CPU Comparison
Intel Core i3-1125G4 vs Core i7-1160G7
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.
Snappy burst performance handles everyday tasks easily.
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.
Good for casual gaming, but thermal throttling in fanless designs limits sustained performance.
Virtualization
Can run a single lightweight virtual machine or Docker containers, but 8 threads limit heavy virtualization.
Low power limits make running VMs difficult.
Efficiency
Excellent power efficiency when paired with LPDDR4X memory, allowing for long battery life in ultrabooks.
Top-tier efficiency; designed for maximum battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated NPU
- DLBoost provides some AI inference acceleration but is largely superseded by modern standards
- GNA for audio AI
- Low power limits restrict heavy 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
- Great for 2D and e-sports titles
- Will throttle in heavy 3D loads due to fanless chassis
- Iris Xe provides surprising capability at 7W
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- Now end-of-life and superseded by 12th-gen parts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
- Incredible power efficiency
- Allows for completely silent, fanless designs
- Retains 96 EU Iris Xe graphics
- Excellent burst performance for daily tasks
- Ultra-thin package size
Cons
- Very low base clock (1.2 GHz)
- Will throttle quickly under sustained load without a fan
- Limited to LPDDR4X memory
- Expensive and niche market positioning
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.
Core i7-1160G7
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Mobile
- Microsoft SQ2Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1130G7Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2Rival
Mobile
12th Gen offers better efficiency and more cores in the 9W bracket.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600UAlt
More multi-core performance if you can accept active cooling.
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Higher base clocks if you have active cooling.
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 remarkably efficient 10nm chip that brings high-end integrated graphics to completely silent, fanless form factors.
Best for: Buying a used premium fanless tablet like the Surface Pro X alternative or Dell XPS 13 2-in-1.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i3-1125G4 or Core i7-1160G7?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-1160G7 comes out ahead with a score of 8.6/10. 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 i3-1125G4 or Core i7-1160G7?
For gaming, the Core i7-1160G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 70/100 among Intel Core i3-1125G4 and Core i7-1160G7.
Do Intel Core i3-1125G4 and Core i7-1160G7 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i3-1125G4: BGA 1449, Core i7-1160G7: Intel BGA 1598), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
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), Core i7-1160G7 (4,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.