CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-1115G4 (IPU) vs Intel Core i3-1215U
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 standard office applications and web browsing smoothly. Heavier multitasking with many browser tabs and applications can show some slowdown.
Gaming
Identical to the non-IPU 1115G4. The Iris Xe G4 graphics are not viable for modern gaming.
Not designed for gaming. The UHD 64EU can handle very light casual titles but modern AAA games are unplayable.
Virtualization
2 cores and 4 threads are fundamentally insufficient for any practical virtualization use.
8 threads allow for a lightweight VM alongside host tasks, but this is not a virtualization-focused part.
Efficiency
The IPU significantly improves efficiency during its target workload (video calls), making this chip very battery-friendly for remote workers.
The 15W base TDP with Intel's Thread Director scheduler enables efficient power distribution between P and E cores.
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 AI acceleration hardware
- 2 P-cores provide limited CPU inference capability
- Not suitable for AI or ML development workloads
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
- Not designed for gaming workloads
- UHD 64EU can manage 2D games and very basic 3D
- Modern AAA titles will not run at playable frame rates
- Older eSports titles at lowest settings may be marginally playable
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
- Hybrid architecture brings efficiency gains to the i3 tier
- 2 P-cores provide responsive single-threaded performance
- 4 E-cores handle background tasks without waking P-cores
- Broad memory compatibility for OEM flexibility
- 15W TDP enables excellent battery life
- 20 PCIe Gen 4 lanes for fast storage
Cons
- Only 8 threads limit heavy multitasking
- 15W base power constrains sustained performance
- E-cores lack Hyper-Threading
- UHD 64EU integrated graphics are weak for 3D workloads
- BGA package means no CPU upgrade path
- E-core L2 cache is 2MB per module (less than Raptor Lake's 4MB)
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 i3-1215U
- AMD Ryzen 3 5300URival
Budget Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500URival
Mainstream Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5625URival
Mainstream Mobile
- Apple M1 (base)Rival
Premium Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1235URival
Mid-Range Mobile
Raptor Cove P-cores offer better IPC and higher boost clocks for similar power.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 5425UAlt
Zen 3 architecture provides competitive efficiency for basic computing tasks.
- Apple M1 (base MacBook Air)Alt
Dramatically better performance per watt and battery life at a higher price point.
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 competent entry-level hybrid mobile chip that introduced the P+E architecture to the i3 laptop segment. Adequate for everyday tasks, though the 8-thread ceiling and 15W power limit constrain heavier workloads.
Best for: Purchasing a budget to mid-range laptop in 2022-2023 for everyday tasks, schoolwork, and office use where battery life matters more than raw performance.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i3-1115G4 (IPU) or Intel Core i3-1215U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i3-1215U 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 i3-1215U?
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 i3-1215U.
Do Intel Core i3-1115G4 (IPU) and Intel Core i3-1215U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i3-1115G4 (IPU): BGA 1449, Intel Core i3-1215U: BGA 1744), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i3-1215U has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i3-1115G4 (IPU) (2 cores), Intel Core i3-1215U (6 cores).