Core i7-1255U Vs Core i7-1165G7 [Full Comparison 2023]

Intel’s Alder Lake CPUs packed a punch on launch with their revolutionary Hybrid Core Architecture. But how much faster are these CPUs than the previous gen’s Tiger Lake chips? Today, we’re comparing two low-power CPUs from the two generations, in the form of Core i7-1255U vs Core i7-1165G7, to get an idea.

Key Takeaways

• First off, Core i7-1255U and Core i7-1165G7 both use Intel’s 10nm node. However, the one used by the Core i7-1255U is more efficient, is called “Intel 7“, and provides 10-15% more performance-per-watt.
• Talking performance, the Core i7-1255U performs 41% faster in multi-core applications and 15.5% faster in single-core applications, on average. 
• Core i7-1165G7 laptops (especially refurbished ones) may be somewhat cheaper than Core i7-1255U laptops. Still, the Core i7-1255U provides much better value due to its better multi-core and single-core performance.

Comparison Table 

Let’s look at the specifications of the two mobile CPUs.

Core i7-1255U vs Core i7-1165G7

Among the similarities are matching L2 cache/core and total L3 cache counts, DDR4, and LPDDR4x support. They also have the same maximum operating temperature limit and the minimum configurable base power. Now, let’s look at the differences. 

Architectural Differences

• Process Nodes: Although both CPUs use the same 10nm process nodes from Intel, it should be known that the Core i7-1255U features a more improved 10nm node. These 10nm nodes are now called “Intel 7” and provide a 10-15% performance-per-watt improvement. 
• Core/Thread Counts: The Core i7-1255U features 10 cores, including 2 P-cores and 8 E-cores. In contrast, the Core i7-1255G7 has 4 full-power cores. As for thread counts, the Core i7-1255U takes another win with 12 threads over the 8 of the Core i7-1265G7.
• Clock Speeds: Talking base clock speeds, the Core i7-1165G7 is configurable between 1.2GHz and 2.8GHz. This configuration depends on the laptop’s cooling design. As for the Core i7-1255U, there is a fixed base frequency of 1.7GHz (P cores) and 1.2GHz (E cores). 
  As for boost clocks, the Core i7-1165G7 can be pushed up to 4.7GHz, the same as the P core boost frequency of the Core i7-1255U. Lastly, the i7-1255U’s E cores can be boosted to 3.5GHz. 
• Memory: The difference in memory support between the two chips is that the Core i7-1255U extends support to DDR5 memory. The DDR5 support is up to 4800 MT/s, while the LPPDR5 support is up to 5200 MT/s. Learn about the differences between DDR4 and DDR5 memory in our guide. 
• Cache: The Core i7-1255U has a lower L1 cache/core capacity (80KB vs 96KB). And while the L2 cache/core amount is the same, the Core i7-1255U has more cores so it ultimately has more total L1 AND L2 cache than the Tiger Lake CPU.
• TDP: As for thermal design power, the ultra power-efficient i7-1255U has a base TDP configurable between 12 watts and 15 watts. Meanwhile, the Core i7-1165G7 can be configured at up to 28 watts of base power at 2.8GHz. Also, the Core i7 1255U has a boost TDP rating of 55 watts, while the Core i7-1165G7 does not have such a rating.Read: 

Performance: Core i7-1255U Vs Core i7-1165G7

Let’s see how the two laptop CPUs compare in performance. We’ll compare their single-core and multi-core scores in three applications to see which CPU is better. 

Cinebench R23

• In Cinebench R23, the Core i7-1255U started with 8256 multi-core points. In contrast, the Core i7-1165G7 only scored 6066 points, a 36.1% difference.
• Moving on to the single-core results, the Core i7-1255U scored 1652, while the Tiger Lake Core i7 scored 1491 points — a comparatively smaller difference of 8.9%.

Geekbench 5

• In Geekbench 5, the Intel Core i7-1255U blew the Core i7-1165G7 out of the water with 7317 points. In reply, the Core i7-1165G7 scored 4343 points which makes it 68.4% slower. 
• As for the single-core scores, the Core i7-1255U scored 1631 points, while the Core i7-1165G7 scored 1426 points. Here, the difference is 14.3%.

Passmark

• Lastly, in Passmark, the Core i7-1255U continued to show impressive multi-core performance with 13808 points. The Core i7-1165G7 scored 10429 points, trailing by 32.4% this time. 
• The single-core results saw the Core i7-1255U scoring 3356 points over 2833 points of the Core i7-1165G7. Resultantly, the Core i7-1255U proved 18.4% faster this time. 

Overall Performance

I’ve averaged out the scores across all three applications to get a more accurate overall multi-core and single-core performance result.

• Multi-core Performance: The Core i7-1255U scored 9793 points on average, while the Core i7-1165G7 scored 6946 points. Thus, the Core i7-1255U is about 41% faster than the Core i7-1165G7 in multi-core performance. 
• Single-core Performance: There’s a comparatively smaller difference in single-core scores. The Alder Lake Core i7-1255U scored 2213 points over the 1916 points of the Core i7-1165G7, making it 15.5% faster. 

Learn: How To Benchmark Gaming PC

Prices 

Let’s talk laptop prices regarding the Core i7-1255U vs Core i7-1165G7 comparison. The prices are applicable as of July 2023.

• Core i7-1255U: Laptops using this Intel mobile chip start at about $419, while most options lie in the $619-1100 range. The prices do shoot up to $2068 for the most premium options. 
• Core i7-1165G7: As for the Core i7-1165G7, the laptops start at about $439. Most popular laptops cost between $519 and $1139. The prices go up to $4799 for the enthusiast Core i7-1165G7 laptops. 

Value

The Core i7-1255U was unarguably superior in both multi-core and single-core applications. At the same time, the price range for Core i7-1255U laptops is comparable to Core i7-1165G7. In fact, Core i7-1255U laptops start at $419, which is cheaper than the $439 mark of Core i7-1165G7. So, the Core i7-1255U takes the crown in terms of price-to-performance ratio.

Final Thoughts: Core i7-1165G7 Vs Core i7-1255U

This marks the end of this conclusion. The performance improvements provided by Alder Lake were evident as the Core i7-1255U performed much better, even though it uses the same 10nm node. The credit goes to these Alder Lake CPUs’ impressive Hybrid Core design that mixes full-power cores with smaller, low-power efficiency cores. 

Now, the laptop you choose comes down to the prices you find. Remember that the Core i7-1255U performs a whopping 41% better in multi-core performance and 15.5% faster in single-core applications.

Normally, this would mean that the Core i7-1255U would be the better option in most scenarios. However, it may be the better option if you find a Core i7-1165G7 laptop (perhaps a used or refurbished one) for much cheaper than a Core i7-1255U system with similar specifications.

Also Check: How Long Do Laptops Last? 

Pros And Cons