CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-1115G4 (IPU) vs Intel Core i3-1115G4E
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i3-1115G4 (IPU) is a 2-core, 4-thread Tiger Lake mobile processor that integrates an Image Processing Unit 6.0, providing AI-enhanced video capabilities to entry-level business laptops without increasing the core count.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
The 2 cores are adequate for light office tasks. The IPU helps keep the system responsive during video calls, but heavy multitasking will still cause slowdowns.
Handles the UI and logic for single-purpose embedded systems well, but not suited for general productivity.
Gaming
Identical to the non-IPU 1115G4. The Iris Xe G4 graphics are not viable for modern gaming.
Not designed or intended for gaming applications.
Virtualization
2 cores and 4 threads are fundamentally insufficient for any practical virtualization use.
Two cores are insufficient for meaningful virtualization in embedded environments.
Efficiency
The IPU significantly improves efficiency during its target workload (video calls), making this chip very battery-friendly for remote workers.
Highly efficient for always-on industrial environments, especially when power-capped at 12 W.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- IPU 6.0 provides excellent dedicated AI for video and imaging
- General CPU AI inference is limited by 2 cores and 15W TDP
- AVX-512 instructions are present
- The IPU 6.0 is specifically designed to accelerate edge vision and AI inference workloads
- Lacks the NPU power of modern dedicated edge AI chips but is sufficient for basic classification tasks
Content Creation
Gaming
- 2 cores and G4 tier graphics preclude gaming
- Identical graphical limitations as the standard 1115G4
- No improvement in frame rates over the non-IPU variant
- This is an embedded processor, gaming performance is not a relevant metric
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- IPU 6.0 enables smooth AI video features on a budget chip
- High 4.1 GHz boost for snappy single-task performance
- Excellent battery life during video calls due to IPU offload
- Low 15W configurable TDP
- Modern 10nm SuperFin process
Cons
- Only 2 cores and 4 threads severely bottleneck multitasking
- 6MB L3 cache is very small
- Only 4 CPU PCIe 4.0 lanes
- The IPU is useless if you don't use video conferencing
- Same price as the 4-core 1125G4 (IPU) at launch
Pros
- IPU 6.0 provides dedicated hardware acceleration for edge vision tasks
- Embedded validation ensures long-term availability and reliability
- Configurable TDP down to 12 W for fanless industrial designs
- Low 2-core power draw is ideal for compact edge devices
- UHD G4 48EU graphics handle multi-display signage well
Cons
- Only 2 physical cores limit general compute performance
- Restricted to 4 PCIe lanes, limiting expansion options
- Not available through consumer retail channels
- No DDR5 support
- High launch price of $285 for a 2-core chip reflects embedded margins
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i3-1115G4 (IPU)
- AMD Ryzen 3 5300URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 3 3250URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- MediaTek Kompanio 500TRival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 7cRival
Mobile
Same price at launch but doubles the cores to 4, vastly improving multitasking while keeping the IPU.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
6 cores provide a completely different tier of usability for not much more money.
Superior CPU and GPU performance if you can stretch the budget.
Compare head-to-head12th-gen hybrid architecture offers much better background task handling.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i3-1115G4E
- AMD Ryzen 3 3250UERival
Embedded Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UERival
Performance Embedded
- Intel N100Rival
Low-Power Embedded
- NVIDIA Jetson Orin NanoRival
Edge AI
- Qualcomm QCS6490Rival
ARM Edge
- Intel Core i5-1135G7EAlt
A higher-end embedded Tiger Lake option with 4 cores for more demanding industrial applications.
- AMD Ryzen R1606GAlt
An alternative embedded APU for ruggedized industrial PCs.
Our Verdict on Each
A niche 2-core processor that offloads webcam AI tasks to the IPU 6.0, but the severe core count limitation makes it a poor choice for anyone doing more than light office work and video calls.
Best for: Buying a highly discounted laptop specifically for remote work and video conferencing where battery life during calls is the top priority.
Read the full reviewA specialized embedded processor that trades standard PCIe lanes and core count for industrial features like the IPU 6.0 and long-term availability, targeting specific edge AI and vision use cases.
Best for: The i3-1115G4E is strictly a business-to-business component purchased by OEMs and system integrators through Intel's embedded channels. You should specify this processor if you are designing an industrial edge device that requires the IPU 6.0 for machine vision, needs guaranteed 7+ year component availability, and operates in an environment where a 12W to 28W power envelope is mandatory. Do not buy this for a consumer laptop or desktop build, as it lacks the PCIe lanes and core count for general computing, and it cannot be purchased through normal retail channels anyway.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i3-1115G4 (IPU) or Intel Core i3-1115G4E?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i3-1115G4E comes out ahead with a score of 6.5/10. 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 i3-1115G4 (IPU) or Intel Core i3-1115G4E?
For gaming, the Intel Core i3-1115G4 (IPU) leads with a gaming performance score of 18/100 among Intel Core i3-1115G4 (IPU) and Intel Core i3-1115G4E.
Do Intel Core i3-1115G4 (IPU) and Intel Core i3-1115G4E use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the BGA 1449 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i3-1115G4E posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i3-1115G4E (4,600). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.