Intel Core i3-1115G4

The Intel Core i3-1115G4 is a 2-core, 4-thread Tiger Lake-U mobile processor built on Intel's 10 nm process, with a base clock of 2.20 GHz and a boost clock of 4.10 GHz. It integrates Iris Xe-LP Graphics G4 and supports DDR4 and LPDDR4X memory in a dual-channel configuration, all within a 15 W TDP class. The benchmark data positions this chip at the 67th percentile among all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 7443, placing it in a peculiar competitive bracket against far larger server and HEDT parts.

Benchmark Performance

The average benchmark score of 7443 places the Core i3-1115G4 in a tightly contested cluster, with its nearest rivals separated by less than half a percent. The data shows a 0.1% deficit against the Intel Xeon Platinum 8180M (avg score 7452), and a 0.2% gap behind the Intel Xeon Platinum 8260 (avg score 7460). Conversely, it edges out the Intel Core i9-9990XE and Intel Core i9-9980XE by 0.4% each, with those parts scoring 7415 and 7410 respectively. These deltas are statistically negligible, suggesting that in aggregate workloads, the i3-1115G4 performs on par with these high-core-count enterprise chips—an outcome that seems counterintuitive given the architectural gulf between a 2-core mobile part and 28-core Xeons.

Looking at individual benchmarks, the multi-threaded results paint a more nuanced picture. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the chip scores 5027, while Cinebench R20 multi-core yields 2111 and R15 multi-core scores 506. These numbers are modest for a modern CPU, yet they align with the 67th percentile ranking. The PassMark multi-thread score of 5915 reinforces this, showing a part that handles concurrent workloads adequately but not spectacularly. The data implies that the i3-1115G4's placement among Xeon-class rivals in the aggregate score is likely due to the averaging methodology across diverse test suites, not a reflection of raw throughput parity. For instance, the PassMark integer math score of 17472 and floating-point math score of 10791 are respectable for a dual-core design, but the find prime numbers score of just 25 highlights its limitations in certain algorithmic tasks.

Power and Thermals

With a TDP of 15 W, the i3-1115G4 belongs to the ultra-low-power mobile segment, designed for thin-and-light laptops and fanless or near-silent cooling solutions. This TDP class implies that a basic heatpipe-and-fan assembly or a well-designed passive cooler can manage its thermals, as the Willow Cove cores are optimized for efficiency rather than sustained high-frequency operation. The 10 nm process node from Intel contributes to this efficiency, allowing the 4.10 GHz boost clock to be achieved within the thermal envelope, but only for short bursts. Benchmark results indicate that sustained multi-threaded loads, such as the Cinebench R23 multi-core run scoring 5027, will likely cause the processor to settle at lower clocks to maintain the 15 W power limit. The die size of 144 mm² is relatively large for a 15 W part, suggesting that the integrated Iris Xe-LP Graphics G4 occupies significant silicon, which may influence thermal density in compact chassis. For system integrators, this means the cooling solution must account for both CPU and iGPU heat generation, though the overall thermal load remains far below desktop-class processors.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The single-thread versus multi-thread performance split reveals the i3-1115G4's design philosophy: it prioritizes responsive single-core tasks over parallel throughput. The Cinebench R23 single-core score of 709 stands in stark contrast to the multi-core score of 5027, yielding a ratio of roughly 7:1 in favor of multi-threading when all cores are engaged. This is typical for a 2-core/4-thread part, where hyper-threading adds about 40-50% over pure dual-core execution. The PassMark single-thread score of 2585 is notably strong, placing it above many older desktop quad-cores in per-core performance, which is critical for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and light productivity. The data compression score of 62444 and data encryption score of 3339 in PassMark show that the chip handles these workloads efficiently, likely benefiting from the 4.10 GHz boost clock on a single core. However, in heavily threaded applications such as video rendering or 3D modeling, the 2-core limit becomes a bottleneck; the Cinebench R20 multi-core score of 2111 is roughly half of what a modern 4-core part achieves, indicating that content creators would see significant slowdowns in export or simulation tasks. The extended instructions score of 4588 suggests the AVX-512 support (via Willow Cove) provides a boost for compatible workloads, but this is offset by the low core count in multi-threaded scenarios.

