Intel Core i7-1185G7E vs Intel Core i7-9700T Comparison

The data presents a close competition between two Intel processors from different design eras. The Intel Core i7-1185G7E and the Intel Core i7-9700T deliver nearly identical multi-threaded performance, but their architectural priorities create a clear split in single-threaded capabilities. The database records show the i7-9700T winning six of the eight head-to-head benchmarks, while the i7-1185G7E secures two wins, one of which is by a substantial margin.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i7-1185G7E dominates in single-core Geekbench performance. It scores 1756 against the i7-9700T's 1392, a 26.1% advantage. This is the largest delta in the entire comparison and reflects the newer Tiger Lake architecture's focus on high-frequency, low-power single-thread execution. The i7-1185G7E also ties the i7-9700T in Cinebench R15 single-core with both scoring 118, indicating that for older, less demanding single-threaded workloads, the two are equivalent.

The Intel Core i7-9700T wins every other recorded benchmark, though by very narrow margins. In multi-core tests, it consistently edges out the i7-1185G7E: Cinebench R15 multi-core shows 839 versus 836 (a 0.4% lead), Cinebench R20 multi-core shows 3496 versus 3487 (a 0.3% lead), and Cinebench R23 multi-core shows 8325 versus 8303 (a 0.3% lead). The Geekbench multi-core result also favors the i7-9700T at 5503 versus 5459, a 0.8% difference. The i7-9700T also wins Cinebench R20 single-core (493 versus 492) and Cinebench R23 single-core (1175 versus 1172), each by a 0.2% to 0.3% margin.

The use-case split is clear: the i7-1185G7E is the choice for workloads that depend heavily on a single thread and can leverage its architectural efficiency, while the i7-9700T offers a slight but consistent advantage across the board in mixed and multi-threaded scenarios. The i7-9700T's 8 physical cores without hyperthreading provide a steady foundation for parallel tasks, whereas the i7-1185G7E's 4 cores with 8 threads rely on higher clock speeds and newer instructions to compete.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent different design philosophies and manufacturing generations. The Intel Core i7-1185G7E is built on a 10 nm process node with a die size of 144 mm², while the Intel Core i7-9700T uses a 14 nm node with a larger 180.3 mm² die. This process advantage allows the i7-1185G7E to achieve a higher boost clock of 4.40 GHz compared to the i7-9700T's 4.30 GHz, despite having a lower base clock of 1800 MHz versus 2000 MHz.

Core configuration differs significantly. The i7-1185G7E packs 4 cores and 8 threads, while the i7-9700T offers 8 physical cores and 8 threads, meaning the i7-9700T does not use simultaneous multithreading. Cache hierarchies also diverge: the i7-1185G7E has 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, whereas the i7-9700T has 64 KB of L1 and 256 KB of L2 per core. Both share a 12 MB L3 cache.

Memory support separates them further. The i7-1185G7E supports both DDR4 and LPDDR4X memory in a dual-channel configuration, while the i7-9700T supports only DDR4 but does so with a recorded memory bandwidth of 42.7 GB/s. The i7-1185G7E's PCIe implementation is Gen 4 with 4 lanes available to the CPU, while the i7-9700T uses Gen 3 with 16 lanes. Integrated graphics also differ: the i7-1185G7E carries Iris Xe-LP Graphics G7 with 96 execution units, a more capable solution than the i7-9700T's UHD Graphics 630.

Socket and form factor reflect their target markets. The i7-1185G7E is a mobile processor on the Intel BGA 1449 socket with a 15 W TDP, whereas the i7-9700T is a desktop part on Intel Socket 1151 with a 35 W TDP. The i7-1185G7E remains in active production, while the i7-9700T is marked as end-of-life. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking result in the head-to-head data is the Geekbench single-core test. The i7-1185G7E scores 1756, which is 26.1% higher than the i7-9700T's 1392. This is not a marginal edge; it is a decisive victory that underscores the efficiency of the Tiger Lake core design at lower power levels. For applications that are latency-sensitive or poorly parallelized, this score suggests a meaningful responsiveness advantage.

