CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-1115G4 vs Intel Core i5-4288U
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.
Dual-core performance is sufficient for basic document editing and web browsing, but shows its age under heavy load.
Gaming
The Iris Xe iGPU can handle older or 2D indie games at low settings, but modern AAA titles are unplayable.
Can handle older or lightweight games like Minecraft or CS:GO at 720p/1080p, but struggles with modern titles.
Virtualization
2 cores and 4 threads are insufficient for running anything beyond a single, very lightweight virtual machine.
Limited to very light virtual machine workloads due to the dual-core design.
Efficiency
The configurable 12W-28W TDP range allows OEMs to tune it for excellent battery life in thin chassis designs.
The 22nm process and 28W TDP provide reasonable battery life for older laptops.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated NPU
- AVX-512 provides some acceleration for specific vector math workloads
- Not intended for AI development or inference
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Dual-core CPU limits any modern inference tasks
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
- HD 5100 was good for 2013 but is obsolete today
- Lacks modern API support like DirectX 12_1
- Suitable only for retro or extremely light gaming
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
- Good integrated graphics for its era
- 28W TDP offers better sustained performance than 15W chips
- Supports Hyper-Threading
- Solid single-thread performance for basic tasks
Cons
- Only 2 physical cores
- End-of-life and unsupported by modern OS standards
- Soldered to motherboard (BGA)
- Limited to DDR3 memory
- Weak by modern mobile standards
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 i5-4288U
- AMD A10-5757MRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i7-4650URival
Mobile
- AMD A8-5557MRival
Mobile APU
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-4200URival
Mobile
- AMD A6-5357MRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i5-8250UAlt
A much faster 8th gen mobile chip with 4 cores that can be found in cheap used laptops.
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200UAlt
A budget modern mobile alternative with better Vega graphics.
A modern dual-core that massively outperforms this chip in single and multi-core.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
If looking at older MacBooks, the M1 offers a revolutionary leap in performance and battery.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
A modern hexa-core mobile chip offering immense value in the used market.
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 capable processor for its time that brought console-class integrated graphics to thin laptops, though it is heavily outdated by modern standards.
Best for: Purchasing a very cheap, used laptop strictly for basic web browsing or as a typewriter.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i3-1115G4 or Intel Core i5-4288U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-4288U comes out ahead with a score of 6.5/10. 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 or Intel Core i5-4288U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-4288U leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Intel Core i3-1115G4 and Intel Core i5-4288U.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i3-1115G4 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i3-1115G4 (15 W), Intel Core i5-4288U (28 W).
Do Intel Core i3-1115G4 and Intel Core i5-4288U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i3-1115G4: BGA 1449, Intel Core i5-4288U: Intel BGA 1168), so each needs a compatible motherboard.