-8265U.

The verdict from the recorded data is straightforward: the Intel Core i5-1135G7 is the superior processor in every measured category. Its higher boost clock, larger caches, newer process node, and architectural improvements translate into decisive performance advantages. The i5-8265U remains a functional mobile processor, but it is outclassed by its successor across the board.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher single-core Cinebench R23 score?

A: The Intel Core i5-1135G7 scores 1116 in Cinebench R23 single-core, while the Intel Core i5-8265U scores 632. This represents a 76.6% advantage for the i5-1135G7.

Q: How do the two processors compare in data encryption performance?

A: The i5-1135G7 scores 5465 in PassMark data encryption, while the i5-8265U scores 1961. The i5-1135G7 leads by 178.7%, the largest margin recorded in any benchmark between these two processors.

Q: Are both processors built on the same manufacturing process?

A: No. The Intel Core i5-1135G7 uses a 10 nm process node, while the Intel Core i5-8265U uses a 14 nm process node. Both are manufactured by Intel.

Q: What are the cache differences between the two CPUs?

A: The i5-1135G7 has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, and 8 MB of shared L3 cache. The i5-8265U has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 256 KB of L2 cache per core, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: Do both processors have the same number of cores and threads?

A: Yes, both the Intel Core i5-1135G7 and the Intel Core i5-8265U have 4 cores and 8 threads. Both also carry a 15 W TDP.

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i5-1135G7 has a boost clock of 4200 MHz, while the Intel Core i5-8265U has a boost clock of 3900 MHz. The i5-8265U has a slightly higher base clock at 1600 MHz compared to 1500 MHz for the i5-1135G7.