CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-1115G4 (IPU) vs Intel Core i3-1125G4
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.
Four cores handle office suites, video conferencing, and moderate multitasking with ease.
Gaming
Identical to the non-IPU 1115G4. The Iris Xe G4 graphics are not viable for modern gaming.
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
2 cores and 4 threads are fundamentally insufficient for any practical virtualization use.
Can run a single lightweight virtual machine or Docker containers, but 8 threads limit heavy virtualization.
Efficiency
The IPU significantly improves efficiency during its target workload (video calls), making this chip very battery-friendly for remote workers.
Excellent power efficiency when paired with LPDDR4X memory, allowing for long battery life in ultrabooks.
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
- No dedicated NPU
- DLBoost provides some AI inference acceleration but is largely superseded by modern standards
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
- 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
- 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
- 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 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 i3-1125G4
- 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 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 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 i3-1115G4 (IPU) or Intel Core i3-1125G4?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i3-1125G4 comes out ahead with a score of 7/10. 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 i3-1125G4?
For gaming, the Intel Core i3-1125G4 leads with a gaming performance score of 35/100 among Intel Core i3-1115G4 (IPU) and Intel Core i3-1125G4.
Do Intel Core i3-1115G4 (IPU) and Intel Core i3-1125G4 use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the BGA 1449 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i3-1125G4 has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i3-1115G4 (IPU) (2 cores), Intel Core i3-1125G4 (4 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i3-1125G4 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i3-1125G4 (8,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.