CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1030NG7 vs Intel Core i5-1035G7
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-1030NG7 is a specialized quad-core mobile processor introduced exclusively for Apple's MacBook Air in March 2020. Built on Intel's 10nm Ice Lake architecture, it features the Sunny Cove microarchitecture, delivering notable improvements in instructions per clock. The processor comes with four cores and eight threads, operating at a 1.1 GHz base clock and boosting up to 3.5 GHz. With a 10W TDP, it is optimized for thin-and-light designs, balancing thermal constraints with reliable performance. A standout feature is the integrated Iris Plus Graphics with 64 Execution Units, offering significantly enhanced graphical capabilities over standard UHD graphics. This makes it more capable for video playback, light photo editing, and casual gaming. The chip also supports LPDDR4 memory at 3733 MT/s, ensuring high bandwidth for the integrated GPU. As an Apple-exclusive component, it was tailored to meet the specific power and thermal requirements of the 2020 MacBook Air.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Very snappy for everyday macOS tasks and light Xcode compiles.
Excellent performance for multitasking, office work, and web browsing.
Gaming
Capable of running macOS games and older titles at 720p/1080p.
The 64-EU graphics can handle e-sports titles and older games at 1080p low settings.
Virtualization
Handles light VMs well, but thermal limits apply.
Handles light VMs well, though 4 cores limit heavy workloads.
Efficiency
10nm process ensures excellent battery life in the MacBook Air.
10nm process ensures good battery life in 15W configurations.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Supports AVX-512 and DLBoost
- CPU-based AI inference is decent
- Features DL Boost 1.0
- Better AI performance than G1 and G4 variants
Content Creation
Gaming
- 64EU Iris Plus graphics
- Good for light Steam games on macOS
- Throttles under heavy graphical load
- 64 Execution Units provide strong graphical headroom
- Capable of 60fps in games like League of Legends
- Modern AAA titles will require lowest settings and resolution scaling
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Excellent integrated graphics for an Intel Mac
- Good 10nm efficiency
- Custom tuned for MacBook Air thermals
- Supports AVX-512
Cons
- Only available in a discontinued MacBook model
- Replaced quickly by the vastly superior Apple M1
- Thermal throttling under heavy loads
- Limited to 16GB of RAM in the host device
Pros
- Top-tier integrated graphics (64 EUs)
- Good single and multi-core performance
- 10nm power efficiency
- Native Thunderbolt 3 support
- Excellent for casual gaming and media
Cons
- Soldered to the motherboard
- Outperformed by Tiger Lake and AMD Ryzen 5000
- Thermal throttling can limit GPU performance in thin chassis
- Only supports PCIe Gen 3
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-1030NG7
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile (ARM)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1030G4Rival
Mobile (Fanless)
- Intel Core i7-1060NG7Rival
Mobile (Custom)
- AMD Ryzen 5 4500URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1038NG7Rival
Mobile (Custom)
- Apple M1 MacBook AirAlt
Vastly superior performance, battery life, and cooling.
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800UAlt
Much faster x86 alternative for Windows.
- Apple A12X BionicAlt
Older Apple ARM chip that still competes in efficiency.
The direct successor for Windows laptops.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i5-1035G7
- AMD Ryzen 7 3750URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 3550HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-1065G7Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1035G4Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 3700URival
Mobile
Tiger Lake successor with significantly better IPC and Xe graphics.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Offers stronger multi-core performance in the same category.
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Higher tier alternative if sticking to 11th Gen Intel.
- AMD Ryzen 7 4700UAlt
Better efficiency and multi-core performance.
Modern alternative with vastly superior multi-core performance.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A custom Intel chip for Apple that brought excellent graphics and efficiency to the 2020 MacBook Air, though soon replaced by Apple Silicon.
Best for: Buying a used 2020 Intel MacBook Air for specific legacy macOS software.
Read the full reviewA standout 10nm mobile processor that combined Sunny Cove architecture with 64-EU Iris Plus graphics, setting a new standard for integrated performance.
Best for: Buying a discounted premium used laptop for light gaming and productivity.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1030NG7 or Intel Core i5-1035G7?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-1035G7 comes out ahead with a score of 8.3/10. 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 i5-1030NG7 or Intel Core i5-1035G7?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1035G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Intel Core i5-1030NG7 and Intel Core i5-1035G7.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-1030NG7 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-1030NG7 (10 W), Intel Core i5-1035G7 (15 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1030NG7 and Intel Core i5-1035G7 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1030NG7: Intel BGA 1044, Intel Core i5-1035G7: Intel BGA 1526), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-1035G7 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-1030NG7 (6,200), Intel Core i5-1035G7 (8,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.