CPU Comparison

Intel Core i5-1035G4 vs Intel Core i7-8560U

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.

Top pick
Intel · Core i5
Intel Core i5-1035G4
4C / 8T3.7 GHz15 W
8
Full review
Intel · Core i7
Intel Core i7-8560U
4C / 8T4.6 GHz15 W
7.5
Full review

The Bottom Line

Overview & Launch

Brand
Intel
Intel
Market
Mobile
Mobile
Segment
Mobile
Mobile
Generation
Core i5 (Sunny Cove-U)
Core i7 (Whiskey Lake)
Launched
2019
2018
Status
Active
End-of-life
Codename
Ice Lake-U
Whiskey Lake-U
Series
Core i5
Core i7
Family
10th Generation Core i5
8th Generation
Predecessor
Intel Core i5-8265U
Intel Core i7-8550U
Successor
Intel Core i5-1135G7
Intel Core i7-10510U

Specifications Compared

Cores & Clocks
Cores
4
4
Threads
8
8
Base Clock
1.1 GHz
1.8 GHz
Boost Clock
3.7 GHz
4.6 GHz
Cache & Power
L3 Cache
6 MB
8 MB
TDP
15 W
15 W
Architecture
Architecture
Sunny Cove
Whiskey Lake-U
Process Node
10nm
14nm
Memory
Memory Type
DDR4, LPDDR4
DDR3, DDR4
Memory Speed
3200 MT/s (DDR4), 3733 MT/s (LPDDR4)
2400 MT/s
Memory Channels
Dual (2)
Dual (2)
Max Memory
64 GB
64 GB
Platform & I/O
Socket
Intel BGA 1526
Intel BGA 1528
PCIe Version
Gen 3
Gen 3
PCIe Lanes
16
16
Integrated GPU
Yes
Yes
Unlocked
No
No

Performance Compared

Productivity

Intel Core i5-1035G4Best85

Strong single and multi-core performance for daily office work and multitasking.

Intel Core i7-8560U80

Handles heavy multitasking and office applications effortlessly.

Gaming

Intel Core i5-1035G4Best55

The 48-EU graphics can handle older games and e-sports titles at lower settings.

Intel Core i7-8560U30

Only suitable for very light or older games on low settings.

Virtualization

Intel Core i5-1035G465

Adequate for light VMs, though limited by 4 cores.

Intel Core i7-8560U65

Can run light VMs, but limited by 15W power constraints.

Efficiency

Intel Core i5-1035G485

10nm process ensures good battery life in standard 15W configurations.

Intel Core i7-8560UBest95

Outstanding power-to-performance ratio for battery life.

Specialized Performance

AI / ML

Intel Core i5-1035G4Basic
  • Lacks DL Boost found in higher-end models
  • Capable of basic AI inference
Intel Core i7-8560ULimited
  • No dedicated AI hardware
  • Basic CPU inference only

Content Creation

Intel Core i5-1035G4Good
PhotoshopLightroom1080p Video EditingWeb Design
Intel Core i7-8560UFair
Basic Photo Editing1080p Video EditingAudio Production

Gaming

Intel Core i5-1035G4Fair to Good
  • 48 Execution Units provide decent graphical headroom
  • Can run CS:GO and Valorant smoothly
  • Not suitable for modern AAA games at high settings
Intel Core i7-8560ULow
  • Relies on Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • Only suitable for indie or older titles
  • Not recommended for modern AAA gaming

Industry Impact

Gaming
Low
Low
Workstations
Low
Moderate
Content Creation
Moderate
Moderate
Virtualization
Moderate
Moderate

Best CPU by Use Case

Office Applications
Excellent
4K Video Playback
Excellent
Casual Gaming
Good
Photo Editing
Good
Video Editing
Fair
Office Productivity
Excellent
Web Browsing
Excellent
Programming
Very Good
1080p Video Playback
Excellent
Gaming
Poor

Target Audience

Gamers
Content Creators
Targeted
Developers
Targeted
Targeted
Workstation Users
Streamers
Office / Productivity
Targeted
Targeted
Students
Targeted
Targeted

Strengths & Weaknesses

Intel Core i5-1035G4

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
Intel Core i7-8560U

Pros

  • Excellent power efficiency
  • Good burst performance
  • Quad-core multitasking
  • Widely supported in business laptops

Cons

  • Weak integrated graphics
  • Older 14nm process
  • Locked multiplier
  • Soldered to motherboard

Competitors & Alternatives

Intel Core i5-1035G4

Intel Core i7-8560U

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 review

A capable quad-core mobile CPU that offers excellent battery life and sufficient power for everyday productivity, though it struggles with heavy rendering or modern gaming.

Best for: Purchasing a used, premium ultrabook for study or light office work.

Read the full review

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Intel Core i5-1035G4 or Intel Core i7-8560U?

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 Intel Core i7-8560U?

For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1035G4 leads with a gaming performance score of 55/100 among Intel Core i5-1035G4 and Intel Core i7-8560U.

Do Intel Core i5-1035G4 and Intel Core i7-8560U use the same socket?

No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1035G4: Intel BGA 1526, Intel Core i7-8560U: Intel BGA 1528), so each needs a compatible motherboard.

Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?

The Intel Core i7-8560U posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-1035G4 (7,800), Intel Core i7-8560U (8,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.