CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1135G7 (IPU) vs Intel Core i3-1125G4 (IPU)
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-1135G7 (IPU) is a specialized variant of the Tiger Lake mobile processor, featuring an integrated Image Processing Unit (IPU) 6.0. Sharing the same 4-core, 8-thread Willow Cove architecture on the 10nm process, it operates at a 15W TDP with boost clocks up to 4.2 GHz. The IPU 6.0 accelerates camera-related workloads, enabling AI-driven background blurring, gaze correction, and high-quality low-light video conferencing without taxing the CPU cores.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Snappy performance for everyday office tasks and multitasking.
The 4 cores provide a solid foundation for office multitasking, easily handling dozens of browser tabs alongside office applications.
Gaming
Capable of playing e-sports titles at 1080p thanks to Iris Xe graphics.
The Iris Xe G4 graphics are better suited for video output than gaming. Only the lightest e-sports titles are playable.
Virtualization
Can handle light virtualization but is limited by 4 cores.
8 threads allow for running a couple of standard VMs, but the 15W TDP limits heavy sustained virtualization workloads.
Efficiency
Excellent power efficiency, further enhanced by IPU offloading camera tasks.
The IPU 6.0 actually improves overall system efficiency by offloading video processing tasks from the CPU and GPU.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- DLBoost and GNA 2.0 provide solid AI acceleration.
- IPU 6.0 accelerates AI-based camera features.
- The IPU 6.0 provides dedicated AI acceleration specifically for image and video processing
- Lacks a general-purpose NPU for broad AI workloads
- AVX-512 supports CPU-based AI inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Iris Xe 80EU allows for smooth e-sports gaming.
- Performance scales heavily with dual-channel memory.
- Not suitable for modern AAA gaming at high settings.
- G4 tier Iris Xe graphics limit graphical fidelity
- CPU is adequate for low-end gaming if paired with an external GPU via PCIe
- Not designed or marketed for gaming workloads
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- IPU 6.0 saves CPU cycles during video calls
- Excellent single-core performance
- Iris Xe 80EU graphics
- Great power efficiency
- Supports fast LPDDR4X-4267 memory
Cons
- Only beneficial if the laptop uses a MIPI camera interface
- Limited to 4 cores
- Soldered onto the motherboard
- Replaced quickly by 12th Gen mobile chips
Pros
- IPU 6.0 provides excellent video conferencing enhancements
- 4 cores and 8 threads offer good multitasking
- 16 PCIe 4.0 lanes for excellent I/O flexibility
- 8MB L3 cache improves multi-threaded responsiveness
- Efficient video processing offload saves battery life
Cons
- End-of-Life status means no new laptops carry it
- Lower clock speeds than non-IPU i5 equivalents
- G4 tier graphics are cut down compared to G7
- No DDR5 memory support
- Specialized IPU adds cost for users who don't video conference
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-1135G7 (IPU)
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1185G7Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1130G7Rival
Mobile
Standard version offers the same performance if IPU isn't needed.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Offers higher clock speeds and 96 EUs for better graphics.
- Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3Alt
ARM-based alternative for extreme battery life.
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800UAlt
Newer generation with RDNA2 graphics and 8 cores.
Intel Core i3-1125G4 (IPU)
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5650URival
Enterprise Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 3 5400URival
Mobile
Higher clocks and full G7 graphics if you don't specifically need the IPU 6.0 hardware.
Compare head-to-head12th-gen successor with hybrid P-Core and E-Core architecture for better modern multitasking.
Compare head-to-headIf you want the IPU but don't need 4 cores, though the 1125G4 is vastly superior for multitasking.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
An excellent ultrabook chip that offloads camera processing to dedicated hardware, saving battery life during long video calls.
Best for: Buying a premium business laptop where video call quality is paramount.
Read the full reviewA capable 4-core Tiger Lake chip distinguished by its IPU 6.0, making it an excellent choice for enterprise laptops focused on communication, though it is now outdated and out of production.
Best for: Purchasing a used or refurbished enterprise laptop where AI-enhanced video conferencing is a daily requirement.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1135G7 (IPU) or Intel Core i3-1125G4 (IPU)?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-1135G7 (IPU) comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-1135G7 (IPU) or Intel Core i3-1125G4 (IPU)?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1135G7 (IPU) leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i5-1135G7 (IPU) and Intel Core i3-1125G4 (IPU).
Do Intel Core i5-1135G7 (IPU) and Intel Core i3-1125G4 (IPU) use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1135G7 (IPU): Intel BGA 1449, Intel Core i3-1125G4 (IPU): BGA 1449), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-1135G7 (IPU) posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-1135G7 (IPU) (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.