CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-1115G4E vs Core i7-1185GRE
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i3-1115G4E is a 2-core, 4-thread embedded mobile processor featuring Willow Cove architecture, UHD Graphics G4 (48EU), and an IPU 6.0, designed for industrial edge computing and embedded visual systems.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles the UI and logic for single-purpose embedded systems well, but not suited for general productivity.
Strong single-core performance for edge processing tasks.
Gaming
Not designed or intended for gaming applications.
Not intended for gaming, but Iris Xe handles it adequately if required.
Virtualization
Two cores are insufficient for meaningful virtualization in embedded environments.
vPro and ECC make it excellent for lightweight edge virtualization.
Efficiency
Highly efficient for always-on industrial environments, especially when power-capped at 12 W.
10nm SuperFin ensures reliable 24/7 operation within 15W.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- The IPU 6.0 is specifically designed to accelerate edge vision and AI inference workloads
- Lacks the NPU power of modern dedicated edge AI chips but is sufficient for basic classification tasks
- DL Boost for edge AI inference
- GNA for low-power audio processing
Content Creation
Gaming
- This is an embedded processor, gaming performance is not a relevant metric
- Not targeted at gamers
- Graphics capable of driving industrial displays
- Can run 2D applications flawlessly
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- IPU 6.0 provides dedicated hardware acceleration for edge vision tasks
- Embedded validation ensures long-term availability and reliability
- Configurable TDP down to 12 W for fanless industrial designs
- Low 2-core power draw is ideal for compact edge devices
- UHD G4 48EU graphics handle multi-display signage well
Cons
- Only 2 physical cores limit general compute performance
- Restricted to 4 PCIe lanes, limiting expansion options
- Not available through consumer retail channels
- No DDR5 support
- High launch price of $285 for a 2-core chip reflects embedded margins
Pros
- Supports ECC memory for data integrity
- Long-term embedded lifecycle guarantee
- vPro Enterprise for remote management
- 96 EU Iris Xe graphics for machine vision
- Flexible 12W-28W configurable TDP
Cons
- Overkill and expensive for consumer use
- BGA soldered, requiring custom board design
- Only 4 cores limits heavy multi-threaded edge tasks
- Niche availability through industrial channels
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i3-1115G4E
- AMD Ryzen 3 3250UERival
Embedded Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UERival
Performance Embedded
- Intel N100Rival
Low-Power Embedded
- NVIDIA Jetson Orin NanoRival
Edge AI
- Qualcomm QCS6490Rival
ARM Edge
- Intel Core i5-1135G7EAlt
A higher-end embedded Tiger Lake option with 4 cores for more demanding industrial applications.
- AMD Ryzen R1606GAlt
An alternative embedded APU for ruggedized industrial PCs.
Core i7-1185GRE
- AMD Ryzen Embedded V2748ARival
Embedded
- Intel Core i7-1185G7Rival
Mobile
- Intel Xeon E-2386GRival
Workstation
- AMD Ryzen Embedded R2544ARival
Embedded
- NXP i.MX 8M PlusRival
Embedded
- Intel Core i7-1270PEAlt
Newer 12th Gen embedded with better efficiency and more cores.
- Intel Core i7-1085GREAlt
Older 10th Gen embedded alternative if Tiger Lake is unavailable.
- Intel Atom x6425REAlt
Lower power, cheaper alternative for light IoT tasks.
Our Verdict on Each
A specialized embedded processor that trades standard PCIe lanes and core count for industrial features like the IPU 6.0 and long-term availability, targeting specific edge AI and vision use cases.
Best for: The i3-1115G4E is strictly a business-to-business component purchased by OEMs and system integrators through Intel's embedded channels. You should specify this processor if you are designing an industrial edge device that requires the IPU 6.0 for machine vision, needs guaranteed 7+ year component availability, and operates in an environment where a 12W to 28W power envelope is mandatory. Do not buy this for a consumer laptop or desktop build, as it lacks the PCIe lanes and core count for general computing, and it cannot be purchased through normal retail channels anyway.
Read the full reviewA highly reliable, embedded-grade processor that combines Tiger Lake performance with ECC memory and long-term availability for critical systems.
Best for: System integrators designing IoT devices, medical equipment, or industrial PCs requiring ECC and long-term supply.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i3-1115G4E or Core i7-1185GRE?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-1185GRE comes out ahead with a score of 9/10. 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 i3-1115G4E or Core i7-1185GRE?
For gaming, the Core i7-1185GRE leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i3-1115G4E and Core i7-1185GRE.
Do Intel Core i3-1115G4E and Core i7-1185GRE use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i3-1115G4E: BGA 1449, Core i7-1185GRE: Intel BGA 1449), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Core i7-1185GRE has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i3-1115G4E (2 cores), Core i7-1185GRE (4 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i3-1115G4E posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i3-1115G4E (4,600), Core i7-1185GRE (4,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.