CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-1115G4 vs Intel Core i3-1115G4 (IPU)
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i3-1115G4 is a 2-core, 4-thread mobile processor from the Tiger Lake generation, featuring high clock speeds and Iris Xe-LP integrated graphics tailored for thin-and-light laptops and everyday computing.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles word processing and spreadsheets effortlessly, but heavily multitasked office environments will expose the 2-core limitation.
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.
Gaming
The Iris Xe iGPU can handle older or 2D indie games at low settings, but modern AAA titles are unplayable.
Identical to the non-IPU 1115G4. The Iris Xe G4 graphics are not viable for modern gaming.
Virtualization
2 cores and 4 threads are insufficient for running anything beyond a single, very lightweight virtual machine.
2 cores and 4 threads are fundamentally insufficient for any practical virtualization use.
Efficiency
The configurable 12W-28W TDP range allows OEMs to tune it for excellent battery life in thin chassis designs.
The IPU significantly improves efficiency during its target workload (video calls), making this chip very battery-friendly for remote workers.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated NPU
- AVX-512 provides some acceleration for specific vector math workloads
- Not intended for AI development or inference
- 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
Content Creation
Gaming
- Lacks the core count and GPU power for modern gaming
- Can manage basic e-sports titles like League of Legends at 720p/1080p low
- Memory bandwidth limitations heavily cap iGPU performance
- 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
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- High 4.1 GHz boost clock for snappy single-thread tasks
- Modern Iris Xe-LP integrated graphics
- Low 15W TDP enables thin, quiet laptops
- AVX-512 instruction set support
- Efficient 10nm SuperFin manufacturing process
Cons
- Only 2 cores and 4 threads severely limit multitasking
- 6MB L3 cache is small for modern workloads
- Only 4 direct CPU PCIe 4.0 lanes
- No DDR5 or LPDDR5 support
- BGA package prevents any upgrades
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
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i3-1115G4
- AMD Ryzen 3 5300URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 3 3250URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2Rival
Mobile
- MediaTek Kompanio 500TRival
Mobile
Offers 4 cores and 8 threads, doubling the multitasking capability with only a small power increase.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Provides 6 Zen 2 cores and 12 threads, vastly superior multi-core performance.
12th-gen successor featuring 2 P-Cores and 4 E-Cores for much better background task handling.
Compare head-to-head- Apple M1 (base)Alt
Far superior performance per watt and unmatched battery life in a similar power class.
- AMD Ryzen 3 5400UAlt
6 cores at a competitive price point, offering much better long-term usability.
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
Our Verdict on Each
A capable entry-level mobile processor for basic tasks, hindered by its 2-core limit but benefiting from strong single-core speeds and a modern iGPU architecture.
Best for: Purchasing a highly discounted budget laptop for basic school or office work where no heavy multitasking is required.
Read the full reviewA 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 reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i3-1115G4 or Intel Core i3-1115G4 (IPU)?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i3-1115G4 comes out ahead with a score of 5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Do Intel Core i3-1115G4 and Intel Core i3-1115G4 (IPU) use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the BGA 1449 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.