Every other benchmark tells a story of near-parity with a slight lean toward the i7-9700T. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the i7-9700T scores 839 against 836, a 0.4% lead. The single-core score in the same test is a dead heat at 118 for both. Cinebench R20 shows the i7-9700T ahead by 0.3% in multi-core (3496 versus 3487) and by 0.2% in single-core (493 versus 492). Cinebench R23 repeats the pattern: multi-core 8325 versus 8303 for a 0.3% lead, and single-core 1175 versus 1172 for a 0.3% lead.

The Geekbench multi-core test shows a slightly larger gap in favor of the i7-9700T, with 5503 versus 5459, a 0.8% difference. This is the largest multi-core delta recorded, and it aligns with the i7-9700T's physical core count advantage. However, the overall pattern is one of impressive parity: the newer mobile chip's 4-core, 8-thread configuration with a higher boost clock nearly matches the older desktop chip's 8-core design across most Cinebench iterations.

Average benchmark scores place the two processors in the same percentile band. The i7-1185G7E has an average benchmark score of 2703, while the i7-9700T averages 2668. Both sit at the 50th percentile among all CPUs in the database. The i7-1185G7E's nearest rivals include the Intel Xeon E5-2640 v3 with an identical average score, the Intel Core i7-8700T at a 0.1% delta, and the Intel Core i5-1345UE at a 0.2% delta. The i7-9700T's closest competitors are the Intel Core i5-9500F at a 0.1% delta, the Intel Xeon E5-4650 v3 at a 0.1% delta, and the Intel Core i7-9750HF at a 0.2% delta.

The Verdict

The recorded data supports a clear recommendation based on workload type. For single-threaded performance, particularly as measured by Geekbench, the Intel Core i7-1185G7E is the superior option. Its 26.1% advantage in that test is substantial and indicates a processor that can handle high-frequency, single-thread tasks with greater ease. This makes it well suited for mobile systems where power efficiency (15 W TDP) and responsive single-core performance are priorities.

For multi-threaded and sustained workloads, the Intel Core i7-9700T holds a consistent, albeit small, lead. It wins all four Cinebench multi-core tests and the Geekbench multi-core test, with deltas ranging from 0.3% to 0.8%. The 8 physical cores provide a stable foundation for parallel processing, and the 35 W TDP reflects a desktop-oriented design that can sustain higher power draw. Users with rendering, video encoding, or compilation tasks may prefer this part for its steady multi-core output.

The Cinebench single-core results are nearly identical between the two, with the i7-9700T winning R20 and R23 by 0.2% to 0.3% and tying in R15. This indicates that the i7-1185G7E's single-core advantage is not universal across all benchmark suites; it is most pronounced in Geekbench's specific workload. The i7-9700T's higher base clock and additional cores likely contribute to its slight edge in the Cinebench single-core tests.

In summary, the i7-1185G7E is the pick for applications that rely on Geekbench-style single-thread performance and for users prioritizing a low-power mobile platform. The i7-9700T is the pick for multi-threaded workloads where every percentage point of parallel performance matters, and for desktop systems where its 8 cores and larger PCIe lane count are beneficial. The overall average scores are within 1.3% of each other, so the decision hinges on specific benchmark priorities rather than overall capability.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher single-core Geekbench score?

A: The Intel Core i7-1185G7E scores 1756 in Geekbench single-core, which is 26.1% higher than the Intel Core i7-9700T's score of 1392.

Q: How do the two processors compare in multi-core Cinebench R23?

A: The Intel Core i7-9700T scores 8325 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, while the Intel Core i7-1185G7E scores 8303, giving the i7-9700T a 0.3% lead.

Q: Are the single-core Cinebench R15 scores different?

A: No, both processors record a score of 118 in Cinebench R15 single-core, resulting in a tie.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two chips?

A: The Intel Core i7-1185G7E has a TDP of 15 W, while the Intel Core i7-9700T has a TDP of 35 W.

Q: Which processor has more physical cores?

A: The Intel Core i7-9700T has 8 physical cores and 8 threads, whereas the Intel Core i7-1185G7E has 4 physical cores and 8 threads.

Q: How does the integrated graphics compare?

A: The Intel Core i7-1185G7E features Iris Xe-LP Graphics G7 with 96 execution units, while the Intel Core i7-9700T features UHD Graphics 630.