CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1035G1 vs Intel Core i5-1038NG7
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-1035G1 is a mainstream mobile processor introduced in August 2019 as part of the 10th Generation Ice Lake-U lineup. Fabricated on Intel's 10nm process, it features four cores and eight threads, utilizing the Sunny Cove microarchitecture to deliver substantial instruction-per-clock improvements over older generations. Operating at a 15-watt TDP, it is designed for thin-and-light laptops where balancing performance and battery life is crucial. Unlike its G4 and G7 siblings, the G1 variant integrates Intel UHD Graphics, offering solid multimedia capabilities but lacking the enhanced graphical horsepower of the Iris Plus series. It supports LPDDR4 memory up to 3733 MT/s and features PCIe Gen 3 connectivity. With a base clock of 1.0 GHz and boosting up to 3.6 GHz, this chip serves as a reliable workhorse for everyday productivity, web browsing, and media consumption in budget-friendly to mid-range portable computing devices.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Handles office tasks, browsing, and light coding efficiently.
The 28W TDP allows for excellent sustained performance in office and creative tasks.
Gaming
The UHD graphics with only 32 EUs are not suitable for modern gaming.
Capable of running macOS-supported games at decent settings thanks to 64 EUs.
Virtualization
Can run light virtual machines but limited by core count.
Handles Windows VMs via Boot Camp or Parallels reasonably well.
Efficiency
10nm process ensures good battery life in 15W configurations.
Less efficient than 15W models, but Apple's chassis design managed thermals effectively.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Lacks DL Boost instructions found in higher-end models
- Limited to basic CPU-based AI tasks
- Features DL Boost 1.0
- Suitable for basic Core ML tasks on macOS
Content Creation
Gaming
- Only 32 Execution Units (UHD Graphics)
- Struggles with modern 3D games
- Suitable only for 2D or very old games
- 64 EUs provide decent graphical horsepower
- Limited by the macOS game library
- Can run older titles smoothly via Boot Camp
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Good everyday CPU performance
- 10nm process for good efficiency
- Supports fast LPDDR4X memory
- Native Thunderbolt 3 support
- Cost-effective solution for OEMs
Cons
- Only 32 EUs (UHD Graphics)
- Locked multiplier
- Soldered to the motherboard
- Outclassed by newer 11th Gen and AMD Ryzen 5000 chips
Pros
- Strong sustained performance for a mobile chip
- Iris Plus graphics with 64 EUs
- Native Thunderbolt 3 support
- Good base clock of 2.0 GHz
- Supports Boot Camp for Windows compatibility
Cons
- End-of-life platform
- Outperformed by Apple M1 in almost every metric
- Soldered and restricted to Apple hardware
- Thermal throttling occurs in the thin MacBook Air chassis
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i5-1035G1
- AMD Ryzen 5 3500URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 3700URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-10210URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-1065G7Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 3550HRival
Mobile
Tiger Lake successor with much better graphics and IPC.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Offers significantly better multi-core and graphics performance.
Modern Alder Lake alternative with vastly superior performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 3 5300UAlt
Budget alternative with competitive graphics.
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Higher tier alternative if sticking to Intel 11th Gen.
Intel Core i5-1038NG7
- AMD Ryzen 5 4600URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 4800URival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1035G7Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-1065G7Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
Modern Windows alternative with superior multi-core performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600UAlt
Strong mobile alternative for Windows laptops.
- Alt
Modern Apple alternative for much better performance.
Compare head-to-head Higher tier Apple Intel alternative if sticking to 2020 MacBooks.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A solid 10nm processor that brings Sunny Cove architecture to the mainstream, though the lack of Iris Plus graphics limits its creative potential.
Best for: Buying a discounted used laptop for basic productivity and student work.
Read the full reviewA custom 28W Intel chip that provided excellent sustained performance for Apple's 2020 MacBooks, though it was quickly overshadowed by Apple Silicon.
Best for: Purchasing a used 2020 Intel MacBook for specific Boot Camp needs or budget constraints.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1035G1 or Intel Core i5-1038NG7?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-1038NG7 comes out ahead with a score of 8.2/10. 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 i5-1035G1 or Intel Core i5-1038NG7?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1038NG7 leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Intel Core i5-1035G1 and Intel Core i5-1038NG7.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-1035G1 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-1035G1 (15 W), Intel Core i5-1038NG7 (28 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1035G1 and Intel Core i5-1038NG7 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1035G1: Intel BGA 1526, Intel Core i5-1038NG7: Intel BGA 1344), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-1038NG7 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-1035G1 (7,500), Intel Core i5-1038NG7 (8,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.