CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1030G4 vs Intel Core i5-1035G4
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-1030G4 is a quad-core mobile processor belonging to Intel's 10th Generation Ice Lake lineup, specifically the Y-series for ultra-thin and fanless devices. Manufactured on Intel's 10nm process, it utilizes the new Sunny Cove architecture to deliver improved instructions per clock over previous generations. It features four cores and eight threads, with a very low base clock of 700 MHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 3.5 GHz. The 9W TDP allows for passive cooling, making it ideal for premium tablets and compact 2-in-1s. A major upgrade over Comet Lake is the integration of Gen 11 Iris Plus graphics, offering significantly better graphical performance and hardware decoding capabilities. It also supports DDR4 memory and AVX-512 instructions, enhancing its potential for light AI and compute workloads. While the low base clock limits sustained multi-threaded performance, this chip excels in bursty workloads and provides a modern feature set for portable computing.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Good for office tasks, but low base clock limits heavy multitasking.
Strong single and multi-core performance for daily office work and multitasking.
Gaming
Iris Plus graphics allow for light gaming at 720p, a big step up from UHD.
The 48-EU graphics can handle older games and e-sports titles at lower settings.
Virtualization
AVX-512 support is nice, but low clocks limit VM performance.
Adequate for light VMs, though limited by 4 cores.
Efficiency
10nm node provides excellent performance per watt.
10nm process ensures good battery life in standard 15W configurations.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Supports AVX-512 for AI workloads
- DLBoost accelerates inference
- Lacks DL Boost found in higher-end models
- Capable of basic AI inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Gen 11 Iris Plus graphics
- Can play older titles at 720p
- Thermal limits restrict sustained GPU boost
- 48 Execution Units provide decent graphical headroom
- Can run CS:GO and Valorant smoothly
- Not suitable for modern AAA games at high settings
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Modern 10nm manufacturing process
- Iris Plus graphics are a huge upgrade
- Supports LPDDR4 memory
- AVX-512 instruction support
Cons
- Extremely low 700 MHz base clock
- Throttles heavily under sustained load
- Still uses PCIe 3.0
- Hard to find in mainstream devices
Pros
- Iris Plus graphics with 48 EUs
- Good single-thread performance
- 10nm power efficiency
- Native Thunderbolt 3 support
- Decent casual gaming capability
Cons
- Not as graphically powerful as the G7 variant
- Soldered to motherboard
- Outperformed by newer AMD and Intel chips
- Can thermal throttle under heavy load in thin laptops
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-1030G4
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1030NG7Rival
Mobile (Fanless)
- AMD Ryzen 3 4300URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10210YRival
Mobile (Fanless)
- Apple A12Z BionicRival
Mobile (ARM)
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cxRival
Mobile (ARM)
Better 11th gen efficiency and graphics.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600UAlt
Far superior CPU performance.
Higher sustained clocks if graphics are less important.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Better battery life and performance.
Compare head-to-head - Intel Core i3-1210YAlt
Modern hybrid architecture for fanless designs.
Intel Core i5-1035G4
- AMD Ryzen 5 3550URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 3750HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1035G1Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-1065G7Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500URival
Mobile
Tiger Lake successor with significantly better graphics and IPC.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600UAlt
Better efficiency and multi-core performance.
Modern alternative with vastly superior multi-core performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 4700UAlt
Stronger multi-core alternative in the same category.
Higher graphical performance alternative (64 EUs).
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A significant architectural leap over Comet Lake, offering better graphics and modern features, though hampered by a very low base clock.
Best for: Buying a used premium tablet that benefits from Iris graphics.
Read the full reviewA balanced mobile processor that combines Sunny Cove architecture with 48-EU Iris Plus graphics, offering a good middle ground for multimedia tasks.
Best for: Purchasing a mid-range used laptop for light creative work and media consumption.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1030G4 or Intel Core i5-1035G4?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-1035G4 comes out ahead with a score of 8/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-1030G4 or Intel Core i5-1035G4?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1035G4 leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Intel Core i5-1030G4 and Intel Core i5-1035G4.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-1030G4 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-1030G4 (9 W), Intel Core i5-1035G4 (15 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1030G4 and Intel Core i5-1035G4 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1030G4: Intel BGA 1377, Intel Core i5-1035G4: Intel BGA 1526), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-1035G4 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-1030G4 (5,800), Intel Core i5-1035G4 (7,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.