Intel Core i5-7640X vs Intel Core i7-1185GRE Comparison

The Intel Core i7-1185GRE and the Intel Core i5-7640X are two processors separated by three years, a process node, and entirely different platform philosophies. The data shows a clear split: the mobile Tiger Lake chip wins 7 of 8 head-to-head benchmark comparisons, while the desktop Kaby Lake-X part claims a single, decisive victory in Geekbench multi-core. The i7-1185GRE leads by roughly 10% across every Cinebench iteration, but the i5-7640X counters with a 21% margin in Geekbench multi-core. Both processors occupy the same 47th percentile among all CPUs, and their average benchmark scores are nearly identical, with the i7-1185GRE at 2178 and the i5-7640X at 2167, a difference of only 0.5%.

The Verdict

From the data, the Intel Core i7-1185GRE is the superior choice for single-threaded and lightly-threaded workloads, as well as for any task that benefits from its integrated graphics and lower power envelope. It wins every single-core test in the comparison, including a 10.6% lead in Cinebench R15 single-core (94 vs 85) and a 6.5% lead in Geekbench single-core (1848 vs 1736). For users running Cinebench R23, the i7-1185GRE delivers 6635 points against 6031 for the i5-7640X, a 10% advantage that holds across all Cinebench versions. This makes the Tiger Lake chip the pick for mobile workstations, embedded systems, or any scenario where per-thread performance and efficiency are paramount.

The Intel Core i5-7640X is the choice only if the workload is specifically multi-threaded and measured by Geekbench. Its 5137 score in Geekbench multi-core is 21% higher than the i7-1185GRE’s 4060, a massive swing that outweighs its losses elsewhere. This suggests that the i5-7640X, with its quad-channel memory bus and unlocked multiplier, excels in memory-bandwidth-sensitive or scaling-heavy applications that Geekbench’s multi-core test captures. However, this is a narrow victory; the i5-7640X loses every Cinebench test by exactly 10% and offers no integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU.

For a neutral recommendation, the i7-1185GRE is the more balanced processor. Its 7-to-1 win ratio in head-to-head benchmarks, combined with its active production status and 15 W TDP, makes it the safer bet for most users. The i5-7640X is a niche product for those who prioritize Geekbench multi-core performance and have a discrete GPU already, but its 112 W TDP and lack of ECC support are notable drawbacks. The data does not support a general recommendation for the i5-7640X outside its single benchmark victory.

Architecture Differences

The architectural gap between these two CPUs is substantial. The Intel Core i7-1185GRE is built on a 10 nm process node using the Tiger Lake architecture, specifically the Willow Cove-U core generation. It features 4 cores and 8 threads, with a base clock of 1800 MHz and a boost clock of 4.40 GHz. Its cache hierarchy includes 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. The chip supports DDR4 and LPDDR4X memory over a dual-channel bus, includes ECC memory support, and provides PCIe Gen 4 with 4 CPU lanes. It integrates Iris Xe-LP Graphics G7 with 96 execution units, making it a complete system-on-chip for mobile or embedded use. The die size is 144 mm², and it is fitted to the Intel BGA 1449 socket.

In contrast, the Intel Core i5-7640X uses the older 14 nm process node with the Kaby Lake architecture, specifically the Kaby Lake-X 7th Gen X-Series. It also has 4 cores but only 4 threads, with a base clock of 3.90 GHz and a boost clock of 4.30 GHz. Its cache is smaller across the board: 64 KB of L1 per core, 256 KB of L2 per core, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. It supports only DDR4 memory, but over a quad-channel bus, which is a key differentiator. ECC memory is not supported, and PCIe is Gen 3. There is no integrated graphics, so a discrete GPU is mandatory. The chip uses the Intel Socket 2066, has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, and was released in 2017.

The i7-1185GRE’s 10 nm node and newer architecture explain its higher single-thread performance despite a much lower base clock (1800 MHz vs 3900 MHz). The i5-7640X’s higher base clock and quad-channel memory bus explain its Geekbench multi-core advantage, likely due to memory bandwidth scaling. The i7-1185GRE’s 12 MB L3 cache is double the i5-7640X’s 6 MB, which helps in latency-sensitive workloads.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i7-1185GRE wins in every Cinebench test, which are classic CPU rendering benchmarks. It leads by 10% in Cinebench R15 multi-core (668 vs 607), by 10.6% in R15 single-core, by 10% in R20 multi-core (2786 vs 2533), by 10.1% in R20 single-core, by 10% in R23 multi-core (6635 vs 6031), and by 10% in R23 single-core (936 vs 851). It also wins Geekbench single-core by 6.5% (1848 vs 1736). This pattern indicates superiority in per-core IPC and clock-for-clock efficiency, likely due to the Willow Cove architecture and larger cache. For users running Cinebench or similar rendering workloads, the i7-1185GRE is consistently faster.

