CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1035G1 vs Intel Core i3-1125G4
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.
Four cores handle office suites, video conferencing, and moderate multitasking with ease.
Gaming
The UHD graphics with only 32 EUs are not suitable for modern gaming.
The Iris Xe GPU can handle e-sports titles like League of Legends and CS:GO at 1080p low, but it is not meant for modern AAA gaming.
Virtualization
Can run light virtual machines but limited by core count.
Can run a single lightweight virtual machine or Docker containers, but 8 threads limit heavy virtualization.
Efficiency
10nm process ensures good battery life in 15W configurations.
Excellent power efficiency when paired with LPDDR4X memory, allowing for long battery life in ultrabooks.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Lacks DL Boost instructions found in higher-end models
- Limited to basic CPU-based AI tasks
- No dedicated NPU
- DLBoost provides some AI inference acceleration but is largely superseded by modern standards
Content Creation
Gaming
- Only 32 Execution Units (UHD Graphics)
- Struggles with modern 3D games
- Suitable only for 2D or very old games
- Playable frame rates in older e-sports titles at 1080p low settings
- Not suitable for modern AAA games
- Performance varies heavily based on laptop cooling and cTDP settings
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
- 4 cores and 8 threads provide solid multitasking capability
- Iris Xe-LP graphics are highly capable for integrated silicon
- Configurable TDP allows balance between battery life and performance
- Supports both DDR4 and power-efficient LPDDR4X
- PCIe 4.0 support for fast storage
Cons
- Now end-of-life and superseded by 12th-gen parts
- Single-thread performance is lower than newer Alder Lake chips
- No hybrid core architecture like subsequent generations
- 28 W PL2 is relatively low for sustained performance bursts
- Only 8 threads limit heavy professional workloads
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 i3-1125G4
- AMD Ryzen 3 5400URival
Mainstream Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500URival
Performance Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1135G7Rival
Premium Thin-and-Light
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
ARM Premium Laptop
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c Gen 2Rival
Always Connected PC
The direct 12th-gen successor featuring hybrid P-cores and E-cores for much better multi-threaded performance.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 7 5700UAlt
An 8-core option for users needing maximum battery life and multi-core performance in a thin laptop.
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 reviewThe i3-1125G4 was an excellent mainstream mobile processor in 2021, bringing 4 cores and 8 threads to the i3 laptop tier alongside a significant iGPU upgrade, though it has since been surpassed by 12th-gen parts.
Best for: You should only consider buying a laptop with the i3-1125G4 today if it is being offered at a significant, heavily discounted clearance price. At launch, it was a fantastic chip for students and office workers, offering enough power for daily tasks and capable integrated graphics. However, as an end-of-life product, paying standard retail pricing for it is unwise. The newer 12th-generation i3-1215U offers hybrid P-cores and E-cores for similar money, providing much better performance and longevity. If you find a used 1125G4 laptop incredibly cheap, it remains a perfectly viable machine for web browsing and document editing.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1035G1 or Intel Core i3-1125G4?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-1035G1 comes out ahead with a score of 7.8/10. 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 i5-1035G1 or Intel Core i3-1125G4?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1035G1 leads with a gaming performance score of 40/100 among Intel Core i5-1035G1 and Intel Core i3-1125G4.
Do Intel Core i5-1035G1 and Intel Core i3-1125G4 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1035G1: Intel BGA 1526, Intel Core i3-1125G4: BGA 1449), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i3-1125G4 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-1035G1 (7,500), Intel Core i3-1125G4 (8,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.