CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-1125G4 vs Intel Core i3-1125G4 (IPU)
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i3-1125G4 is a 4-core, 8-thread mobile processor utilizing the 10nm Willow Cove architecture and Iris Xe-LP G4 graphics, offering a strong balance of efficiency and multitasking for mainstream thin-and-light laptops.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Four cores handle office suites, video conferencing, and moderate multitasking with ease.
The 4 cores provide a solid foundation for office multitasking, easily handling dozens of browser tabs alongside office applications.
Gaming
The Iris Xe GPU can handle e-sports titles like League of Legends and CS:GO at 1080p low, but it is not meant for modern AAA gaming.
The Iris Xe G4 graphics are better suited for video output than gaming. Only the lightest e-sports titles are playable.
Virtualization
Can run a single lightweight virtual machine or Docker containers, but 8 threads limit heavy virtualization.
8 threads allow for running a couple of standard VMs, but the 15W TDP limits heavy sustained virtualization workloads.
Efficiency
Excellent power efficiency when paired with LPDDR4X memory, allowing for long battery life in ultrabooks.
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 NPU
- DLBoost provides some AI inference acceleration but is largely superseded by modern standards
- 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
- Playable frame rates in older e-sports titles at 1080p low settings
- Not suitable for modern AAA games
- Performance varies heavily based on laptop cooling and cTDP settings
- 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 and 8 threads provide solid multitasking capability
- Iris Xe-LP graphics are highly capable for integrated silicon
- Configurable TDP allows balance between battery life and performance
- Supports both DDR4 and power-efficient LPDDR4X
- PCIe 4.0 support for fast storage
Cons
- Now end-of-life and superseded by 12th-gen parts
- Single-thread performance is lower than newer Alder Lake chips
- No hybrid core architecture like subsequent generations
- 28 W PL2 is relatively low for sustained performance bursts
- Only 8 threads limit heavy professional workloads
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 i3-1125G4
- AMD Ryzen 3 5400URival
Mainstream Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500URival
Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1135G7Rival
Premium Thin-and-Light
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
ARM Premium Laptop
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2Rival
Always Connected PC
The direct 12th-gen successor featuring hybrid P-cores and E-cores for much better multi-threaded performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5700UAlt
An 8-core option for users needing maximum battery life and multi-core performance in a thin laptop.
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
The i3-1125G4 was an excellent mainstream mobile processor in 2021, bringing 4 cores and 8 threads to the i3 laptop tier alongside a significant iGPU upgrade, though it has since been surpassed by 12th-gen parts.
Best for: You should only consider buying a laptop with the i3-1125G4 today if it is being offered at a significant, heavily discounted clearance price. At launch, it was a fantastic chip for students and office workers, offering enough power for daily tasks and capable integrated graphics. However, as an end-of-life product, paying standard retail pricing for it is unwise. The newer 12th-generation i3-1215U offers hybrid P-cores and E-cores for similar money, providing much better performance and longevity. If you find a used 1125G4 laptop incredibly cheap, it remains a perfectly viable machine for web browsing and document editing.
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 i3-1125G4 or Intel Core i3-1125G4 (IPU)?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i3-1125G4 comes out ahead with a score of 7/10. 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 i3-1125G4 or Intel Core i3-1125G4 (IPU)?
For gaming, the Intel Core i3-1125G4 leads with a gaming performance score of 35/100 among Intel Core i3-1125G4 and Intel Core i3-1125G4 (IPU).
Do Intel Core i3-1125G4 and Intel Core i3-1125G4 (IPU) use the same socket?
Yes — all of these CPUs use the BGA 1449 socket, so they share compatible motherboards.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i3-1125G4 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i3-1125G4 (8,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.