CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-1115G4 (IPU) vs Intel Core i3-1125G4 (IPU)
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.
The 4 cores provide a solid foundation for office multitasking, easily handling dozens of browser tabs alongside office applications.
Gaming
Identical to the non-IPU 1115G4. The Iris Xe G4 graphics are not viable for modern gaming.
The Iris Xe G4 graphics are better suited for video output than gaming. Only the lightest e-sports titles are playable.
Virtualization
2 cores and 4 threads are fundamentally insufficient for any practical virtualization use.
8 threads allow for running a couple of standard VMs, but the 15W TDP limits heavy sustained virtualization workloads.
Efficiency
The IPU significantly improves efficiency during its target workload (video calls), making this chip very battery-friendly for remote workers.
The IPU 6.0 actually improves overall system efficiency by offloading video processing tasks from the CPU and GPU.
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 provides dedicated AI acceleration specifically for image and video processing
- Lacks a general-purpose NPU for broad AI workloads
- AVX-512 supports CPU-based AI inference
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
- G4 tier Iris Xe graphics limit graphical fidelity
- CPU is adequate for low-end gaming if paired with an external GPU via PCIe
- Not designed or marketed for gaming workloads
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 excellent video conferencing enhancements
- 4 cores and 8 threads offer good multitasking
- 16 PCIe 4.0 lanes for excellent I/O flexibility
- 8MB L3 cache improves multi-threaded responsiveness
- Efficient video processing offload saves battery life
Cons
- End-of-Life status means no new laptops carry it
- Lower clock speeds than non-IPU i5 equivalents
- G4 tier graphics are cut down compared to G7
- No DDR5 memory support
- Specialized IPU adds cost for users who don't video conference
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 (IPU)
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 5650URival
Enterprise Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c+ Gen 3Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 3 5400URival
Mobile
Higher clocks and full G7 graphics if you don't specifically need the IPU 6.0 hardware.
Compare head-to-head12th-gen successor with hybrid P-Core and E-Core architecture for better modern multitasking.
Compare head-to-headIf you want the IPU but don't need 4 cores, though the 1125G4 is vastly superior for multitasking.
Compare head-to-head
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 capable 4-core Tiger Lake chip distinguished by its IPU 6.0, making it an excellent choice for enterprise laptops focused on communication, though it is now outdated and out of production.
Best for: Purchasing a used or refurbished enterprise laptop where AI-enhanced video conferencing is a daily requirement.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i3-1115G4 (IPU) or Intel Core i3-1125G4 (IPU)?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i3-1125G4 (IPU) comes out ahead with a score of 6/10. 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 (IPU)?
For gaming, the Intel Core i3-1125G4 (IPU) leads with a gaming performance score of 22/100 among Intel Core i3-1115G4 (IPU) and Intel Core i3-1125G4 (IPU).
Do Intel Core i3-1115G4 (IPU) and Intel Core i3-1125G4 (IPU) 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 (IPU) has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i3-1115G4 (IPU) (2 cores), Intel Core i3-1125G4 (IPU) (4 cores).