Intel Core i3-1125G4 (IPU)

The Intel Core i3-1125G4 (IPU) is a mobile processor built on the Tiger Lake architecture, manufactured on Intel's 10 nm process. It features 4 cores and 8 threads, with a base clock of 2.00 GHz and a boost clock of 3.70 GHz. The chip carries a 15 W TDP and is aimed at thin-and-light laptops. According to the database, it ranks at the 50th percentile among all CPUs, placing it exactly in the middle of the performance distribution. The launch MSRP is $281.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The core configuration of 4 physical cores with 8 threads via simultaneous multithreading (SMT) provides a balanced foundation for both single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads. The base clock of 2.00 GHz is relatively modest, but the boost clock of 3.70 GHz represents a substantial frequency headroom. This gap suggests that lightly threaded tasks—such as web browsing, office document editing, or single-threaded legacy applications—can benefit significantly from the higher boost state, provided the thermal and power limits allow it. Conversely, multi-threaded workloads that stress all 8 threads will likely settle closer to the base clock due to the 15 W TDP envelope, which constrains sustained all-core operation.

The cache hierarchy also plays a role in this split. Each core has 80 KB of L1 and 1.25 MB of L2, while the 8 MB shared L3 cache acts as a communication hub between cores. For multi-threaded workloads that share data, the L3 capacity is adequate for this class, but it is not large by modern standards. The 50th percentile ranking does not break down single- versus multi-thread performance, so we cannot quantify the split. However, the clock and core counts imply that the processor will feel responsive in everyday single-threaded tasks, while its multi-threaded throughput will be limited by the low power budget and the modest core count. In essence, this is a processor designed for bursty, short-duration workloads rather than sustained heavy computation.

Power and Thermals

The 15 W TDP places the i3-1125G4 in the ultra-low-power segment of mobile processors. This TDP class is typical for fanless or lightly cooled designs found in premium ultraportables, 2-in-1s, and thin notebooks. The 10 nm process node contributes to power efficiency, but the die size of 144 mm² is relatively compact, suggesting a modest transistor budget. The integrated Iris Xe-LP Graphics G4 shares the same thermal package, meaning that both CPU and GPU activity contribute to the 15 W limit. Under sustained multi-threaded loads, the processor is likely to throttle to stay within this envelope, reducing performance to maintain safe temperatures. Conversely, short bursts of single-threaded activity can reach the 3.70 GHz boost clock without prolonged thermal stress.

The absence of benchmark scores prevents a precise thermal characterization, but the TDP alone indicates that a capable air cooler or a well-designed heat pipe solution should suffice for most thin-and-light chassis. The low power draw also means that battery life can be excellent in light usage scenarios, as the processor rarely needs to draw maximum current. However, users who push the chip with heavy multi-threaded rendering or complex simulations will encounter performance degradation due to power limits. The 15 W TDP is a defining constraint—it shapes both the performance ceiling and the thermal behavior of this processor.

How It Compares

The database does not list any nearest rivals for this processor. Therefore, direct comparisons with specific competing models are not possible. The only relative metric available is the 50th percentile ranking, which indicates that the processor sits exactly in the middle of the performance distribution of all CPUs in the database. This suggests that it is neither a high-end nor a low-end part, but rather a mainstream offering. Without rival data, we cannot compute percentage deltas or position it against other mobile chips. The 50th percentile is a coarse measure—it aggregates all CPUs, regardless of segment, so a mobile i3 might be above average among mobile parts but below average when compared to desktop or high-end server processors. Nevertheless, the percentile provides a single point of reference: this CPU is statistically average in the overall landscape.

FAQ

Q: What is the socket type?

A: The Intel Core i3-1125G4 uses the Intel BGA 1449 socket, which is a ball-grid array for mobile platforms.

Q: What memory does it support?

A: It supports DDR4 and LPDDR4X memory in a dual-channel configuration. ECC memory is not supported.

Q: What is the integrated graphics?

A: It features Iris Xe-LP Graphics G4.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked?

A: No, the multiplier is locked, so overclocking is not supported.

Q: When was it released?

A: The release date is March 30, 2021.

Q: What is the production status?

A: It is end-of-life.

Who Should Consider It

This processor is well suited for everyday productivity tasks such as word processing, spreadsheet work, web browsing, and video conferencing. The 4 cores and 8 threads provide smooth multitasking for typical office workloads, while the 15 W TDP allows for long battery life in thin and light laptops. The integrated Iris Xe-LP Graphics G4 can handle casual gaming and video playback, but it is not intended for demanding 3D titles or GPU-accelerated rendering. For content creation that relies on multi-threading—like photo editing or light video encoding—the 8 threads will help, but the low power limit may cause performance to taper off during longer exports. Gamers should consider this only for older or less demanding games; the 50th percentile ranking suggests it is a middle-of-the-road performer, not a gaming powerhouse. The processor is best suited for users who prioritize portability and efficiency over raw compute capability. Office workers, students, and frequent travelers will find it adequate for their daily needs, provided they do not require sustained heavy computation.

Platform and Compatibility

The i3-1125G4 is a mobile processor soldered to the motherboard via the Intel BGA 1449 socket, meaning there is no upgrade path—users cannot swap the CPU later. It supports dual-channel DDR4 and LPDDR4X memory, which is standard for this class. The processor provides PCIe Gen 4 with 16 lanes (CPU only), enabling fast NVMe SSDs and discrete GPUs, though the "CPU only" designation suggests that additional PCIe lanes may come from the chipset, which is not specified. The integrated graphics output is handled by Iris Xe-LP Graphics G4, which supports modern display outputs but lacks discrete VRAM. The architecture is Tiger Lake, codename Tiger Lake-U, and the processor is manufactured on Intel's 10 nm process. It was released on March 30, 2021, and is now end-of-life, so new systems using this chip are no longer being produced. The memory bus is dual-channel, and ECC is not supported, which is typical for consumer mobile processors. The socket being BGA means that the processor is not field-replaceable, so any future upgrade would require a new laptop.

Benchmark Performance

The benchmark data for this processor is absent. The benchmarks array is empty, and the average benchmark score is 0. The only performance indicator is the 50th percentile ranking, which places it in the middle of all CPUs. Without rival data, we cannot compute percentage deltas or assess relative strengths. The lack of scores means that quantitative analysis is impossible; however, the core and clock specifications provide a baseline: 4 cores at 2.00 GHz base and 3.70 GHz boost, with 8 MB of shared L3 cache. These numbers suggest a balanced performer for everyday tasks, but the 15 W TDP will likely limit sustained multi-threaded performance. The 10 nm process and Tiger Lake architecture are modern, but the i3 branding within the Core series indicates an entry-level tier, though we cannot confirm that from the fact pack alone. The 50th percentile ranking is the only benchmark-derived metric available, and it tells us that the processor performs better than half of all CPUs and worse than the other half. In the absence of specific scores, users should rely on the core count, clock speeds, and TDP to gauge its capabilities. For a 4-core/8-thread mobile chip with a 15 W power envelope, the expected performance is adequate for light to moderate workloads, but it will not compete with higher-tier processors in either single-thread or multi-thread tasks. The database's lack of benchmark entries suggests that either the processor was not widely tested or the data was not aggregated, leaving a gap in the quantitative record.