Intel Core i7-1185GRE

Intel Core i7-1185GRE is a 4-core, 8-thread Tiger Lake-U mobile processor built on Intel's 10 nm process, with a base clock of 1800 MHz and a boost clock of 4.40 GHz. The data places this chip at the 49th percentile of all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 2181, positioning it squarely in the mid-range of the mobile processor landscape. Its performance profile, as revealed by benchmark scores, shows a substantial gap between its multi-core and single-core capabilities, which is a defining characteristic for understanding its workload suitability.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark results for the Core i7-1185GRE reveal a processor that is far more capable in single-threaded tasks than multi-threaded ones. In Cinebench R23, the CPU scores 939 points in single-core and 6652 points in multi-core. The multi-core score is roughly 7.1 times the single-core score, which is lower than the theoretical 8x maximum for an 8-thread part, indicating some thermal or power constraints on sustained multi-core loads. For context in the Cinebench R20 suite, the scores are 394 single-core and 2793 multi-core, while in R15, the scores drop to 94 single-core and 670 multi-core, showing a consistent scaling pattern across the R15, R20, and R23 generations of the test.

Geekbench results echo this trend, with a single-core score of 1848 and a multi-core score of 4060. Notably, the multi-core score is only about 2.2 times the single-core score, which is significantly lower than the 8x implied by thread count. This suggests that the 15-watt TDP envelope heavily limits how much performance can be extracted when all cores are active, a common trait for ultra-low-power mobile chips. The average benchmark score of 2181 places it just 0.2% ahead of the Intel Core i5-9500T, which scores 2177, and 0.3% ahead of both the Intel Core i5-1038NG7 and Intel Core i3-1315UE, which each score 2175.

The delta to its nearest rivals is remarkably small, under 0.5%, meaning that for most users, the difference would be imperceptible in real-world usage. The data shows that the i7-1185GRE is effectively a statistical tie with its immediate competitors in overall average score, despite potentially different core counts or architectures. The single-core advantage is more pronounced, as the 4.40 GHz boost clock drives strong performance, but the multi-core results suffer from the low 15W TDP, which caps sustained all-core clocks.

Platform and Compatibility

The Intel Core i7-1185GRE uses the Intel BGA 1449 socket, which means it is soldered to the motherboard and not upgradeable by the end user. This is a critical platform consideration, as it dictates that the entire system must be replaced for a CPU upgrade. The processor is built on the Tiger Lake-U architecture, a successor to Ice Lake, and is part of the Core i7 (Willow Cove-U) generation. The process node is Intel's 10 nm technology, with a die size of 144 mm², indicating a relatively compact chip designed for efficiency in thin-and-light laptops.

Memory support includes DDR4 and LPDDR4X, with a dual-channel memory bus. The inclusion of ECC memory support is notable, as it is not always available on consumer mobile parts, suggesting a potential target market in entry-level workstations or embedded systems where data integrity is paramount. For PCIe, the CPU provides Gen 4 with 4 lanes from the CPU, which is sufficient for a single high-speed NVMe SSD or a dedicated GPU, though the lane count is limited compared to desktop parts. The integrated graphics are Iris Xe-LP Graphics G7 with 96 execution units, which is a high-end integrated solution for its era, offering substantial graphical capability for a 15W processor.

The production status is listed as "Active," and the release date was September 2020. The launch MSRP is $490. The processor has a locked multiplier, so overclocking is not supported. For upgrade path, the BGA 1449 socket is a dead-end, as newer generations would require a new motherboard, making this a platform for the lifetime of the laptop it is embedded in, not a modular component.

Power and Thermals

The TDP of this processor is listed as 15 watts, which categorizes it as an ultra-low-power part designed for fanless or lightly-cooled systems. The base clock of 1800 MHz is low, likely to conserve power and heat, while the 4.40 GHz boost clock is only sustainable for short bursts on a single core. The benchmark data supports this: the multi-core scores in Cinebench R23 (6652) are far lower than what would be expected if all cores could sustain their boost clocks, indicating that the processor quickly hits thermal or power limits in multi-threaded workloads.