The Intel Core i5-7640X wins only Geekbench multi-core, with a score of 5137 versus 4060, a 21% advantage. This is the largest delta in the entire comparison. The i5-7640X’s quad-channel memory bus is the probable cause, as Geekbench multi-core tests often benefit from higher memory bandwidth. Its higher base clock of 3.90 GHz also helps in raw throughput. However, this win does not translate to Cinebench, where the i7-1185GRE’s architecture and cache configuration prove more effective.

In practical terms, the i7-1185GRE is better for single-threaded applications, mobile productivity, and any task where integrated graphics are useful. The i5-7640X is better for memory-bandwidth-intensive multi-threaded tasks, but only as measured by Geekbench. The i5-7640X’s unlocked multiplier allows overclocking, which could improve its standing, but the data provided does not include overclocked results.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i7-1185GRE has an average benchmark score of 2178, while the Intel Core i5-7640X has an average of 2167. The i7-1185GRE leads by 0.5%.

Q: How do they compare in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The i7-1185GRE scores 6635, which is 10% higher than the i5-7640X’s 6031. The i7-1185GRE wins this test.

Q: Is there any test where the i5-7640X wins?

A: Yes, the i5-7640X wins Geekbench multi-core with a score of 5137, which is 21% higher than the i7-1185GRE’s 4060. This is the only head-to-head test it wins.

Q: What are the TDP differences?

A: The i7-1185GRE has a TDP of 15 W, while the i5-7640X has a TDP of 112 W. This makes the i7-1185GRE far more power-efficient.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The i7-1185GRE supports ECC memory, while the i5-7640X does not.

Q: Which processor has integrated graphics?

A: The i7-1185GRE integrates Iris Xe-LP Graphics G7 with 96EU. The i5-7640X has no integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU.

Q: How do their cache sizes differ?

A: The i7-1185GRE has 12 MB of shared L3 cache, while the i5-7640X has 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The i7-1185GRE also has larger L1 (80 KB vs 64 KB per core) and L2 (1.25 MB vs 256 KB per core) caches.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking result is the Geekbench multi-core test, where the i5-7640X crushes the i7-1185GRE by 21%. The i5-7640X scores 5137, while the i7-1185GRE scores 4060. This is a massive reversal from the Cinebench results and highlights the different optimization targets of these benchmarks. The i5-7640X’s quad-channel memory bus and higher base clock likely enable better scaling in Geekbench’s multi-threaded workloads, despite having only 4 threads versus 8 threads on the i7-1185GRE.

Every other head-to-head test goes to the i7-1185GRE. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i7-1185GRE scores 668 against 607, a 10% win. In R15 single-core, it scores 94 against 85, a 10.6% win. The R20 tests show similar margins: 2786 vs 2533 for multi-core (10%) and 393 vs 357 for single-core (10.1%). The R23 tests continue the pattern: 6635 vs 6031 for multi-core (10%) and 936 vs 851 for single-core (10%). Finally, Geekbench single-core goes to the i7-1185GRE with 1848 vs 1736, a 6.5% win.

The consistency of the 10% Cinebench deltas is notable. Across three versions of Cinebench, the i7-1185GRE maintains exactly a 10% lead in multi-core and roughly a 10% lead in single-core. This suggests a fundamental architectural advantage in rendering workloads, likely from the newer 10 nm node and larger cache. The Geekbench single-core win is smaller at 6.5%, but still significant. The only outlier is Geekbench multi-core, where the i5-7640X’s memory bandwidth advantage overwhelms the i7-1185GRE’s other strengths.

In summary, the i7-1185GRE wins 7 of 8 tests with an average lead of roughly 10% in Cinebench and 6.5% in Geekbench single-core. The i5-7640X wins 1 test with a 21% margin. The data paints a picture of a modern, efficient mobile chip that excels in most benchmarks, versus an older desktop chip that has a specific memory-bandwidth advantage. The i7-1185GRE is the better overall processor, but the i5-7640X is not without merit in its niche.