Intel Core i3-1120G4
Intel processor specifications and benchmark scores
Integrated GPUAt a Glance
IntelIntel Core i3-1120G4 Specifications
Core i3-1120G4 Core Configuration
Processing cores and threading
The Intel Core i3-1120G4 features 4 physical cores and 8 threads, which directly impacts multi-threaded performance in CPU benchmarks. More cores allow the processor to handle parallel workloads efficiently, improving performance in video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking scenarios. Thread count determines how many simultaneous tasks the CPU can process, with higher thread counts benefiting productivity applications and content creation workflows.
i3-1120G4 Clock Speeds
Base and boost frequencies
Clock speed is a critical factor in Core i3-1120G4 benchmark performance, measured in GHz. The base clock represents the guaranteed operating frequency, while the boost clock indicates maximum single-core performance under optimal conditions. Higher clock speeds translate to faster single-threaded performance, which is essential for gaming and applications that don't fully utilize multiple cores. The Core i3-1120G4 by Intel can dynamically adjust its frequency based on workload and thermal headroom.
Intel's Core i3-1120G4 Cache Hierarchy
L1, L2, L3 cache sizes
Cache memory is ultra-fast storage built directly into the i3-1120G4 processor die. L1 cache provides the fastest access for frequently used data, while L2 and L3 caches offer progressively larger storage with slightly higher latency. Larger cache sizes significantly improve CPU benchmark scores by reducing memory access times. The Core i3-1120G4's cache configuration is optimized for both gaming performance and productivity workloads, minimizing data fetch delays during intensive computations.
Tiger Lake Architecture & Process
Manufacturing and design details
The Intel Core i3-1120G4 is built on Intel's 10 nm manufacturing process, which determines power efficiency and thermal characteristics. Smaller process nodes allow for more transistors in the same space, enabling higher performance per watt. The architecture defines how the processor handles instructions and manages data flow, directly impacting benchmark results across different workload types. Modern CPU architectures like the one in i3-1120G4 incorporate advanced branch prediction and out-of-order execution for optimal performance.
Tiger Lake Instruction Set Features
Supported CPU instructions and extensions
The Core i3-1120G4 by Intel supports various instruction set extensions that enable optimized performance for specific workloads. SIMD instructions like SSE and AVX accelerate multimedia, scientific computing, and AI workloads by processing multiple data points simultaneously. Features like AES-NI provide hardware-accelerated encryption, while AVX-512 (if supported) enables advanced vector processing for data centers and high-performance computing. These instruction sets are critical for software compatibility and performance in modern applications.
i3-1120G4 Power & Thermal
TDP and power specifications
The Intel Core i3-1120G4 has a TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15W, indicating the cooling solution required for sustained operation. TDP affects both system power consumption and the type of cooler needed. Lower TDP processors are ideal for compact builds and laptops, while higher TDP chips typically offer better sustained performance in demanding CPU benchmarks. Understanding power requirements helps ensure your system can deliver consistent performance without thermal throttling.
Intel BGA 1598 Platform & Socket
Compatibility information
The Core i3-1120G4 uses the Intel BGA 1598 socket, which determines motherboard compatibility. Choosing the right platform is essential for building a system around this processor. The socket type also influences available features like PCIe lanes, memory support, and upgrade paths. When comparing CPU benchmarks, ensure you're looking at processors compatible with your existing or planned motherboard to make informed purchasing decisions.
Intel BGA 1598 Memory Support
RAM compatibility and speeds
Memory support specifications for the i3-1120G4 define which RAM types and speeds are compatible. Faster memory can significantly improve CPU benchmark performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and gaming. The memory controller integrated into the Core i3-1120G4 determines maximum supported speeds and channels. Dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations can double or quadruple memory bandwidth, providing noticeable performance gains in content creation and scientific workloads.
Intel's Core i3-1120G4 Integrated Graphics
Built-in GPU specifications
The Intel Core i3-1120G4 includes integrated graphics, eliminating the need for a dedicated GPU in basic computing scenarios. Integrated graphics are ideal for office productivity, video playback, and light gaming. While not designed for demanding GPU benchmarks, the iGPU in the i3-1120G4 provides hardware video encoding and decoding capabilities. This makes the processor suitable for compact builds, HTPCs, and systems where power efficiency is prioritized over gaming performance.