A 15W TDP implies that a capable air cooler, such as a small heat pipe assembly with a low-profile fan, is sufficient for thermal management. The data does not specify a cooler requirement, but the power class suggests that laptop manufacturers can use slim cooling solutions. The gap between single-core and multi-core performance, as seen in Geekbench (1848 vs 4060), is a direct consequence of this power budget. The processor can boost one core to near 4.40 GHz for a short time, but when all cores are active, the power delivery must be shared, forcing clocks down substantially. For sustained workloads, the thermal solution must be able to dissipate the heat generated at the lower all-core clock speed, which is manageable given the 15W envelope. The ECC memory support also adds a slight power overhead, but the overall package remains within a low-power class.

FAQ

Q: What is the average benchmark score of the Intel Core i7-1185GRE?

A: The average benchmark score is 2181, which places it at the 49th percentile of all CPUs.

Q: How does the Core i7-1185GRE compare to the Intel Core i5-9500T in average score?

A: It is 0.2% ahead, with scores of 2181 and 2177, respectively.

Q: What is the single-core and multi-core performance in Cinebench R23?

A: The single-core score is 939, and the multi-core score is 6652.

Q: Does the processor support ECC memory?

A: Yes, ECC memory is listed as supported.

Q: What is the socket type and is it upgradeable?

A: It uses Intel BGA 1449, which is a soldered socket, so it is not upgradeable.

Q: What is the launch MSRP of this processor?

A: The launch MSRP is $490.

How It Compares

The Intel Core i7-1185GRE is statistically tied with the Intel Core i5-9500T, with a delta of just 0.2% in favor of the i7. The i5-9500T is a desktop part with a higher TDP, but the mobile i7 matches it in average score, which is impressive given the power constraints, though the i7's single-core boost is likely higher.

Against the Intel Core i5-1038NG7, the i7-1185GRE is 0.3% ahead. Both are mobile parts, but the i5-1038NG7 is a lower-tier Ice Lake chip, so the i7's slight edge in average score shows the benefit of the Tiger Lake architecture and higher boost clock, even if the multi-core results are similar.

The comparison to the Intel Core i3-1315UE yields a 0.3% advantage for the i7-1185GRE. The i3-1315UE is a newer Alder Lake-based part with a different core configuration, but the data shows they perform equivalently on average, suggesting that the older i7's higher clock speed compensates for the newer architecture's efficiency gains.

Finally, the AMD Ryzen 5 3400GE is also 0.3% behind the i7-1185GRE. The Ryzen 5 3400GE is a desktop APU with an older Zen+ architecture, yet it matches the mobile i7 in average score. This indicates that the i7's strength lies in transient single-thread burst performance rather than sustained throughput, as the Ryzen part likely has a higher sustained all-core clock.

Who Should Consider It

The benchmark data suggests that the Core i7-1185GRE is best suited for workloads that are lightly threaded and require fast response times. Given the single-core score of 939 in Cinebench R23 and 1848 in Geekbench, it is well-suited for everyday office productivity, web browsing, and document editing, where single-thread performance is paramount. For gaming, the integrated Iris Xe-LP Graphics G7 with 96 EU provides a capable foundation for esports and older titles, but the low TDP and limited multi-core performance mean it will not handle modern AAA games at high settings. The multi-core score of 6652 in Cinebench R23 is adequate for light content creation, such as photo editing in applications that leverage a few cores, but it will struggle with heavy video rendering or 3D modeling that scales across many threads. This is not a processor for professional creators who rely on sustained all-core performance; instead, it targets mobile users who need strong burst performance and low power draw for extended battery life.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The most striking aspect of the i7-1185GRE's data is the divergence between its single-thread and multi-thread performance. The single-core score in Cinebench R23 (939) is within striking distance of much higher-tier desktop parts, thanks to the 4.40 GHz boost clock. This makes it excellent for tasks like opening applications, loading web pages, and running spreadsheet calculations, which are largely serial in nature. Conversely, the multi-core score (6652) is only about 7.1 times the single-core score, and the Geekbench ratio is just 2.2x, which is far below the thread count ratio. This indicates that the processor cannot sustain high clocks across all cores due to the 15W TDP. Real-world implications are clear: video encoding, batch photo processing, and software compilation will be significantly slower than single-threaded tasks. The data implies a processor that is responsive and snappy for interactive use but quickly throttles under sustained heavy loads. This behavior is typical for ultra-portable laptops, where thermal and power budgets are prioritized over raw multi-threaded throughput. The 49th percentile ranking overall reflects this compromise, as it is neither a low-end part nor a high-performance multi-core monster.