Intel Core i3-1115G4 vs Intel Core i9-10940X Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark results are unambiguous: the Intel Core i9-10940X wins all eight recorded head-to-head comparisons against the Intel Core i3-1115G4. The most striking margins appear in multi-core workloads, where the i9-10940X's 14 cores and 28 threads completely overwhelm the i3-1115G4's 2 cores and 4 threads.

In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the i9-10940X scores 23,520 versus 4,933 for the i3-1115G4, a delta of -79% from the i3's perspective. The single-core R23 result tells a similar story: 3,320 versus 696, again a -79% gap. Cinebench R20 multi-core shows 9,878 versus 2,071 (-79%), and R20 single-core shows 1,394 versus 292 (-79.1%). Even in the older Cinebench R15 tests, the pattern holds: multi-core 2,370 versus 497 (-79%) and single-core 334 versus 70 (-79%).

Geekbench results are slightly less lopsided but still favor the i9-10940X decisively. In Geekbench multi-core, the i9-10940X scores 10,464 versus 2,465, a -76.4% delta. Single-core Geekbench is the closest contest in the entire comparison: 1,556 versus 1,330, a -14.5% margin. This single-core result is notable because it shows the i3-1115G4's Tiger Lake architecture and higher boost clock per core (4.10 GHz) can partially close the gap, yet even here the older Cascade Lake design wins.

What the data does not show is any workload where the i3-1115G4 comes out ahead. The wins counter stands at 0 for the i3-1115G4 and 8 for the i9-10940X. For tasks that rely purely on multi-threaded throughput, the i9-10940X is between 3.8x and 4.8x faster depending on the benchmark. For single-threaded tasks, the margin narrows to between 1.2x and 4.8x, with the Geekbench single-core result being the only case where the i3-1115G4 remains competitive.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has better multi-core performance?

A: The Intel Core i9-10940X is dramatically ahead. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it scores 23,520 versus 4,933 for the i3-1115G4, a -79% difference. Geekbench multi-core shows 10,464 versus 2,465, a -76.4% gap.

Q: Is the i3-1115G4 competitive in single-core workloads?

A: Only partially. In Geekbench single-core, the i3-1115G4 scores 1,330 versus 1,556 for the i9-10940X, a -14.5% gap. However, in Cinebench R23 single-core, the i3-1115G4 scores 696 versus 3,320, a -79% difference. The Geekbench result is the only benchmark where the i3-1115G4 comes close.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each processor?

A: The i3-1115G4 has 2 cores and 4 threads. The i9-10940X has 14 cores and 28 threads. This 7x core advantage and 7x thread advantage drives the multi-core benchmark results.

Q: How do the average benchmark scores compare?

A: The i3-1115G4 has an average benchmark score of 6,851 and sits at the 63rd percentile of all CPUs. The i9-10940X has an average benchmark score of 6,605 and sits at the 62nd percentile. Despite the i9-10940X winning every head-to-head test, its average score is actually slightly lower because the i3-1115G4 has additional PassMark benchmark results that are not part of the direct comparison.

Q: What are the closest rivals to each CPU according to the database?

A: For the i3-1115G4, the nearest rivals are the AMD Athlon X4 970 (average score 6,850, 0% delta), AMD Athlon Silver 10 (6,849, 0%), Intel Xeon W-2195 (6,892, -0.6%), and Intel Xeon Gold 6154 (6,803, 0.7%). For the i9-10940X, the nearest rivals are the Intel Pentium Gold G6405 (6,605, 0%), Intel Core i9-12900E (6,611, -0.1%), Intel Core i5-13500E (6,586, 0.3%), and Intel Core i5-13400E (6,638, -0.5%).

Q: Do both CPUs support ECC memory?

A: No. Both the i3-1115G4 and the i9-10940X have ECC memory support set to false. Neither processor supports error-correcting code memory.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from entirely different Intel generations and market segments. The i3-1115G4 uses the Tiger Lake architecture, specifically Tiger Lake-U, built on a 10 nm process node. It is a mobile processor designed for laptops and ultra-portables, with a die size of 144 mm². The i9-10940X uses the Cascade Lake architecture, specifically Cascade Lake-X, built on a 14 nm process node. It is a desktop processor designed for high-end workstations and enthusiast systems.

The i3-1115G4 features 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The i9-10940X features 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 1 MB of L2 cache per core, and 19.25 MB of shared L3 cache. The i3-1115G4 has a smaller total cache but a larger per-core allocation relative to its 2-core design.

The i3-1115G4 includes integrated graphics in the form of Iris Xe-LP Graphics G4, while the i9-10940X has no integrated graphics at all. This makes the i3-1115G4 a self-contained mobile solution, whereas the i9-10940X requires a discrete graphics card for any display output.