Core i3-1120G4 Product Information
Release and pricing details
The Intel Core i3-1120G4 is manufactured by Intel and represents their commitment to delivering competitive CPU performance. Understanding the release date and pricing helps contextualize benchmark comparisons with other processors from the same generation. Launch pricing provides a baseline for evaluating value, though street prices often differ. Whether you're building a new system or upgrading, the Core i3-1120G4 by Intel offers a specific balance of performance, features, and cost within Intel's product lineup.
Core i3-1120G4 Benchmark Scores
No benchmark data available for this CPU.
About Intel Core i3-1120G4
The Intel Core i3-1120G4 is a low-power mobile processor built on the Tiger Lake-U architecture. It combines four Willow Cove cores with eight threads, a 10 nm process, and a 15 W thermal envelope. The chip targets thin-and-light laptops where efficiency matters more than raw performance. Its base clock sits at 1100 MHz, while the boost clock reaches 3.50 GHz, and it integrates Iris Xe Graphics G4. The processor holds a 50th percentile ranking among all CPUs in the database, indicating median performance in the broader landscape.
Platform and Compatibility
The i3-1120G4 uses the Intel BGA 1598 socket, which is a soldered, non-upgradeable mounting. This means the processor is permanently attached to the motherboard, ruling out any future CPU swaps. The platform is based on the Tiger Lake-U architecture, built on Intel’s 10 nm process node. Memory support is limited to DDR4, running in dual-channel mode with a peak bandwidth of 59.7 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported, so the chip is not intended for error-correcting workloads.
For expansion, the CPU provides 16 PCIe Gen 4 lanes (CPU only), which is sufficient for a discrete GPU or a high-speed NVMe SSD in a typical ultraportable. Integrated graphics are handled by Iris Xe Graphics G4, which shares the system memory. The processor was released on 2020-09-01 and remains in active production. The lack of a free multiplier means overclocking is not possible, further locking the chip into its stock configuration. The socket and soldered design, combined with the mobile market segment, define a platform that is best suited for pre-built laptops rather than custom builds.
How It Compares
The FACT PACK does not list any nearest rivals for this processor, so direct head-to-head comparisons with specific competing models are not available. However, the overall percentile ranking provides a reference point: the i3-1120G4 sits at the 50th percentile across all CPUs in the database. This means it outperforms half of the processors tracked and falls behind the other half. Given its mobile, low-power design, this median position is expected — it is not a flagship part, but it is also not a bottom-tier chip. The absence of benchmark scores in the dataset further complicates quantitative comparison, but the specifications suggest a balanced performer within its thermal class. The 4-core, 8-thread configuration, combined with a 3.50 GHz boost, places it above entry-level dual-core parts while remaining far below high-end desktop or workstation processors. The 50th percentile likely reflects the fact that this chip is competitive within the ultraportable segment, where most rivals also operate under strict power limits.
Who Should Consider It
The i3-1120G4 is designed for mobile systems where power efficiency is paramount. Its 15 W TDP makes it suitable for fanless or near-silent laptops, as well as devices that prioritize battery life over sustained heavy loads. For office productivity — word processing, spreadsheet management, web browsing, and email — the four cores and eight threads handle multitasking comfortably. The 3.50 GHz boost clock ensures snappy response for single-threaded applications like document rendering or browser JavaScript. Content creation is possible but limited: the integrated Iris Xe Graphics G4 can accelerate light photo editing or video playback, but the lack of a dedicated GPU and the modest core count will struggle with 3D rendering or high-resolution video encoding. Gaming is not a primary target, though older or less demanding titles may run at low settings thanks to the integrated graphics. The processor’s 8 MB shared L3 cache and 1.25 MB L2 per core help keep frequently used data close, reducing memory latency. The 59.7 GB/s memory bandwidth is adequate for the integrated GPU, but not exceptional. In summary, this chip is best for users who need a dependable, low-power laptop for everyday tasks and occasional light creative work, not for those seeking high-end performance.
FAQ
Q: What socket does the Intel Core i3-1120G4 use?
A: It uses the Intel BGA 1598 socket, which is a soldered, non-upgradeable design.
Q: What memory types does this processor support?
