CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-1115G4 (IPU) vs Intel Core i3-1115GRE
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.
Adequate for running single-purpose industrial applications, HMIs, or signage software. The 2 cores are sufficient for dedicated tasks.
Gaming
Identical to the non-IPU 1115G4. The Iris Xe G4 graphics are not viable for modern gaming.
The 48EU GPU is further reduced from the already cut-down G4 tier. Gaming is not a consideration for this chip.
Virtualization
2 cores and 4 threads are fundamentally insufficient for any practical virtualization use.
Not designed for virtualization. 2 cores and 15W TDP limit VM utility.
Efficiency
The IPU significantly improves efficiency during its target workload (video calls), making this chip very battery-friendly for remote workers.
Excellent efficiency for embedded use cases. The 12W cTDP down option allows fanless operation in sealed industrial enclosures.
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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 i3-1115G4 (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 i3-1115GRE
- 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 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 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 i3-1115G4 (IPU) 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 i3-1115G4 (IPU) or Intel Core i3-1115GRE?
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 i3-1115GRE.
Do Intel Core i3-1115G4 (IPU) and Intel Core i3-1115GRE use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the BGA 1449 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.