Quick Verdict
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.
Overview
Launch
2020
Status
ActiveGeneration
11th Generation
Market
Mobile
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 Core i3-1115G4 utilizes the 10nm SuperFin process to deliver a 2.2 GHz base clock and a 4.1 GHz boost within a 15W power envelope.
It includes 6MB of L3 cache and Iris Xe-LP Graphics G4, making it suitable for everyday office work, HD video playback, and very light casual gaming.
Specifications
Performance
Handles word processing and spreadsheets effortlessly, but heavily multitasked office environments will expose the 2-core limitation.
2 cores and 4 threads are insufficient for running anything beyond a single, very lightweight virtual machine.
The Iris Xe iGPU can handle older or 2D indie games at low settings, but modern AAA titles are unplayable.
The configurable 12W-28W TDP range allows OEMs to tune it for excellent battery life in thin chassis designs.
- •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
- •No dedicated NPU
- •AVX-512 provides some acceleration for specific vector math workloads
- •Not intended for AI development or inference
Architecture
10nm (SuperFin)
Process Node
Tiger Lake-U
Codename
2C / 4T
Core Config
6 MB
L3 Cache
15 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
Tiger Lake-U represents Intel's 11th generation mobile architecture, built on the 10nm SuperFin process to maximize frequency and power efficiency in thin-and-light form factors.
CPU Design
The i3-1115G4 features 2 Willow Cove cores with Hyper-Threading. Willow Cove introduced a redesigned cache hierarchy, increasing L1 and L2 capacities to 80KB and 1.25MB respectively, which helps keep the high-frequency cores fed with data.
Memory Subsystem
A dual-channel memory controller supporting DDR4-3200 and LPDDR4X-3733. The limited 4 CPU PCIe 4.0 lanes restrict high-speed storage expansion, as most NVMe lanes are routed through the PCH.
PCIe & I/O
4 direct PCIe 4.0 lanes from the CPU, primarily used for primary NVMe storage.
Overclocking
Multiplier is locked, consistent with mobile power-constrained designs.
- Significantly faster Willow Cove CPU architecture
- Massive iGPU upgrade to Iris Xe-LP
- PCIe 4.0 support (up from 3.0)
- Higher boost clocks
- AVX-512 instruction support
Key Highlights
- 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
- 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
History
The Core i3-1115G4 was introduced in September 2020 as part of Intel's aggressive push to re-establish its mobile leadership using the new 10nm SuperFin process. Unlike previous generations where the base i3 was a clear afterthought, Intel used Tiger Lake to democratize its newest architectural features, bringing Willow Cove cores and the Xe-LP graphics architecture to the entry-level tier.</br></br>However, to maintain market segmentation, Intel aggressively cut the core count on the i3-1115G4 to just 2 cores and 4 threads, while the i5 and i7 counterparts received 4 cores.
This created a stark performance divide within the same generation. The inclusion of AVX-512 on this 2-core part was particularly notable, as it forced software developers to consider optimizing for the instruction set even on low-end hardware, before Intel controversially removed it from consumer chips in subsequent generations.</br></br>The chip served as the engine for thousands of budget-friendly laptops in 2021 and 2022, targeting students and office workers who needed reliable performance for web apps and Microsoft Office without paying for premium-tier silicon.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- Significantly faster Willow Cove CPU architecture
- Massive iGPU upgrade to Iris Xe-LP
- PCIe 4.0 support (up from 3.0)
- Higher boost clocks
- AVX-512 instruction support
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Not Recommended for the right buyer
Purchasing a highly discounted budget laptop for basic school or office work where no heavy multitasking is required.
Avoid if…
- You plan to keep the laptop for more than 3-4 years
- You use browser-heavy workflows with many tabs
- You need any level of modern gaming
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
Despite being an i3, it includes AVX-512 instructions, a feature Intel later dropped from consumer 12th and 13th gen parts.
The Iris Xe-LP architecture in this chip shares its DNA with Intel's discontinued discrete Xe DG1 graphics card.
It launched at a tray price of $281, which was relatively high for a 2-core mobile chip, reflecting the cost of the new 10nm SuperFin process.
The configurable TDP-down allows it to operate at just 12W, making it a candidate for fanless laptop designs.
Its 4.1 GHz all-core turbo matches the boost clock because it only has two cores to sustain.
The 1.25MB of L2 cache per core was a 50% increase over the previous Ice Lake generation.
Willow Cove was a transitional architecture, bridging the gap between Ice Lake's Sunny Cove and Alder Lake's Golden Cove.
This processor lacks the PCH PCIe lanes data in standard spec sheets because they vary heavily based on the specific laptop motherboard.
Intel's Speed Shift Technology (HWP) allows this CPU to change frequencies in a single clock cycle, reducing latency.
The 144mm² die size includes both the CPU and the integrated Xe-LP GPU.
People Also Ask
Is the Intel Core i3-1115G4 good for gaming?
No, its 2 cores and integrated Iris Xe graphics are only suitable for very light older games. It cannot handle modern AAA titles.
What is the difference between i3-1115G4 and i5-1135G7?
The i5-1135G7 has 4 cores and 8 threads compared to the i3's 2 cores and 4 threads, and features a more powerful 80EU Iris Xe GPU versus the G4's reduced EU count.
Can the i3-1115G4 run Windows 11?
Yes, it is fully compatible with Windows 11 and meets all hardware requirements.
Does the i3-1115G4 support Thunderbolt 4?
Thunderbolt 4 support depends on the laptop motherboard, but the CPU's PCIe 4.0 lanes can facilitate it if the OEM includes the proper controller.
How much RAM can the i3-1115G4 support?
Intel's architecture supports up to 64GB of dual-channel DDR4 or LPDDR4X memory.
What does G4 mean in i3-1115G4?
The 'G4' designation indicates the tier of the integrated Iris Xe-LP graphics, representing a specific number of Execution Units (fewer than the G7 tier).
Is the i3-1115G4 better than the i3-1005G1?
Yes, significantly. The 1115G4 features the newer Willow Cove cores, much faster Iris Xe graphics, and higher clock speeds.
What is the TDP of the i3-1115G4?
The base TDP is 15W, but it is configurable between 12W (cTDP Down) and 28W (cTDP Up) depending on the laptop's cooling.
Does the i3-1115G4 have AVX-512?
Yes, unusually for an i3, it supports AVX-512 vector instructions.
Can I upgrade the processor in my i3-1115G4 laptop?
No, it uses a BGA 1449 socket, meaning it is permanently soldered to the motherboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the launch price of the Core i3-1115G4?
The official tray launch price was $281.
How many PCIe lanes does the i3-1115G4 have?
It has 4 direct PCIe 4.0 lanes from the CPU.
What is the max turbo power (PL2)?
52 Watts.
Does it support ECC memory?
No, the standard i3-1115G4 does not support ECC memory.
What is the L3 cache size?
6 MB shared L3 cache.
What is the dynamic frequency of the Iris Xe Graphics?
1250 MHz.
Is the multiplier unlocked?
No, it is locked.
What is the manufacturing process?
10nm, specifically Intel's 10nm SuperFin enhancement.
What is the part number?
SRK08.
What socket does it use?
Intel BGA 1449.