CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1030NG7 vs Intel Core i5-1135G7
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.
Snappy performance for everyday office tasks and multitasking.
Gaming
Capable of running macOS games and older titles at 720p/1080p.
Capable of playing e-sports titles and older games at 1080p thanks to Iris Xe graphics.
Virtualization
Handles light VMs well, but thermal limits apply.
Can handle light virtualization but is limited by 4 cores.
Efficiency
10nm process ensures excellent battery life in the MacBook Air.
Excellent power efficiency due to the 10nm SuperFIN process.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Supports AVX-512 and DLBoost
- CPU-based AI inference is decent
- DLBoost and GNA 2.0 provide solid AI acceleration for background blur and noise cancellation.
Content Creation
Gaming
- 64EU Iris Plus graphics
- Good for light Steam games on macOS
- Throttles under heavy graphical load
- Iris Xe 80EU allows for smooth e-sports gaming.
- Performance scales heavily with dual-channel memory.
- Not suitable for modern AAA gaming at high settings.
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
- Excellent single-core performance
- Massive leap in integrated graphics (Iris Xe 80EU)
- Great power efficiency
- Supports fast LPDDR4X-4267 memory
- Includes PCIe 4.0 for fast storage
Cons
- Limited to 4 cores
- Integrated graphics still weaker than entry-level discrete GPUs
- Soldered onto the motherboard (BGA package)
- Replaced quickly by 12th Gen P-series and U-series
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 i5-1135G7
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1035G1Rival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600UAlt
Provides better multi-core performance with 6 cores.
Budget alternative with 2 cores for basic office tasks.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5800UAlt
Excellent 8-core alternative for heavy multitasking.
Newer 12th gen alternative with more cores and better efficiency.
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 breakthrough mobile chip that brought console-like integrated graphics to thin-and-light laptops, though limited to 4 cores.
Best for: Buying a mid-range ultrabook for everyday use and light gaming.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1030NG7 or Intel Core i5-1135G7?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-1135G7 comes out ahead with a score of 8.5/10. 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 i5-1135G7?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1135G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 75/100 among Intel Core i5-1030NG7 and Intel Core i5-1135G7.
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 i5-1135G7 (15 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1030NG7 and Intel Core i5-1135G7 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1030NG7: Intel BGA 1044, Intel Core i5-1135G7: Intel BGA 1449), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-1030NG7 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-1030NG7 (6,200), Intel Core i5-1135G7 (0). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.