Quick Verdict
A highly capable embedded processor offering an excellent balance of single-thread performance and power efficiency, though its limited PCIe lanes may restrict expansion capabilities in complex edge servers.
Overview
Launch
2020
Status
ActiveGeneration
11th Gen (Embedded)
Market
Mobile
The Intel Core i5-1145G7E is a specialized 11th Generation Tiger Lake-U processor tailored for embedded and edge computing applications. Released in late 2020, this quad-core, eight-thread CPU leverages Intel's 10nm SuperFin process and Willow Cove architecture to deliver a balance of performance and power efficiency. Operating at a base frequency of 1.5 GHz with the ability to boost up to 4.1 GHz, it is designed to handle intermittent compute spikes common in industrial environments. The 'E' suffix denotes its extended lifecycle support, ensuring availability for long-term deployments. With a configurable TDP ranging from 12W to 28W, system designers have the flexibility to optimize for either fanless low-power operation or higher sustained performance. It also features Iris Xe Graphics with 80 Execution Units, providing capable graphical and parallel processing power for edge inference, digital signage, and IoT workloads. This makes it a versatile choice for modern embedded systems requiring robust x86 compatibility.
Designed specifically for the embedded market, the i5-1145G7E provides 4 cores and 8 threads based on Intel's Willow Cove architecture. It operates at a 28W default TDP but can scale down to 12W, making it ideal for ruggedized fanless systems. With 8MB of L3 cache and boost clocks reaching 4.
1 GHz, it delivers responsive performance for industrial control, IoT gateways, and edge AI inference. The integrated Iris Xe Graphics G7 with 80 EUs handles multimedia decoding and light parallel processing tasks efficiently.
Specifications
Performance
Strong single-core performance ensures snappy response times in embedded applications and control software.
Capable of running lightweight virtual machines for edge consolidation, though limited to 4 cores.
Not intended for gaming, though integrated Iris Xe can handle legacy or lightweight titles at low settings.
Excellent performance-per-watt, especially when configured at the 12W configurable TDP limit.
- •Integrated graphics are sufficient for UI rendering but not 3D gaming
- •Not targeted at consumer gaming markets
- •Lacks PCIe lanes for external GPU expansion
- •Includes Intel GNA 2.0 for low-power AI inference
- •DL Boost accelerates INT8 operations
- •Suitable for edge vision and audio processing
Architecture
10nm
Process Node
Tiger Lake-U
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
8 MB
L3 Cache
28 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
Tiger Lake-U's Willow Cove architecture represents a significant refinement over the previous Ice Lake Sunny Cove design, primarily through enhanced transistor design and cache hierarchy. Built on Intel's 10nm SuperFin process, it introduces a new transistor stacking technique that dramatically improves power delivery and reduces resistance, enabling higher frequencies at lower voltages. The i5-1145G7E features 4 cores and 8 threads, supported by a generous 8 MB of L3 cache and 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core. A key architectural inclusion is the integration of Intel's Gaussian Neural Accelerator (GNA) 2.0, offloading low-power AI inference tasks from the CPU and GPU. Furthermore, the on-package Iris Xe Graphics with 80 Execution Units offer massive improvements over prior generations, supporting modern APIs and AV1 hardware decode. The architecture also introduces PCIe 4.0 support, though limited to 4 lanes on this specific embedded variant, enabling high-speed NVMe storage and specialized edge accelerator cards.
CPU Design
4 cores with Hyper-Threading, Willow Cove microarchitecture.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR4-3200 and LPDDR4X-4267 controller integrated.
PCIe & I/O
4 PCIe 4.0 lanes directly from the CPU.
Overclocking
Multiplier locked, but TDP and power limits are configurable.
- Transition from 14nm to 10nm SuperFin process
- Massive IPC uplift from Sunny Cove to Willow Cove
- Inclusion of Iris Xe Graphics replacing UHD Graphics
- Native PCIe 4.0 support
Key Highlights
- 10nm SuperFin process offers excellent efficiency
- Extended lifecycle availability for industrial deployments
- Configurable TDP provides thermal flexibility
- Strong single-thread performance via Willow Cove architecture
- Integrated Iris Xe graphics with 80 EUs
- Limited to only 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes
- Does not support ECC memory
- Locked multiplier prevents core overclocking
- High cost compared to consumer mobile counterparts
- BGA package means it cannot be user-upgraded
History
The Core i5-1145G7E launched during a critical transitional period for Intel in late 2020. Following the delayed and limited rollout of the 10nm Ice Lake family, Intel needed a product to prove their advanced node was viable for mass production. Tiger Lake was that product, debuting the 10nm SuperFin process and Willow Cove cores.
