CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-1000NG4 vs Intel Core i3-1115GRE
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i3-1000NG4 is a custom-engineered, Apple-exclusive Ice Lake-Y processor featuring two Sunny Cove cores and a 48EU Iris Plus GPU, designed specifically for the early 2020 MacBook Air.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Adequate for lightweight office work on older macOS versions, but modern updates have made it feel sluggish.
Adequate for running single-purpose industrial applications, HMIs, or signage software. The 2 cores are sufficient for dedicated tasks.
Gaming
The 48EU Iris Plus can handle very light casual games, but Macs are not gaming devices and this CPU limits even Mac-specific titles.
The 48EU GPU is further reduced from the already cut-down G4 tier. Gaming is not a consideration for this chip.
Virtualization
Running Windows via Boot Camp or virtualization is possible but painfully slow with only 4 threads.
Not designed for virtualization. 2 cores and 15W TDP limit VM utility.
Efficiency
Excellent efficiency for an x86 chip, though it was immediately overshadowed by the ARM-based M1's efficiency.
Excellent efficiency for embedded use cases. The 12W cTDP down option allows fanless operation in sealed industrial enclosures.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- DLBoost is present but largely unused in the macOS ecosystem of that era
- IPU 6.0 can be utilized for edge AI vision tasks in industrial settings
- Lacks a modern NPU for broad AI inference
- AVX-512 provides CPU vector math acceleration
Content Creation
Gaming
- MacBook Airs are not gaming devices
- The CPU will bottleneck even lightweight games running via Rosetta or ports
- 48EU GPU is harvested/disabled silicon
- Not intended for any graphical workloads beyond display output
- Cannot handle modern 3D applications
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Historically significant as one of Apple's final custom Intel chips
- 48EU Iris Plus offers decent legacy graphics performance for macOS
- Very low power draw results in a quiet, cool MacBook Air
- Capable of running Intel-only legacy software
Cons
- Only 2 CPU cores make modern macOS feel incredibly slow
- Instantly obsolete upon the announcement of the Apple M1
- Cannot be upgraded to future macOS versions that drop Intel support
- Limited to PCIe 3.0 speeds
- Poor value on the used market compared to M1 Macs
Pros
- Rare ECC memory support in a mobile form factor
- Guaranteed long-term embedded lifecycle
- IPU 6.0 for machine vision and scanning
- Low 12W cTDP down for fanless designs
- VMD support for enterprise storage
Cons
- Very high $338 launch price for a 2-core chip
- Reduced 48EU GPU limits display and graphics capabilities
- Lower 3.9 GHz boost compared to consumer 1115G4
- Only 4 CPU PCIe lanes
- Not available through retail channels
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i3-1000NG4
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Custom ARM Laptop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i3-1000G4Rival
Standard Ice Lake-Y
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200URival
Budget Windows Laptop
- Intel Core i5-8210YRival
Previous-Gen MacBook Air
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cxRival
Always Connected PC
- Apple M1 MacBook AirAlt
Offers 5x the CPU performance, 8x the GPU performance, and double the battery life for a similar or lower price.
- Apple M2 MacBook AirAlt
The modern baseline for Apple laptops, offering incredible performance per watt.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500U LaptopAlt
A modern Windows alternative with 6 cores and 12 threads.
- Intel Core i5-1135G7 LaptopAlt
A vastly superior Intel ultrabook experience with 4 cores and Iris Xe graphics.
Intel Core i3-1115GRE
- AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 5350GERival
Embedded Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 4650GERival
Embedded Mobile
- Intel Pentium Silver N6005Rival
Embedded Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 3 3250GERival
Embedded Mobile
- Intel Celeron N5105Rival
Embedded Mobile
If ECC memory is not strictly required, this is much cheaper but lacks embedded lifecycle guarantees.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i5-1135G7EAlt
If the embedded application needs 4 cores while retaining Tiger Lake features.
- Intel N100Alt
A newer, highly efficient alternative for basic digital signage and kiosks, though without ECC.
- AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5650GEAlt
Superior multi-threaded performance and RDNA 2 graphics for advanced industrial interfaces.
Our Verdict on Each
A fascinating piece of silicon history due to its Apple exclusivity and 48EU GPU, but entirely outclassed by the Apple M1 that replaced it just months after its release.
Best for: The only reason to acquire an i3-1000NG4 MacBook Air today is for vintage Apple hardware collection, or if you require an Intel-based Mac specifically to run legacy 32-bit macOS software or older audio production plugins that are not compatible with Apple Silicon. If you find one for under $150, it can serve as a dedicated typing machine or basic web browser for a child.
Read the full reviewA highly specialized embedded Tiger Lake variant that trades GPU power and clock speed for ECC memory support and long-term supply guarantees, serving a vital niche outside of consumer electronics.
Best for: Designing an industrial tablet, medical device, or digital signage player that specifically requires mobile ECC memory support.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i3-1000NG4 or Intel Core i3-1115GRE?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i3-1115GRE comes out ahead with a score of 5.5/10. 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 i3-1000NG4 or Intel Core i3-1115GRE?
For gaming, the Intel Core i3-1115GRE leads with a gaming performance score of 15/100 among Intel Core i3-1000NG4 and Intel Core i3-1115GRE.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i3-1000NG4 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i3-1000NG4 (9 W), Intel Core i3-1115GRE (15 W).
Do Intel Core i3-1000NG4 and Intel Core i3-1115GRE use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i3-1000NG4: BGA 1044, Intel Core i3-1115GRE: BGA 1449), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i3-1000NG4 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i3-1000NG4 (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.