Intel Core i3-1115G4 Processor Chromebooks

The Intel Core i3-1115G4 brought Intel’s 11th generation Tiger Lake architecture to mainstream Chromebooks when it launched in September 2020. Built on Intel’s 10nm SuperFin process, this dual-core processor features two Willow Cove CPU cores with hyper-threading for four total threads, delivering a significant generational leap in efficiency and per-clock performance over previous Intel mobile chips. The processor operates with a base frequency of 3.0 GHz and can boost to 4.1 GHz, with a configurable TDP ranging from 12W to 28W depending on the laptop’s thermal design.

In the Chromebook processor hierarchy, the i3-1115G4 occupies an interesting middle ground. It substantially outperforms budget Celeron and Pentium chips while costing less than quad-core i5 alternatives. With an Octane 2.0 score of 39,000 in our database, it delivers roughly double the JavaScript performance of the Intel Celeron N4500 (21,000) and approaches the territory previously reserved for higher-tier processors. When the Tiger Lake i3 debuted, Chrome Unboxed reported that it “absolutely destroys any processor ever used in a Chrome OS device” at the time, scoring 37% higher than the previous generation Core i7 in Octane benchmarks.

The i3-1115G4 also benefits from Intel’s Iris Xe graphics technology, though the integrated GPU only carries the Iris Xe branding when paired with dual-channel memory (128-bit). With single-channel memory, it operates as Intel UHD Graphics. In either configuration, the graphics represent a meaningful improvement over Intel’s previous generation integrated solutions, enabling smoother video playback, better web rendering performance, and improved capability for casual gaming and light content creation tasks.

Performance

The Intel Core i3-1115G4 delivers solid benchmark results for its class, though its dual-core design means it cannot match the multi-threaded throughput of quad-core alternatives. Our database shows an Octane 2.0 score of 39,000, which is approximately 68% higher than the Intel Pentium Silver N6000 (31,377) and nearly double the Intel Celeron N4500 (21,000). Compared to the newer Intel Processor N100 with its four E-cores (23,000 Octane), the i3-1115G4’s higher single-thread performance from its two P-cores delivers notably faster response in JavaScript-heavy web applications.

PassMark CPU Mark scores for the i3-1115G4 land around 5,860 points for multi-threaded workloads, with single-thread performance reaching approximately 2,561 points. This places the processor’s multi-threaded capability roughly comparable to the Intel Core i5-8250U or AMD Ryzen 5 3450U from the previous generation. In Geekbench 6 testing, the processor averages 1,822 in single-core and 3,383 in multi-core benchmarks based on user submissions. These numbers demonstrate capable performance for everyday productivity, though users running heavily parallelized workloads would benefit from stepping up to a quad-core processor.

Real-world performance testing by professional reviewers confirms the benchmark data translates to a responsive daily experience. Laptop Mag found the Lenovo Flex 5 Chromebook with this processor scored 152.89 in JetStream 2.0, well above the Chromebook average of 110.78. The Thurrott review noted that “there’s no version of this story where an identically configured Windows PC could handle these workloads” at the same price point, praising the i3-1115G4’s ability to run Notion, Photoshop, and video editing applications smoothly through a combination of web, Linux, and Android apps. Where the processor shows its limitations is in sustained heavy multitasking or computationally intensive tasks like video encoding, where the two-core design becomes a bottleneck.

Ideal Use Cases

Chromebooks with the Intel Core i3-1115G4 serve users who need reliable everyday performance without the premium pricing of quad-core alternatives. Students represent a primary audience, as the processor handles dozens of browser tabs, Google Workspace applications, video streaming, and Android apps simultaneously without breaking a sweat. Android Authority awarded the Lenovo Flex 5i a 9/10 rating and Editor’s Choice status, noting that after extended use “I forgot I was on a Chromebook” due to the smooth performance. The combination of capable processing power, all-day battery life, and ChromeOS’s inherent security makes i3-1115G4 Chromebooks excellent educational devices.

Remote workers and home office users find these Chromebooks handle productivity workflows effectively. Video conferencing runs smoothly, complex Google Sheets calculations complete without delays, and multitasking between email, documents, and collaboration tools feels responsive. The Thurrott review specifically tested professional workflows and found the processor could handle demanding tasks through web applications and Linux containers that would challenge budget machines. For users whose work lives primarily in the browser with occasional Android or Linux application use, the i3-1115G4 provides more than adequate performance.

Cloud gaming works reasonably well on i3-1115G4 Chromebooks, with services like GeForce NOW and Xbox Cloud Gaming running smoothly since the cloud servers handle the heavy lifting. The 9to5Google review praised the Lenovo Flex 5i for “strong performance for cloud gaming” with consistent frame delivery. However, local gaming through Steam on Linux delivers mixed results, with simple games running well but demanding titles struggling due to the dual-core design and integrated graphics. Creative work requiring intensive local processing would benefit from stepping up to an i5, but for web-based workflows and cloud-reliant use cases, the i3-1115G4 delivers genuine competence.

What to Look For

When selecting among Chromebooks powered by the Intel Core i3-1115G4, display quality often defines the user experience more than processor performance differences. The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i features a 13.3-inch 1920x1080 IPS touchscreen with approximately 300 nits brightness, adequate for indoor use but potentially limiting for outdoor work. The HP Chromebook x360 14c offers a larger 14-inch 1080p panel with similar specifications. The HP Chromebook 14b includes a 1366x768 display at only 250 nits, which reviewers consistently flagged as a weakness. Prioritize at least 1080p resolution and 300+ nits brightness if display quality matters to your workflow.

All current i3-1115G4 Chromebooks ship with 8GB of RAM, which provides comfortable headroom for typical Chrome OS usage patterns. This amount handles multitasking well, supporting numerous browser tabs alongside Android apps without significant slowdown. Since RAM is soldered and non-upgradeable in these machines, 8GB represents a reasonable configuration that most users will find sufficient. Storage configurations range from 128GB to 256GB SSD, with the smaller capacity working fine for cloud-focused users while local file storage benefits from the larger option.

Connectivity and form factor should guide your choice between models. The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i offers a 360-degree hinge for tablet and tent modes, Wi-Fi 6E for future-proof wireless networking, and a convertible design ideal for note-taking with a USI stylus. The HP Chromebook 14b includes a full-size HDMI port for presentations without dongles, plus two USB-A ports alongside USB-C. Battery life claims range from 10 to 11.5 hours depending on model, though real-world testing by Engadget showed the Flex 5i achieving closer to 7 hours of actual use. Check Auto Update Expiration dates carefully, as HP’s older 14b model expires in June 2029 while the Lenovo Flex 5i extends to June 2032.