Intel Core i3-1115G4

Intel Core i3-1115G4: Compact Power for Everyday Tasks
Analysis of the Tiger Lake Processor in 2025
Architecture and Technology Process: 10 nm SuperFin and Hybrid Efficiency
The Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor, released in 2020, remains relevant for budget laptops even in 2025 due to its balanced architecture. It is built on the 10 nm SuperFin technology, which marked a breakthrough for Intel, reducing power consumption and increasing transistor density compared to its 14 nm predecessors.
- Cores and Threads: 2 cores, 4 threads (Hyper-Threading). Base frequency — 3.0 GHz, maximum in Turbo Boost — 4.1 GHz.
- Willow Cove Architecture: Improved IPC (instructions per cycle) by 10-15% compared to Ice Lake. Support for PCIe 4.0 and Wi-Fi 6.
- Integrated Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics (11th generation) with 48 EU (Execution Units), frequency up to 1.25 GHz. Supports 4K@60 Hz via HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort.
Despite the modest number of cores, the processor is optimized for single-threaded tasks, such as web browsing or document work. The graphics, although weaker than AMD Vega or Iris Xe, handle AV1 video decoding and light gaming adequately.
Power Consumption and TDP: Balancing Performance and Battery Life
With a TDP of 28 W, this is a "golden mean" between performance and energy efficiency. For comparison:
- 15 W (U-series): Less noise and more battery life, but lower peak performance.
- 28-35 W (P-series): Higher stable frequency under load, but heat requires quality cooling.
Intel Dynamic Tuning Technology automatically adjusts power consumption based on workload. For example, during short video rendering, Turbo Boost is activated, while in reading mode, the frequency decreases to 1.2 GHz.
Performance: From Office to Light Gaming
Office Tasks:
- Chrome with 20+ tabs + Zoom + Word — the processor handles this without lag if RAM ≥ 8 GB.
- Booting Windows 11 (or lightweight Linux distributions) — instant response.
Multimedia:
- Streaming 4K video (Netflix, YouTube) — AV1 decoding reduces CPU load to 10-15%.
- Editing in Shotcut or DaVinci Resolve (1080p): rendering will take 2-3 times longer than on an i5-1135G7, but acceptable for occasional edits.
Gaming:
- CS:GO (1280x720, low settings) — 40-50 FPS.
- Minecraft (with anti-aliasing) — 60 FPS.
- Genshin Impact (720p, minimum settings) — 25-30 FPS (requires FSR/XeSS).
Turbo Boost: For 15-20 seconds, the frequency rises to 4.1 GHz, but under prolonged load (e.g., installing updates), throttling down to 3.5 GHz may occur due to overheating in slim cases.
Use Cases: Who is the i3-1115G4 Suitable For?
- Students: Working with texts, online courses, watching lectures.
- Office Workers: Excel, PowerPoint, corporate applications.
- Casual Users: Web surfing, social media, streaming.
- Travelers: Compact laptops weighing ≤1.5 kg (e.g., Acer Swift 3).
Not recommended for:
- Professional video/3D editing.
- Modern AAA gaming.
- Running virtual machines or heavy IDEs.
Battery Life: How Long Will the Battery Last?
With a TDP of 28 W, the battery life heavily depends on the battery capacity:
- Laptop with 40 Wh: 4-5 hours (web surfing), 2-3 hours (YouTube).
- Model with 60 Wh: 7-8 hours in power-saving mode.
Energy-Saving Technologies:
- Intel Speed Shift: Quick switching between P-states.
- Adaptix Thermal Framework: Dynamic fan control.
- Display Power Savings: Dims the backlight when displaying static images.
Tip: Disable Turbo Boost in BIOS — battery life will increase by 20-30%, and performance for office tasks will be nearly unaffected.
Comparison with Competitors: AMD, Apple, and Previous Generations
- AMD Ryzen 3 7320U (4 cores/8 threads, Zen 2): Better in multi-threaded tasks (e.g., rendering), but weaker in single-thread performance (Geekbench 6 Single: ~1350). Laptop prices: $450–$600.
- Apple M1 (8 cores): 2-3 times faster in multitasking, but macOS is not for everyone. Devices start from $900.
- Intel Core i5-1035G1 (10th generation): Inferior in IPC and energy efficiency. Relevant only on the second-hand market.
Conclusion: The i3-1115G4 outperforms competitors in the $400–$550 segment if the priority is portability and a responsive system.
Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- High single-thread performance.
- Support for Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 6.
- Affordable laptop prices (from $400).
Weaknesses:
- Only 2 cores — multitasking is limited.
- Weaker graphics compared to Ryzen with Vega.
- Heating under load in ultrabooks.
Laptop Selection Recommendations
- Device Type: Ultrabook (e.g., Lenovo IdeaPad 5) or compact laptop (HP Pavilion Aero).
- Minimum Specifications:
- 8 GB RAM (preferably 16 GB for future upgrade).
- 256 GB SSD (NVMe).
- IPS display with a resolution of 1920x1080.
- Cooling: Check reviews for fan noise.
Examples of 2025 models:
- Asus Vivobook 14 X1404: $429, 8 GB/256 GB, 14" FHD.
- Dell Inspiron 15 3525: $499, 16 GB/512 GB, touchscreen.
Final Verdict
The Intel Core i3-1115G4 is an optimal choice for those seeking an affordable laptop for everyday tasks. It combines sufficient power for office use, portability, and modern interfaces (Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6). However, for gaming or professional tasks, it is better to consider models with Ryzen 5 or Core i5.
Who it suits:
- Students and freelancers.
- Users who value lightness and battery life.
- Those who do not want to overpay for "extra power".
In 2025, laptops with this processor remain a cost-effective option in the budget segment, especially with discounts (often dropping to $350–$400).