CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1035G4 vs Intel Core i5-1038NG7
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-1035G4 is a mid-tier mobile processor launched in August 2019 as part of the 10th Gen Ice Lake-U family. Built on Intel's 10nm process, it utilizes the Sunny Cove microarchitecture and features four cores and eight threads, making it well-suited for multitasking and everyday productivity. With a base clock of 1.1 GHz and a max turbo frequency of 3.7 GHz, it offers responsive performance in thin-and-light laptops. The processor operates at a 15-watt TDP, balancing power consumption and thermal output. A defining characteristic of the G4 variant is its inclusion of Intel Iris Plus graphics with 48 execution units, sitting between the lower-end UHD graphics and the higher-end 64-EU Iris Plus. This makes it capable of smooth 4K media playback and casual gaming. With support for LPDDR4 memory and PCIe Gen 3, the i5-1035G4 provides a versatile foundation for portable computing devices requiring a step up in graphical performance.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Strong single and multi-core performance for daily office work and multitasking.
The 28W TDP allows for excellent sustained performance in office and creative tasks.
Gaming
The 48-EU graphics can handle older games and e-sports titles at lower settings.
Capable of running macOS-supported games at decent settings thanks to 64 EUs.
Virtualization
Adequate for light VMs, though limited by 4 cores.
Handles Windows VMs via Boot Camp or Parallels reasonably well.
Efficiency
10nm process ensures good battery life in standard 15W configurations.
Less efficient than 15W models, but Apple's chassis design managed thermals effectively.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Lacks DL Boost found in higher-end models
- Capable of basic AI inference
- Features DL Boost 1.0
- Suitable for basic Core ML tasks on macOS
Content Creation
Gaming
- 48 Execution Units provide decent graphical headroom
- Can run CS:GO and Valorant smoothly
- Not suitable for modern AAA games at high settings
- 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
- 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
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 i5-1035G4
- 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
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 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 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 i5-1035G4 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 i5-1035G4 or Intel Core i5-1038NG7?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1038NG7 leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Intel Core i5-1035G4 and Intel Core i5-1038NG7.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-1035G4 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-1035G4 (15 W), Intel Core i5-1038NG7 (28 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1035G4 and Intel Core i5-1038NG7 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1035G4: 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 i5-1035G4 (7,800), Intel Core i5-1038NG7 (8,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.