A: It supports DDR4 memory in dual-channel mode, with a maximum bandwidth of 59.7 GB/s. ECC memory is not supported.
Q: Does the i3-1120G4 have integrated graphics?
A: Yes, it includes Iris Xe Graphics G4, which shares system memory and is suitable for basic display output and light graphics tasks.
Q: Can I overclock this processor?
A: No, the multiplier is locked, and the processor does not support overclocking.
Q: What is the release date of this chip?
A: It was released on 2020-09-01 and is still listed as active in production.
Q: How many PCIe lanes does it provide?
A: It offers 16 PCIe Gen 4 lanes (CPU only), which can be used for a discrete GPU or high-speed storage.
Benchmark Performance
The FACT PACK contains no benchmark scores for the i3-1120G4; the average benchmark score is listed as 0, which likely indicates that no standardized tests have been recorded in this database. Nevertheless, the processor’s percentile rank of 50 provides a meaningful anchor: it sits exactly at the median of all CPUs tracked. This suggests that, when evaluated against the full spectrum of processors — from low-end mobile chips to high-end desktop parts — the i3-1120G4 delivers performance that is neither exceptional nor deficient. In a typical ultraportable laptop, this translates to smooth operation for everyday applications, but it will not compete with desktop-class CPUs in multi-threaded workloads. The 4-core, 8-thread layout, combined with a 3.50 GHz boost, allows the chip to handle bursts of activity well, but sustained all-core loads will be limited by the 15 W power envelope. The 8 MB shared L3 cache is modest, yet sufficient for the target workload. Without direct rival scores, we cannot compute exact percentage deltas, but the 50th percentile implies that the i3-1120G4 is a middle-of-the-pack performer. Users should expect responsiveness in office tasks and light multitasking, but heavy computational tasks will likely expose the chip’s limitations.
Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior
The i3-1120G4 exhibits a wide gap between its base clock of 1100 MHz and its boost clock of 3.50 GHz. This large dynamic range is typical of low-power mobile processors: the base clock is set low to conserve energy during idle or light loads, while the boost clock kicks in for short, demanding bursts. For single-threaded workloads — such as launching applications, web page rendering, or spreadsheet recalculation — the high boost clock allows the processor to deliver near-desktop-level responsiveness. The 4 cores and 8 threads provide adequate multi-threading capability for parallel tasks like video encoding or compiling, but the low base clock means that sustained all-core loads will run at much lower frequencies, reducing throughput. The 15 W TDP forces a trade-off: when all cores are active, the processor must lower its clock speed to stay within the power budget, so multi-threaded performance is constrained. In contrast, single-thread performance can leverage the full 3.50 GHz boost because only one core is active, drawing less power. This behavior is well-suited for interactive use, where short bursts of activity dominate. For longer, multi-threaded jobs, the processor will throttle and performance will align more closely with the base clock. The 8 MB shared L3 cache helps mitigate some of the latency from the lower clocks, but the fundamental power limit remains the defining factor.
Power and Thermals
The i3-1120G4 has a TDP of 15 W, classifying it as an ultra-low-power processor. This thermal envelope is designed for passive cooling solutions — such as heat pipes and a small fan — or even completely fanless designs in very thin laptops. The 10 nm process node contributes to the efficiency, allowing the chip to achieve a 3.50 GHz boost while staying within 15 W. The low TDP implies that a modest cooling solution is sufficient; a simple heatsink with a low-profile fan or a thin vapor chamber will manage thermals without issue. The processor’s integrated graphics, Iris Xe Graphics G4, also draws from the same 15 W budget, meaning that heavy GPU loads will reduce the CPU’s available power. In practice, this means sustained all-core CPU+GPU stress will cause the chip to throttle down to its base clock to avoid exceeding the power limit. For most mobile workloads, this is an acceptable trade-off, as the system is designed for battery efficiency rather than peak performance. The 15 W TDP also aligns with the market segment of thin-and-light laptops, where thermal dissipation is limited by the chassis size. Users should expect the device to remain cool and quiet during typical use, with occasional fan activity under sustained load.
The AMD Equivalent of Core i3-1120G4
Looking for a similar processor from AMD? The AMD Ryzen 3 4300G offers comparable performance and features in the AMD lineup.
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