Platform and Compatibility

The i3-1115G4 uses the Intel BGA 1449 socket, which means it is soldered to the motherboard and not upgradeable—a critical consideration for buyers who value future-proofing. The platform is based on the Tiger Lake-U architecture, supporting DDR4 and LPDDR4X memory in dual-channel mode, with no ECC support. The PCIe implementation is Gen 4 with only 4 lanes from the CPU, which limits discrete GPU bandwidth to x4—adequate for entry-level graphics cards but a constraint for high-end gaming or compute workloads. The integrated Iris Xe-LP Graphics G4 provides a baseline display output and basic 3D acceleration, reducing the need for a discrete GPU in office or media consumption scenarios. The memory bus is dual-channel, and with a typical LPDDR4X configuration, the lack of a published memory bandwidth figure in the data suggests it is not a distinguishing feature. The production status is active, and the release date of 2020-09-01 places it in the early Tiger Lake wave. The part number SRK08 identifies this specific SKU, and the multiplier is locked, ruling out overclocking. The upgrade path is effectively non-existent due to the BGA mounting; users must choose the entire platform at purchase time. The 4 PCIe Gen 4 lanes are shared between the GPU and any NVMe storage, so a fast SSD will consume half the available lanes, leaving only x2 for a dGPU—a potential bottleneck for discrete graphics.

How It Compares

Against the Intel Xeon Platinum 8180M, the i3-1115G4 trails by 0.1% in average score (7443 vs 7452). The Xeon is a 28-core server monster, but the data shows that in the specific benchmark aggregate, the mobile chip holds its own. This is misleading for real-world server workloads, where the Xeon's massive core count dominates, but for single-threaded tasks, the i3's higher boost clock narrows the gap. The 0.1% delta is within noise, indicating that the average benchmark score is not a reliable indicator of performance parity.

The Intel Xeon Platinum 8260 sits 0.2% ahead (7460 vs 7443). Similar to the 8180M, this is a high-core-count Xeon designed for data centers. The i3-1115G4's deficit is minimal in the aggregate, but the Xeon's advantage in multi-threaded tests would be substantial. The data suggests that the i3's single-thread performance compensates for its core deficit in the averaging, but this does not translate to practical parity in threaded workloads.

The Intel Core i9-9990XE is narrowly beaten by 0.4% (7415 vs 7443). This is a 14-core HEDT processor that typically excels in multi-threaded tasks. The i3-1115G4's edge in the aggregate is surprising, but the Cinebench multi-core scores tell a different story: the i9 would outperform the i3 by a wide margin in rendering. The 0.4% delta is likely due to the PassMark single-thread tests where the i3's 4.10 GHz boost gives it an advantage.

The Intel Core i9-9980XE also trails by 0.4% (7410 vs 7443). As another 18-core HEDT part, it shares the same dynamic as the 9990XE. The i3-1115G4's superior single-thread score (2585 in PassMark) compensates for its lack of cores, but in any multi-threaded benchmark, the i9 would crush it. The data implies that the i3's placement among these rivals is an artifact of the benchmark suite's weighting, not a genuine performance equivalence.

FAQ

Q: What is the launch MSRP of the Intel Core i3-1115G4?

A: The launch MSRP is $281.

Q: Does the Intel Core i3-1115G4 support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported.

Q: How many PCIe lanes does the CPU provide?

A: The CPU provides 4 PCIe Gen 4 lanes.

Q: What is the socket type for the Intel Core i3-1115G4?

A: It uses the Intel BGA 1449 socket, which is soldered and not upgradeable.

Q: What is the TDP of this processor?

A: The TDP is 15 W, indicating an ultra-low-power mobile design.

Q: What is the single-thread score in Cinebench R23?

A: The Cinebench R23 single-core score is 709.

Who Should Consider It

The benchmark results indicate that the i3-1115G4 is best suited for users whose workloads are predominantly single-threaded and latency-sensitive. The PassMark single-thread score of 2585 and Cinebench R23 single-core score of 709 show strong per-core performance, making it a capable choice for office productivity suites, web browsing with many tabs, and light spreadsheet manipulation. The integrated Iris Xe-LP Graphics G4 adds enough 3D capability for basic photo editing and 4K video playback, but the low core count means it is not a gaming CPU; the 2-core/4-thread configuration will struggle with modern game titles that utilize multiple cores. For content creators, the data is less favorable: the Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 5027 and PassMark multi-thread score of 5915 are far below what is needed for video editing or 3D rendering, so those users should look to higher-core-count alternatives. The 15 W TDP makes it ideal for fanless or ultra-thin laptops where battery life and quiet operation are priorities, and the 67th percentile ranking suggests it outperforms a majority of CPUs on the market in aggregate. However, the lack of upgradeability and the 4-lane PCIe Gen 4 limit mean it is a closed system, best for users who purchase a laptop for a fixed lifespan without plans for GPU upgrades. In summary, this processor targets the mainstream mobile segment where responsiveness and efficiency outweigh multi-threaded muscle.