Intel Core i5-1145GRE vs Intel Core i7-7820HK Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Intel Core i5-1145GRE wins every single recorded comparison against the Intel Core i7-7820HK. Across all six Cinebench tests, the i5-1145GRE delivers a consistent edge, with deltas hovering around 9.9% to 10.1% in its favor. There are no mixed results, no narrow defeats, and no categories where the older i7 pulls ahead.

Starting with multi-core performance, the i5-1145GRE scores 705 in Cinebench R15 multi-core versus 635 for the i7-7820HK, a 9.9% advantage. The gap widens slightly in Cinebench R20 multi-core, where the i5 posts 2940 against 2648, again a 9.9% delta. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the i5 reaches 7001 while the i7 manages 6306, maintaining the same 9.9% margin. This consistency across three generations of the Cinebench suite indicates that the newer processor's architectural improvements translate into steady, repeatable multi-threaded gains.

Single-core results tell a similar story. The i5-1145GRE scores 99 in Cinebench R15 single-core versus 89 for the i7-7820HK, a 10.1% lead. In Cinebench R20 single-core, the i5 posts 414 against 373, a 9.9% delta. Cinebench R23 single-core sees the i5 at 988 versus 890, again 9.9% ahead. The single-core margin is slightly larger in the R15 test, but the overall pattern is one of uniform superiority for the i5-1145GRE.

The i7-7820HK does hold a Geekbench multi-core score of 4173 and a single-core score of 1273, but the i5-1145GRE has no recorded Geekbench results in this database, so no direct comparison is possible there. For the benchmarks that do overlap, the i5-1145GRE is the winner in all six cases. The recorded data shows zero wins for the i7-7820HK and six wins for the i5-1145GRE.

In terms of average benchmark score, the i7-7820HK sits at 2048, which places it in the 46th percentile of all CPUs. The i5-1145GRE has an average score of 2025, putting it in the 45th percentile. Despite the i5 winning every head-to-head test, its overall average is slightly lower because it lacks the Geekbench scores that boost the i7's aggregate. The nearest rivals for the i7 include the Intel Xeon E3-1270 v5 at an identical 2048, the AMD Ryzen 5 7520U at 2046, and the Intel Xeon E3-1275 v5 at 2043. The i5's closest competitors are the Intel Core i5-1130G7 at 2026, the Intel Xeon E3-1260L v5 at 2029, and the Intel Xeon E3-1280 v5 at 2029. These percentile rankings confirm that both processors sit in the middle of the performance distribution, but the i5-1145GRE is the stronger chip in direct comparison.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural generations, and that explains the performance gap. The i7-7820HK is built on Kaby Lake-H, a 14 nm process, while the i5-1145GRE uses Tiger Lake-U on a 10 nm process. The newer 10 nm node allows for greater transistor density and efficiency, which directly contributes to the i5's higher clock speeds and better benchmark results despite a lower TDP.

Both CPUs have 4 cores and 8 threads, so the thread count is identical. The base clock differs dramatically: the i7-7820HK runs at 2.90 GHz, while the i5-1145GRE has a base clock of 1500.00 MHz (1.50 GHz). However, the boost clock tells a different story: the i7 boosts to 3.90 GHz, while the i5 boosts to 4.10 GHz. The i5's higher boost clock, combined with its newer architecture, explains its consistent single-core and multi-core wins.

Cache hierarchies also differ. The i7-7820HK has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 256 KB of L2 cache per core, and 8 MB of shared L3 cache. The i5-1145GRE has 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and the same 8 MB of shared L3. The i5's larger L1 and substantially larger L2 cache provide more on-die storage for frequently accessed data, which improves performance in cache-sensitive workloads.

Memory support diverges as well. The i7-7820HK supports DDR3 and DDR4, while the i5-1145GRE supports DDR4 and LPDDR4X. Both use a dual-channel memory bus. The i5 also supports ECC memory, which the i7 does not. This makes the i5 more suitable for error-sensitive computing environments.

PCIe connectivity is another differentiator. The i7-7820HK offers PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the i5-1145GRE offers PCIe Gen 4 with 4 lanes (CPU only). The i5's newer PCIe standard doubles the per-lane bandwidth, but the i7 has more lanes available for expansion.

Integrated graphics differ as well. The i7-7820HK ships with Intel HD Graphics 630, while the i5-1145GRE includes Iris Xe Graphics G7 with 80 execution units. The Iris Xe is a significantly newer and more capable GPU architecture, which matters for systems relying on integrated graphics.

The die sizes also differ: the i7-7820HK measures 126 mm², while the i5-1145GRE measures 144 mm². The i5's larger die accommodates the newer integrated graphics and additional cache. The i7 uses the Intel BGA 1440 socket, while the i5 uses the Intel BGA 1449 socket, so they are not interchangeable.

The i7-7820HK has an unlocked multiplier, meaning it can be overclocked. The i5-1145GRE has a locked multiplier. This is a notable feature difference, especially for users who prioritize manual tuning.

