CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1030G7 vs Intel Core i5-1035G4
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-1030G7 is a low-power mobile processor engineered for ultra-thin laptops and fanless designs, debuting as part of the 10th Generation Ice Lake-Y family. Built on Intel's 10nm process, it features four cores and eight threads, leveraging the Sunny Cove microarchitecture to deliver noticeable single-threaded performance improvements over previous generations. Operating at a low 9-watt TDP, with configurable options up to 12 watts, it balances battery life and responsive computing. The inclusion of Iris Plus graphics with 64 execution units marks a significant leap in integrated visual performance, capable of handling casual gaming and hardware-accelerated media workloads. With support for LPDDR4X memory at 3733 MT/s and PCIe Gen 3, the chip ensures fast data throughput. Designed for premium mobility, it targets professionals and students needing long-lasting battery endurance without sacrificing essential productivity capabilities in highly portable form factors.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Snappy for everyday office tasks and multitasking, though heavy rendering is slowed by the 9W TDP.
Strong single and multi-core performance for daily office work and multitasking.
Gaming
Capable of running older or well-optimized games at low settings, but struggles with modern AAA titles.
The 48-EU graphics can handle older games and e-sports titles at lower settings.
Virtualization
Can handle light virtualization, but resource constraints limit complex setups.
Adequate for light VMs, though limited by 4 cores.
Efficiency
Outstanding power efficiency tailored for all-day battery life in ultra-portables.
10nm process ensures good battery life in standard 15W configurations.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Features Intel DL Boost 1.0 for basic AI workloads
- Not suitable for heavy AI inference or training
- Lacks DL Boost found in higher-end models
- Capable of basic AI inference
Content Creation
Gaming
- Iris Plus 64 EUs provides decent entry-level graphics
- Suitable for games like CS:GO and League of Legends
- Thermal limits of 9W restrict sustained GPU boost clocks
- 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
- Exceptional power efficiency (9W TDP)
- Iris Plus graphics with 64 EUs
- Native Thunderbolt 3 support
- Good single-thread performance for everyday tasks
- Enables completely fanless designs
Cons
- Low base clock of 800 MHz
- Thermal throttling limits sustained performance
- Soldered to motherboard (BGA 1440)
- Outperformed by newer 11th Gen and AMD Ryzen alternatives
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 i5-1030G7
- AMD Ryzen 5 3580URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 3780URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-8200YRival
Mobile
- Intel Core m3-8100YRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500URival
Mobile
Tiger Lake successor with significantly better performance and efficiency.
Compare head-to-headAlder Lake alternative with vastly superior multi-core performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Better overall CPU performance in the same thin-and-light category.
Comet Lake-Y alternative if 10nm Ice Lake is unavailable.
Compare head-to-head- Alt
Offers class-leading efficiency for ultra-thin form factors.
Compare head-to-head
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 highly efficient 10nm chip that brought modern Sunny Cove architecture and Gen 11 graphics to ultra-portable devices, though its low TDP limits sustained multi-core performance.
Best for: Purchasing a used or discounted fanless ultra-thin laptop for basic productivity.
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 i5-1030G7 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 i5-1030G7 or Intel Core i5-1035G4?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1030G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 60/100 among Intel Core i5-1030G7 and Intel Core i5-1035G4.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-1030G7 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-1030G7 (9 W), Intel Core i5-1035G4 (15 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1030G7 and Intel Core i5-1035G4 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1030G7: Intel BGA 1440, 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 i5-1030G7 (6,500), Intel Core i5-1035G4 (7,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.