While the standard 1145G7 targeted premium consumer ultrabooks, Intel recognized the growing demand for high-performance, low-power compute in the embedded sector. The 1145G7E was introduced alongside the 11th Gen Core desktop family to serve this industrial market. It brought consumer-class IPC improvements and advanced media engines to network edge appliances, ruggedized tablets, and retail kiosks.
This launch solidified Intel's strategy to segment their mobile silicon beyond consumer laptops, ensuring long-term availability (typically 7-15 years) for industrial designs, a stark contrast to the rapid 1-2 year lifecycle of consumer mobile chips.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Transition from 14nm to 10nm SuperFin process
- Massive IPC uplift from Sunny Cove to Willow Cove
- Inclusion of Iris Xe Graphics replacing UHD Graphics
- Native PCIe 4.0 support
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Designing a long-life embedded system requiring x86 compatibility and low power consumption.
Avoid if…
- Building a consumer desktop or laptop
- You need high-end gaming capabilities
- Your application requires more than 4 PCIe lanes for expansion
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
The 'E' suffix specifically denotes Intel's embedded product line, guaranteeing long-term supply.
Despite being a mobile chip, it uses a BGA 1449 socket designed for soldering onto motherboards.
It integrates Intel's GNA 2.0, a dedicated hardware block for noise suppression and speech recognition.
The die size is exactly 144 mm², relatively compact for a 10nm part.
It supports AVX-512 instructions, which is rare for low-power mobile chips.
The chip can dynamically scale its power limits via PL1 and PL2 settings.
It was launched alongside standard Tiger Lake mobile processors but at a significant price premium.
Iris Xe graphics on this chip can drive up to four simultaneous 4K displays.
It features Intel Deep Learning Boost (DL Boost) for accelerated INT8 AI workloads.
The maximum junction temperature is 100°C, allowing for deployment in hot industrial environments.
People Also Ask
What does the E mean in i5-1145G7E?
The 'E' stands for Embedded, indicating the processor is designed for long-life industrial applications with extended availability.
Does the i5-1145G7E support ECC memory?
No, the i5-1145G7E does not support ECC memory. You need the i5-1145GRE variant for ECC support.
Can the Intel Core i5-1145G7E be used in a laptop?
While technically a mobile chip, it is intended for embedded systems. It lacks the standard consumer laptop optimizations and is more expensive.
What is the TDP of the i5-1145G7E?
The default TDP is 28W, but it is configurable down to 12W for low-power fanless designs.
How many PCIe lanes does the i5-1145G7E have?
It features 4 PCIe 4.0 lanes directly from the CPU, which is quite limited for expansion.
What graphics are integrated into the i5-1145G7E?
It features Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 with 80 Execution Units.
Is the i5-1145G7E good for gaming?
No, it is not designed for gaming. Its limited PCIe lanes and embedded focus make it unsuitable for modern gaming setups.
What socket does the i5-1145G7E use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1449 socket, meaning it is soldered directly to the motherboard.
What process node is the i5-1145G7E built on?
It is built on Intel's 10nm SuperFin manufacturing process.
Does the i5-1145G7E support AVX-512?
Yes, it supports AVX-512 instructions, which is beneficial for specialized compute and AI workloads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between i5-1145G7 and i5-1145G7E?
The i5-1145G7 is a standard consumer mobile chip, while the i5-1145G7E is an embedded version with extended lifecycle support, different default TDP (28W vs 15W), and a higher launch price.
Can I overclock the i5-1145G7E?
No, the processor has a locked multiplier and cannot be overclocked via CPU ratio.
What is the maximum turbo frequency of the i5-1145G7E?
The maximum turbo frequency is 4.1 GHz on a single core.
Does the i5-1145G7E have vPro support?
Yes, it includes Intel vPro technology for remote management and security in enterprise environments.
What memory types are supported by the i5-1145G7E?
It supports dual-channel DDR4-3200 and LPDDR4X-4267 memory.
What is the die size of the i5-1145G7E?
The physical die size is 144 mm².
Is the i5-1145G7E still in production?
Yes, as an embedded processor, it remains in active production to support long-lifecycle industrial projects.
What is the PL2 power limit of the i5-1145G7E?
The Power Limit 2 (PL2) for short-term turbo boost is 52W.
Does the i5-1145G7E support Intel Deep Learning Boost?
Yes, it features DL Boost to accelerate AI inference workloads.
What is the maximum operating temperature for the i5-1145G7E?
The maximum junction temperature (Tj Max) is 100°C.