Intel i5 1135G7 - dual channel RAM to activate Iris XE graphics, otherwise UHD

Kurt2022 · 24 Mar 2022 at 12:57

Hi all,

I recently bought a new ASUS laptop with an Intel i5 1135G7 processor, but it only came with 1 x 8GB RAM, and in order to utilise Iris XE graphics, I have learned that dual channel RAM is required.

I don't play games and am aiming to use this laptop as a basic business machine, for general office tasks and video conferencing, etc.

So before upgrading to 16GB RAM by buying another DDR4-3200 SODIMM 8GB of RAM, is it worth it in my case, and would I see any 'real world' benefits by doing so, if I am not using it for gaming, or would it be an 'unnecessary upgrade' in my case?

Thanks and all the best,
Kurt

robinbanks · 24 Mar 2022 at 13:20

For office use you won't see a worthwhile boost unless you need the extra ram.

Armageus · 24 Mar 2022 at 13:32

Regardless of whether you have single or dual channel memory installed, it's still an Iris XE graphics part.

It's purely a branding exercise, in that Intel don't want single channel benchmark (i.e. slower) results being connected to the Iris XE Graphics name,

If you click the ? Next to processor graphics on Intel's ARK website you get that explanation
https://ark.intel.com/content/www/u...1135g7-processor-8m-cache-up-to-4-20-ghz.html

Intel ARK said:
"Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics only: to use the Intel® Iris® Xe brand, the system must be populated with 128-bit (dual channel) memory. Otherwise, use the Intel® UHD brand."

Kurt2022 · 24 Mar 2022 at 22:42

@robinbanks - thanks, and in which circumstances would I notice the difference? i.e. only in gaming and intensive video editing? Thanks

@Armageus - thanks, but the performance of the graphics is hampered without dual channel RAM, that's why I was asking whether I would see any difference for video conferencing, e.g. at 1080p with multiple people at the same time, and possibly with an artificial background but no real green screen - Do you think that would still be okay with single channel 8GB RAM? Thanks

robinbanks · 24 Mar 2022 at 23:33

As you listed for most people.

I would think you will be fine for 1080p video calls it's not that demanding.

Kurt2022 · 25 Mar 2022 at 16:53

@robinbanks - thanks, and even with an artificial background and multiple participants in a video call, would it still run smoothly on single channel 8GB RAM? 'Just to confirm, thanks

robinbanks · 26 Mar 2022 at 09:55

If your that concerned stop being a cheapskate and just order another stick. It's only £25-£35 for another 8GB

Kurt2022 · 26 Mar 2022 at 13:43

@robinbanks - if you don't know the answer, there's no need to be rude about it.

robinbanks · 26 Mar 2022 at 13:58

Kurt2022 said:
@robinbanks - if you don't know the answer, there's no need to be rude about it.

I'm sorry kurt but I'm not sure what answer you are looking for. You have asked the question three times and when I've finally joked about buying the ram because you still seem concerned you've taken it the wrong way.

Kurt2022 · 30 Mar 2022 at 16:09

@robinbanks - no I was merely (and politely) asking for confirmation that a single channel of 8GB RAM would be able to run a conference call with multiple participants and an artificial background. You said you didn't know that this was possible, and instead decided to insult me.

robinbanks · 31 Mar 2022 at 13:24

Kurt2022 said:
@robinbanks - no I was merely (and politely) asking for confirmation that a single channel of 8GB RAM would be able to run a conference call with multiple participants and an artificial background. You said you didn't know that this was possible, and instead decided to insult me.

If you are outputting 1080p the CPU will be fine.

It was a very light hearted joke that you seem to have blown up.

I'll repeat my self again, if you are that concerned just spend the £25 on another stick of 8GB ram as you will see a nice performance boost you can also gain a nice boost by adjusting the TDP if required.

Kurt2022 · 31 Mar 2022 at 19:54

@robinbanks - thanks for the reply, but having researched extra RAM, the performance increase if not playing games would likely be minimal, e.g. around 5% faster if multi-tasking.

I would also not want to modify the TDP, potentially put stress on the system and possibly invalidate my new warranty (as it is a new laptop).