Intel Core i5-1145G7

Intel Core i5-1145G7 is a 4-core, 8-thread mobile processor built on Intel’s 10 nm Tiger Lake-U architecture. With a base clock of 2.60 GHz and a boost clock of 4.40 GHz, this chip targets thin-and-light laptops, balancing compute throughput with a 28 W TDP class. The benchmark data places its average score at 12305, which lands it in the 72nd percentile of all CPUs tracked, indicating a solid mid-tier position for its mobile segment.

Benchmark Performance

The Core i5-1145G7 delivers a multi-threaded Cinebench R23 score of 8024, which is a strong result for a 4-core part. Its single-core R23 score of 1132 reflects the high boost clock, and the gap between multi and single-core scores (roughly 7x) is expected given the thread count. In Cinebench R20, the multicore score of 3370 and single-core score of 475 follow the same pattern, with the single-core result demonstrating the efficiency of the Willow Cove cores at 4.40 GHz. The older R15 test shows a multicore score of 808 and a single-core score of 114, consistent with the scaling seen in newer benchmarks.

PassMark results further characterize the chip’s strengths. The integer math score of 32087 and floating point math score of 19233 indicate balanced arithmetic performance, while the extended instructions score of 7235 suggests decent SIMD throughput. The data compression score of 103172 is notably high, and the data encryption score of 5406 shows competitive cryptographic work. Multithreaded PassMark score of 9452 aligns with the Cinebench multicore results, and the single-thread score of 2713 confirms the boost clock advantage. The physics score of 568 and find prime numbers score of 33 are lower, typical for a mobile processor with limited sustained power.

Relative to its nearest rivals, the i5-1145G7 is closely matched. It sits 0.1% above the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X in average benchmark score (12305 vs 12298), a negligible margin that underscores how far a 4-core mobile chip has come against a 64-core desktop monster in aggregate workloads. It is 0.6% ahead of the Intel Core i7-6700K (12235), a desktop flagship from a previous generation, showing the architectural efficiency of Tiger Lake. Against the AMD EPYC 9174F, the i5-1145G7 is 1.8% behind (12305 vs 12536), and it leads the Intel Core i7-6700 by 2.1% (12057). These deltas are all within a few percentage points, meaning the i5-1145G7 delivers desktop-class average performance despite its mobile pedigree.

Power and Thermals

The processor carries a TDP of 28 W, which classifies it in the upper tier of ultraportable chips. This TDP level requires a capable cooling solution — a thin-and-light laptop with a dual-heat-pipe cooler or a small fan can handle it, but passive designs would struggle under sustained load. The 28 W envelope allows for boost clocks up to 4.40 GHz, but the 4-core design means power density is manageable. Data shows that the chip sustains competitive multi-threaded scores (8024 in R23) without exceeding this TDP, implying efficient power scaling. The 10 nm process node from Intel contributes to this efficiency, though the 144 mm² die size is relatively large for a mobile part, suggesting the integrated Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EU takes significant die area. For thermals, the 28 W class typically requires active cooling in laptops; the benchmark results (e.g., PassMark multithread 9452) indicate that sustained performance is achievable, but users should expect fan noise under heavy loads. No thermal throttling data is available, but the consistency across Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 scores suggests the chip holds its boost behavior well within the TDP budget.

How It Compares

vs AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X: The i5-1145G7 edges out the Threadripper 3990X by 0.1% in average benchmark score (12305 vs 12298). This is remarkable given the Threadripper has vastly more cores, but the i5’s high single-thread performance (2713 PassMark single-thread) compensates in aggregate scoring. The delta is statistically insignificant, meaning for typical mixed workloads, the mobile chip can match a 64-core desktop part on average, though absolute multi-threaded tasks would favor the Threadripper heavily.

vs Intel Core i7-6700K: The i5-1145G7 is 0.6% ahead of the i7-6700K (12235). The i7-6700K is a desktop quad-core from 2015 with higher base clocks, but the i5’s newer architecture and higher boost (4.40 GHz vs the i7’s 4.2 GHz) offset the older chip’s advantages. In single-threaded workloads, the i5’s 1132 R23 score versus the i7’s older core design shows clear IPC gains. The i5 also benefits from faster memory support (LPDDR4X) and PCIe Gen 4, making it a more modern platform overall.

vs AMD EPYC 9174F: The i5-1145G7 trails the EPYC 9174F by 1.8% (12305 vs 12536). The EPYC is a server part with high per-core performance, but the i5’s mobile efficiency keeps the gap small. In single-threaded tests, the i5’s 2713 PassMark score is competitive, but the EPYC’s higher memory bandwidth (not listed) and cache hierarchy likely give it an edge in server-style workloads. The delta is modest, meaning the i5 can handle many productivity tasks at near-server levels.

vs Intel Core i7-6700: The i5-1145G7 leads the i7-6700 by 2.1% (12305 vs 12057). The i7-6700 is a lower-clocked desktop part than the 6700K, and the i5’s superior IPC and boost clock (4.40 GHz vs 4.0 GHz) make the difference. The i5 also has a newer integrated GPU (Iris Xe Graphics G7 80EU) versus the i7’s older HD Graphics, giving it an edge in light graphics tasks. The 2.1% delta is the largest among the rivals, but still within a narrow band.

Platform and Compatibility

The i5-1145G7 uses the Intel BGA 1449 socket, which is a soldered mobile platform — it is not upgradeable post-purchase. The chip is part of the Tiger Lake-U family, built on the Willow Cove-U core architecture from the “Core i5” generation. Memory support includes DDR4 and LPDDR4X, with a dual-channel memory bus; no memory bandwidth figure is provided, but the dual-channel configuration is standard for this class. ECC memory is not supported. The processor provides PCIe Gen 4 with 4 lanes from the CPU only, which is sufficient for a single discrete GPU or fast NVMe storage, though the lane count is limited compared to desktop parts. Integrated graphics are Iris Xe Graphics G7 with 80 execution units, which is a capable iGPU for light gaming and media tasks. The production status is end-of-life, with a release date of September 2020. The launch MSRP is $309. The multiplier is locked, so no overclocking is possible. Upgrade path is constrained by the BGA socket — users must replace the entire motherboard or laptop to move to a newer CPU. The platform supports the Tiger Lake architecture, which is one generation behind newer Intel mobile chips, but it remains viable for everyday computing.

FAQ

Q: How does the Core i5-1145G7 perform in multi-threaded workloads?

A: It scores 8024 in Cinebench R23 multicore and 3370 in Cinebench R20 multicore, with a PassMark multithread score of 9452. These results place it 0.1% above the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X in average benchmark score, despite having only 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: What is the single-core performance like?

A: The single-core Cinebench R23 score is 1132, R20 is 475, and R15 is 114. PassMark single-thread score is 2713. This is driven by the 4.40 GHz boost clock and shows a 0.6% lead over the Intel Core i7-6700K in average score.

Q: Is the processor overclockable?

A: No, the multiplier is locked. The base clock is 2.60 GHz and boost is 4.40 GHz, but users cannot adjust the multiplier beyond factory settings.

Q: What memory types does it support?

A: It supports DDR4 and LPDDR4X memory in a dual-channel configuration. ECC memory is not supported.

Q: What is the TDP and what cooling does it need?

A: The TDP is 28 W, which requires active cooling in a laptop — a small fan or heat pipe solution is typical. The chip is not suited for passively cooled designs under sustained load.

Q: What is the PCIe capability?

A: It provides PCIe Gen 4 with 4 lanes from the CPU only. This supports a single fast SSD or discrete GPU, but the lane count is limited compared to desktop platforms.

Q: Is the integrated graphics sufficient for everyday use?

A: The Iris Xe Graphics G7 with 80 execution units is a capable iGPU for standard tasks like video playback and light productivity. It is not a gaming powerhouse, but it handles media well.