The Verdict

Based strictly on the recorded benchmarks, the Intel Core i5-1145GRE is the superior processor. It wins all six Cinebench comparisons, covering both single-core and multi-core workloads, with margins between 9.9% and 10.1%. The i5 also offers a higher boost clock, a newer architecture on a smaller process node, larger caches, ECC memory support, and more modern integrated graphics. The i7-7820HK counters with a higher base clock, an unlocked multiplier, more PCIe lanes, and a slightly higher average benchmark score due to its Geekbench results.

Users who prioritize raw computational performance in Cinebench-style workloads should choose the i5-1145GRE. The data is consistent and decisive: the i5 wins every test it shares with the i7. Users who need overclocking capability, more PCIe lanes for expansion, or a higher base clock for sustained low-frequency operation may prefer the i7-7820HK. However, for general computing, rendering, and single-threaded tasks, the i5-1145GRE is the better performer.

The i7-7820HK is end-of-life, while the i5-1145GRE is active. This production status difference matters for long-term availability and support. The i5's ECC support also makes it a more attractive option for workstations or servers where data integrity is critical.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins in multi-core performance?

A: The Intel Core i5-1145GRE wins all three multi-core Cinebench tests. It scores 705 versus 635 in Cinebench R15, 2940 versus 2648 in Cinebench R20, and 7001 versus 6306 in Cinebench R23. Each win is by a 9.9% margin.

Q: Which processor wins in single-core performance?

A: The Intel Core i5-1145GRE wins all three single-core Cinebench tests. It scores 99 versus 89 in Cinebench R15, 414 versus 373 in Cinebench R20, and 988 versus 890 in Cinebench R23. The margins are 10.1% in R15 and 9.9% in R20 and R23.

Q: Do both processors have the same core and thread counts?

A: Yes, both the Intel Core i7-7820HK and the Intel Core i5-1145GRE have 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: What is the difference in boost clock speeds?

A: The i7-7820HK boosts to 3.90 GHz, while the i5-1145GRE boosts to 4.10 GHz. The i5's higher boost clock contributes to its benchmark wins.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core i5-1145GRE supports ECC memory. The Intel Core i7-7820HK does not.

Q: Which processor has an unlocked multiplier?

A: The Intel Core i7-7820HK has an unlocked multiplier, allowing overclocking. The Intel Core i5-1145GRE has a locked multiplier.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i5-1145GRE wins every benchmark category where both processors have recorded scores. This includes all single-core and multi-core Cinebench tests. Users running rendering workloads, video encoding, or any CPU-intensive application that relies on single-threaded performance will see better results with the i5. The i5's higher boost clock of 4.10 GHz, larger L1 and L2 caches, and 10 nm architecture give it a clear edge in both lightly threaded and fully threaded tasks.

The Intel Core i7-7820HK does have areas where it holds advantages, even if they are not reflected in benchmark scores. Its base clock of 2.90 GHz is significantly higher than the i5's 1.50 GHz, which could matter in scenarios where sustained low-frequency operation is preferred over burst performance. The i7 also offers 16 PCIe Gen 3 lanes, compared to the i5's 4 PCIe Gen 4 lanes, making it more suitable for systems with multiple expansion cards or high-bandwidth peripherals. The unlocked multiplier on the i7 allows for manual overclocking, which could close the performance gap in the hands of a skilled user.

For integrated graphics workloads, the i5-1145GRE is the clear winner. Its Iris Xe Graphics G7 with 80 execution units is a far more modern GPU design than the Intel HD Graphics 630 in the i7. Systems relying solely on integrated graphics for display output or light media work will benefit from the i5's newer GPU.

For memory flexibility, the i7 supports both DDR3 and DDR4, while the i5 supports DDR4 and LPDDR4X. The i5's support for LPDDR4X makes it more suitable for low-power mobile designs. The i5's ECC memory support adds another layer of reliability for data-sensitive applications.

Specification Differences

The Intel Core i7-7820HK and Intel Core i5-1145GRE differ in several key specifications. The i7 has a base clock of 2.90 GHz and a boost clock of 3.90 GHz, while the i5 has a base clock of 1500.00 MHz (1.50 GHz) and a boost clock of 4.10 GHz. The i7 has a TDP of 45 watts, while the i5 has a TDP of 28 watts. The i7 uses the Intel BGA 1440 socket, while the i5 uses the Intel BGA 1449 socket.

The architectures differ: the i7 is based on Kaby Lake-H, a 14 nm design, while the i5 is based on Tiger Lake-U, a 10 nm design. The i7 has a die size of 126 mm², while the i5 has a die size of 144 mm². The i7 has 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 256 KB of L2 cache per core, while the i5 has 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core. Both share 8 MB of L3 cache.

Memory support differs: the i7 supports DDR3 and DDR4, while the i5 supports DDR4 and LPDDR4X. The i5 supports ECC memory, while the i7 does not. The i7 offers PCIe Gen 3 with 16 lanes, while the i5 offers PCIe Gen 4 with 4 lanes. The i7 uses Intel HD Graphics 630, while the i5 uses Iris Xe Graphics G7 with 80 execution units.

The i7-7820HK has an unlocked multiplier and a launch MSRP of $378, while the i5-1145GRE has a locked multiplier and a launch MSRP of $362. The i7 is end-of-life, while the i5 is active. The i7 was released in January 2017, while the i5 was released in September 2020. The i7 has the part number SR32P, while the i5 has the part number SRK10.