The i3-1115G4 has a 15 watt TDP and uses the Intel BGA 1449 socket, which is soldered and not upgradeable. The i9-10940X has a 165 watt TDP and uses the Intel Socket 2066, which is a socketed LGA design that allows for processor replacement. The i9-10940X also has an unlocked multiplier, while the i3-1115G4 is locked.

The i3-1115G4 supports PCIe Gen 4 with 4 lanes for the CPU, while the i9-10940X supports PCIe Gen 3. The i3-1115G4 supports both DDR4 and LPDDR4X memory in dual-channel configuration, while the i9-10940X supports only DDR4 in quad-channel configuration.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i3-1115G4 | Intel Core i9-10940X |

|---------------|----------------------|----------------------|

| Cores | 2 | 14 |

| Threads | 4 | 28 |

| Base Clock | 2.20 GHz | 3.30 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.10 GHz | 4.80 GHz |

| TDP | 15 W | 165 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1449 | Intel Socket 2066 |

| Architecture | Tiger Lake | Cascade Lake |

| Codename | Tiger Lake-U | Cascade Lake-X |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 14 nm |

| Die Size | 144 mm² | Not recorded |

| L1 Cache | 80 KB (per core) | 64 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 1 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 6 MB (shared) | 19.25 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4, LPDDR4X | DDR4 |

| Memory Bus | Dual-channel | Quad-channel |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 4 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 3 |

| Integrated Graphics | Iris Xe-LP Graphics G4 | None |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | Yes |

| Launch MSRP | $281 | Not recorded |

| Release Date | 2020-09-01 | 2019-10-18 |

Where Each One Wins

The i9-10940X wins every benchmark category where both CPUs have recorded scores. In Cinebench R15, R20, and R23, both multi-core and single-core tests favor the i9-10940X. In Geekbench, both multi-core and single-core tests also favor the i9-10940X. The database records 8 wins for the i9-10940X and 0 wins for the i3-1115G4 in direct head-to-head comparisons.

The i3-1115G4 does have strengths outside the direct comparison. Its PassMark results include data compression at 62,444, data encryption at 3,339, extended instructions at 4,588, find prime numbers at 25, floating point math at 10,791, integer math at 17,472, multithread at 5,915, physics at 410, random string sorting at 7,662, and single-thread at 2,585. These scores contribute to its average benchmark score of 6,851 and 63rd percentile ranking.

The i9-10940X does not have PassMark results recorded in the database, so its average benchmark score of 6,605 comes entirely from the Cinebench and Geekbench tests. This explains why the i3-1115G4 has a higher average score despite losing all head-to-head tests: the PassMark suite adds many additional data points that boost its average.

For workloads that use the integrated graphics, the i3-1115G4 has a clear advantage, as the i9-10940X has no integrated graphics at all. For any workload that requires a discrete GPU, the i9-10940X's PCIe Gen 3 support and desktop platform are more appropriate. The i3-1115G4's mobile design with 15 watt TDP makes it suitable for battery-powered systems, while the i9-10940X's 165 watt TDP requires robust desktop cooling.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear conclusion: the Intel Core i9-10940X is the superior processor in every measurable benchmark comparison. Its 14 cores and 28 threads deliver multi-core performance that is roughly 4x to 5x higher than the i3-1115G4 across Cinebench and Geekbench workloads. Even in single-core tests, where the i3-1115G4's newer architecture and 10 nm process might be expected to help, the i9-10940X still wins, although the Geekbench single-core margin of -14.5% is the closest contest in the entire comparison.

The i3-1115G4 is not without merit. Its 15 watt TDP, integrated Iris Xe-LP Graphics G4, and mobile BGA 1449 socket make it a viable option for thin-and-light laptops where power efficiency and compactness matter more than raw throughput. Its PassMark single-thread score of 2,585 and data compression score of 62,444 indicate competent everyday performance for office tasks and web browsing.

The i9-10940X, with its 165 watt TDP, unlocked multiplier, and Socket 2066 platform, is built for sustained heavy workloads: video rendering, 3D modeling, scientific computation, and any parallel task that can use 28 threads. Its quad-channel DDR4 memory support and 19.25 MB of shared L3 cache further support multi-threaded efficiency.

For a user choosing between these two, the decision hinges entirely on form factor and workload. The i3-1115G4 is the appropriate choice for a mobile system where the integrated graphics eliminate the need for a discrete GPU and the low TDP extends battery life. The i9-10940X is the appropriate choice for a desktop workstation where maximum compute throughput is the priority and the absence of integrated graphics is irrelevant because a dedicated GPU is already required. The benchmark data does not support choosing the i3-1115G4 for performance reasons, but its mobile characteristics are valid reasons for selection in portable systems.