CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1035G4 vs Core i7-5550U
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.
Adequate for basic tasks but dual-core limits heavy workloads.
Gaming
The 48-EU graphics can handle older games and e-sports titles at lower settings.
Better than HD 5500, but still only suitable for old or light games.
Virtualization
Adequate for light VMs, though limited by 4 cores.
Not recommended for VMs.
Efficiency
10nm process ensures good battery life in standard 15W configurations.
Good efficiency, though the larger GPU increases idle power slightly.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Lacks DL Boost found in higher-end models
- Capable of basic AI inference
- No AI acceleration hardware
- Limited by dual-core CPU
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
- Can handle older games at 720p
- HD 6000 is a step up but still weak
- Not for modern AAA gaming
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
- Better integrated graphics than standard U-series
- Low 15W TDP
- Supports faster 1866 MT/s DDR3
- Good for media playback
Cons
- Only 2 cores
- Outdated DDR3 memory
- Weak for modern multitasking
- Soldered to motherboard
- Short market lifespan
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
Core i7-5550U
- AMD A10-7300Rival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i7-5500URival
Mobile Thin & Light
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-5250URival
Mobile Thin & Light
- Intel Core i7-6560UAlt
Skylake successor with Iris graphics and DDR4.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Modern 6-core alternative with Vega graphics.
- Alt
Massive leap in efficiency and graphics performance.
Compare head-to-head Modern 10nm alternative with Iris Plus graphics.
Compare head-to-headCoffee Lake-U with Iris Plus and much higher performance.
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 unique Broadwell-U chip that prioritized integrated graphics performance, making it suitable for light creative work in thin laptops.
Best for: Buying a used premium ultrabook for basic media consumption.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1035G4 or Core i7-5550U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-1035G4 comes out ahead with a score of 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 i5-1035G4 or Core i7-5550U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1035G4 leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Intel Core i5-1035G4 and Core i7-5550U.
Do Intel Core i5-1035G4 and Core i7-5550U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1035G4: Intel BGA 1526, Core i7-5550U: Intel BGA 1168), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which has more cores?
The Intel Core i5-1035G4 has the most cores. Core counts: Intel Core i5-1035G4 (4 cores), Core i7-5550U (2 cores).
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-1035G4 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-1035G4 (7,800). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.