CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-1120G4 vs Intel Core i3-1125G4 (IPU)
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i3-1120G4 is a 4-core, 8-thread mobile processor utilizing the rare BGA 1598 socket, featuring a very low 1.1 GHz base clock designed for ultra-thin, thermally constrained form factors.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Good for bursty office tasks due to 4 cores, but the 1.1 GHz base clock means it drops to very low performance during sustained workloads.
The 4 cores provide a solid foundation for office multitasking, easily handling dozens of browser tabs alongside office applications.
Gaming
The Iris Xe G4 graphics can handle light tasks, but the thermally constrained environment prevents sustained GPU frequencies.
The Iris Xe G4 graphics are better suited for video output than gaming. Only the lightest e-sports titles are playable.
Virtualization
8 threads are nice on paper, but the thermal limits prevent running VMs effectively for any length of time.
8 threads allow for running a couple of standard VMs, but the 15W TDP limits heavy sustained virtualization workloads.
Efficiency
Extremely efficient at idle and low loads due to the 1.1 GHz base clock, perfect for always-connected devices.
The IPU 6.0 actually improves overall system efficiency by offloading video processing tasks from the CPU and GPU.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated IPU or NPU
- AVX-512 support present but limited by thermal constraints
- Not suited for AI workloads
- 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
- Thermal constraints prevent sustained GPU performance
- G4 tier graphics are already limited
- Not designed or marketed for gaming
- 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
- 4 cores provide good burst multi-threading
- 1.1 GHz base enables ultra-thin, fanless designs
- 16 PCIe 4.0 lanes for fast storage
- Very high efficiency at low loads
- 8MB L3 cache is generous for the segment
Cons
- 1.1 GHz base clock causes severe performance drops under sustained load
- BGA 1598 socket limits motherboard and upgrade options
- No LPDDR4X support limits memory bandwidth
- 3.5 GHz boost is the lowest among 4-core Tiger Lake parts
- Lacks IPU 6.0 found on other similar-tier parts
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 i3-1120G4
- AMD Ryzen 3 5300URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 3 3250URival
Mobile
- Intel Pentium Silver N6005Rival
Mobile
Standard BGA 1449 socket with much higher clocks and IPU support for a similar core count.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
If you can accept a slightly thicker laptop, you get dramatically better sustained performance.
- Intel Core i5-1130G4Alt
Slightly higher clocks on the same BGA 1598 platform if available.
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
An unusual 4-core Tiger Lake part severely limited by its 1.1 GHz base clock and BGA 1598 socket, making it a niche OEM component rather than a general-purpose mobile processor.
Best for: Purchasing a premium ultra-thin laptop or tablet where this chip is factory-installed and you value extreme portability over performance.
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 i3-1120G4 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 i3-1120G4 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 i3-1120G4 and Intel Core i3-1125G4 (IPU).
Do Intel Core i3-1120G4 and Intel Core i3-1125G4 (IPU) use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i3-1120G4: BGA 1598, Intel Core i3-1125G4 (IPU): BGA 1449), so each needs a compatible motherboard.