CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-8560U vs Intel Core i3-1125G4
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-8560U is a highly efficient mobile processor introduced as part of the Whiskey Lake lineup, specifically engineered for thin-and-light ultrabooks. Featuring four cores and eight threads, it brought mainstream quad-core performance to the ultra-low-power segment. Operating at a base frequency of 1.8 GHz, it can dynamically boost up to 4.6 GHz when thermal headroom permits, delivering snappy burst performance for everyday tasks and moderate workloads. With a 15-watt thermal design power, it balances battery longevity with processing capability. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 handles basic display outputs and light multimedia tasks, though it is not suited for intensive gaming. This CPU marked a significant step in Intel's 8th generation strategy, offering increased core counts over previous ultra-low-voltage dual-core designs, thereby reshaping user expectations for portable computing power. Released in late 2018, it became a staple in premium business and consumer laptops, providing a reliable computing experience for professionals on the go who require multitasking capabilities without sacrificing portability.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles heavy multitasking and office applications effortlessly.
Four cores handle office suites, video conferencing, and moderate multitasking with ease.
Gaming
Only suitable for very light or older games on low settings.
The Iris Xe GPU can handle e-sports titles like League of Legends and CS:GO at 1080p low, but it is not meant for modern AAA gaming.
Virtualization
Can run light VMs, but limited by 15W power constraints.
Can run a single lightweight virtual machine or Docker containers, but 8 threads limit heavy virtualization.
Efficiency
Outstanding power-to-performance ratio for battery life.
Excellent power efficiency when paired with LPDDR4X memory, allowing for long battery life in ultrabooks.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- Basic CPU inference only
- No dedicated NPU
- DLBoost provides some AI inference acceleration but is largely superseded by modern standards
Content Creation
Gaming
- Relies on Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Only suitable for indie or older titles
- Not recommended for modern AAA gaming
- Playable frame rates in older e-sports titles at 1080p low settings
- Not suitable for modern AAA games
- Performance varies heavily based on laptop cooling and cTDP settings
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent power efficiency
- Good burst performance
- Quad-core multitasking
- Widely supported in business laptops
Cons
- Weak integrated graphics
- Older 14nm process
- Locked multiplier
- Soldered to motherboard
Pros
- 4 cores and 8 threads provide solid multitasking capability
- Iris Xe-LP graphics are highly capable for integrated silicon
- Configurable TDP allows balance between battery life and performance
- Supports both DDR4 and power-efficient LPDDR4X
- PCIe 4.0 support for fast storage
Cons
- Now end-of-life and superseded by 12th-gen parts
- Single-thread performance is lower than newer Alder Lake chips
- No hybrid core architecture like subsequent generations
- 28 W PL2 is relatively low for sustained performance bursts
- Only 8 threads limit heavy professional workloads
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-8560U
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 2800HRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-8250URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8550URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8650URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Better integrated graphics and efficiency.
Significantly faster single-core and better iGPU.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Stronger overall performance and newer architecture.
- AMD Ryzen 7 4700UAlt
More cores and better battery life.
- Alt
Incredible performance per watt for ultrabooks.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i3-1125G4
- AMD Ryzen 3 5400URival
Mainstream Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500URival
Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1135G7Rival
Premium Thin-and-Light
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
ARM Premium Laptop
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2Rival
Always Connected PC
The direct 12th-gen successor featuring hybrid P-cores and E-cores for much better multi-threaded performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5700UAlt
An 8-core option for users needing maximum battery life and multi-core performance in a thin laptop.
Our Verdict on Each
A capable quad-core mobile CPU that offers excellent battery life and sufficient power for everyday productivity, though it struggles with heavy rendering or modern gaming.
Best for: Purchasing a used, premium ultrabook for study or light office work.
Read the full reviewThe i3-1125G4 was an excellent mainstream mobile processor in 2021, bringing 4 cores and 8 threads to the i3 laptop tier alongside a significant iGPU upgrade, though it has since been surpassed by 12th-gen parts.
Best for: You should only consider buying a laptop with the i3-1125G4 today if it is being offered at a significant, heavily discounted clearance price. At launch, it was a fantastic chip for students and office workers, offering enough power for daily tasks and capable integrated graphics. However, as an end-of-life product, paying standard retail pricing for it is unwise. The newer 12th-generation i3-1215U offers hybrid P-cores and E-cores for similar money, providing much better performance and longevity. If you find a used 1125G4 laptop incredibly cheap, it remains a perfectly viable machine for web browsing and document editing.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-8560U or Intel Core i3-1125G4?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-8560U comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. 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 i7-8560U or Intel Core i3-1125G4?
For gaming, the Intel Core i3-1125G4 leads with a gaming performance score of 35/100 among Intel Core i7-8560U and Intel Core i3-1125G4.
Do Intel Core i7-8560U and Intel Core i3-1125G4 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-8560U: Intel BGA 1528, Intel Core i3-1125G4: BGA 1449), so each needs a compatible motherboard.