Intel Core i7-1185G7 socket: BGA 1449
The Intel Core i7-1185G7 uses the BGA 1449 package, a grid array that solders to the board. It is a 4-core Tiger Lake-U vPro processor at 28 W, and the soldered chip cannot be replaced.
- Socket
- BGA 1449
- Launched
- September 2020
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 28 W
- Codename
- Tiger Lake-U
- Segment
- Mobile (soldered)
- Family
- Intel Core i7
- Clocks
- 3.0 / 4.8 GHz
Intel Core i7-1185G7 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Willow Cove (Tiger Lake-U) |
| Clocks | 3.0 GHz base at 28 W, up to 4.8 GHz turbo |
| Cache | 12 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 28 W (12 to 28 W configurable) |
| Manufacturing process | 10 nm SuperFin |
| Memory support | DDR4 up to 3200 MT/s or LPDDR4x up to 4267 MT/s, two channels, up to 64 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe Gen4 from the CPU plus Thunderbolt 4 through the board |
| Integrated graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics (96 execution units, up to 1.35 GHz) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FCBGA1449 soldered, 45.5 × 25 mm |
| Cooler in the box | None (laptop cooling) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Core i7-1185G7 needs a motherboard with a BGA 1449 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the BGA 1449 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
BGA 1449 at a glance
| Type | BGA, 1,449 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | 45.5 × 25 mm |
| Introduced | January 2021 |
| Memory | DDR4 up to 3200 MT/s or LPDDR4x up to 4267 MT/s, two channels, up to 64 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | Not applicable (soldered) |
What the Core i7-1185G7 is
The Core i7-1185G7 is a 4-core mobile processor that Intel launched in September 2020 for thin business laptops in the UP3 range. Its Willow Cove cores run a 3.0 GHz base at 28 W to 4.8 GHz turbo with Hyper-Threading for 8 threads. Cache is 12 MB of Intel Smart Cache.
The chip led the thin i7 range at launch with the highest single thread boost among UP3 parts. The 10 nm SuperFin process pushes one core to 4.8 GHz for responsive launches with 4.3 GHz all-core holds. Configurable power from 12 W to 28 W lets makers tune the same die, but the 28 W setting shows its full pace with vPro manageability.
Intel Iris Xe Graphics handle display output, with 96 execution units at up to 1.35 GHz. The multiplier is locked. The package is FCBGA1449 soldered at 45.5 × 25 mm.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 1185G7 fits BGA 1449 only. The chip solders to the laptop board, so there is no socket retention and no later processor upgrade. Board support is fixed to the UP3 platform with DDR4 or LPDDR4x memory.
Because the package is soldered, buyers compare complete business laptops rather than separate parts. A buyer who needs a lower power thin design steps to the Intel Core i7-1165G7 at the same 28 W with slightly lower clocks. A buyer who needs embedded ECC takes the Intel Core i7-1185GRE twin with matching graphics.
The How to find your CPU socket type guide explains how to confirm a soldered package from the system specifications. For service, a failed processor means a board replacement through the laptop maker.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
The memory controller supports DDR4 up to 3200 MT/s or LPDDR4x up to 4267 MT/s across two channels to 64 GB. Business designs often use dual channel memory for Iris Xe graphics speed with vPro manageability. There is no DDR5 path on Tiger Lake-U.
The processor exposes PCIe Gen4 from the CPU plus Thunderbolt 4 through the board for storage and docks. Business laptops lean on Thunderbolt for desk setups where internal lanes stay few. Cooler mounting uses no desktop pattern. Cooling follows the laptop thermal design with dual heat pipes sized for 28 W.
vPro manageability joins the CPU for fleet use. Remote management and stable firmware matter more than headline turbo in this segment, so vendors lock validated BIOS versions for years. Four cores with eight threads cover office multitasking with headroom.
Upgrade paths
On the same BGA1449 footprint there is no CPU upgrade path, since the chip is soldered. Owners who need H35 power move to a larger H35 laptop rather than a chip swap. Memory is often soldered, which closes that path as well.
Within i7 UP3, the step down is the Intel Core i7-1165G7 for slightly lower clocks at the same 28 W. Both share 4 cores, 8 threads and Iris Xe graphics, so the choice is boost ceiling rather than platform.
Moving past UP3 entirely means a new laptop on a later platform. For buyers choosing in 2020, the 1185G7 suited 28 W business flagships with vPro, while i5 parts asked less power. The two share Willow Cove and 10 nm SuperFin on the same package family.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Core i7-1185G7 use?
It uses BGA 1449, a soldered grid array with 1449 balls. The chip cannot be removed or replaced.
What memory does the Core i7-1185G7 support?
DDR4 up to 3200 MT/s or LPDDR4x up to 4267 MT/s in two channels to 64 GB. Dual channel memory matters for Iris Xe graphics speed.
Can the Core i7-1185G7 be overclocked?
No. The multiplier is locked, and laptop firmware does not expose desktop overclocking controls. The 28 W setting holds 3.0 GHz base with dual heat pipes.
How does the 1185G7 differ from the 1165G7?
The 1185G7 runs 3.0 GHz base with 4.8 GHz turbo, while the Intel Core i7-1165G7 runs 2.8 GHz base with 4.7 GHz turbo. Both share 4 cores, 8 threads and Iris Xe graphics.
Sources and verification
- Tiger Lake UP3 1185G7 vPro (Wikipedia)
- Intel Core i3-1115G4 specifications - UP3 platform reference (Intel ARK)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .