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.

Top pick
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-8560U
4C / 8T4.6 GHz15 W
7.5
Full review
Intel · Core i3
Intel Core i3-1125G4
4C / 8T3.7 GHz15 W
7
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Mobile
Segment
Mobile
Mobile
Generation
Core i7 (Whiskey Lake)
11th Gen (Tiger Lake)
Launched
2018
2021
Status
End-of-life
End-of-life
Codename
Whiskey Lake-U
Tiger Lake-U
Series
Core i7
Core i3
Family
8th Generation
Tiger Lake-U
Predecessor
Intel Core i7-8550U
Intel Core i3-1110G4
Successor
Intel Core i7-10510U
Intel Core i3-1215U

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
4
Threads
8
8
Base Clock
1.8 GHz
2 GHz
Boost Clock
4.6 GHz
3.7 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
8 MB
8 MB
TDP
15 W
15 W
Architecture
Architecture
Whiskey Lake-U
Tiger Lake-U (Willow Cove)
Process Node
14nm
10nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR3, DDR4
DDR4, LPDDR4X
Memory Speed
2400 MT/s
DDR4-3200, LPDDR4X-3733
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
64 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel BGA 1528
BGA 1449
PCIe Version
Gen 3
PCIe 4.0
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i7-8560UBest80

Handles heavy multitasking and office applications effortlessly.

Intel Core i3-1125G470

Four cores handle office suites, video conferencing, and moderate multitasking with ease.

Gaming

Intel Core i7-8560U30

Only suitable for very light or older games on low settings.

Intel Core i3-1125G4Best35

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

Intel Core i7-8560UBest65

Can run light VMs, but limited by 15W power constraints.

Intel Core i3-1125G440

Can run a single lightweight virtual machine or Docker containers, but 8 threads limit heavy virtualization.

Efficiency

Intel Core i7-8560UBest95

Outstanding power-to-performance ratio for battery life.

Intel Core i3-1125G488

Excellent power efficiency when paired with LPDDR4X memory, allowing for long battery life in ultrabooks.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i7-8560ULimited
  • No dedicated AI hardware
  • Basic CPU inference only
Intel Core i3-1125G4Minimal
  • No dedicated NPU
  • DLBoost provides some AI inference acceleration but is largely superseded by modern standards

Content Creation

Intel Core i7-8560UFair
Basic Photo Editing1080p Video EditingAudio Production
Intel Core i3-1125G4Limited
Basic Photo EditingLight Video TrimmingSpreadsheet Management

Gaming

Intel Core i7-8560ULow
  • Relies on Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • Only suitable for indie or older titles
  • Not recommended for modern AAA gaming
Intel Core i3-1125G4Minimal
  • 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

Gaming
Low
Low
Workstations
Moderate
None
Content Creation
Moderate
Low
Virtualization
Moderate
Low

Best CPU by Use Case

Office Productivity
Excellent
Web Browsing
Excellent
Programming
Very Good
1080p Video Playback
Excellent
Gaming
Poor
Everyday Productivity
Very Good
Multi-Tab Web Browsing
Very Good
HD/4K Video Playback
Excellent
Light Casual Gaming
Adequate
Light Photo Editing
Adequate

Target Audience

Gamers
Content Creators
Developers
Targeted
Workstation Users
Streamers
Office / Productivity
Targeted
Targeted
Students
Targeted
Targeted

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i7-8560U

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
Intel Core i3-1125G4

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

Intel Core i3-1125G4

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 review

The 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 review

Frequently 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.