CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1035G4 vs Core i7-1160G7
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.
Snappy burst performance handles everyday tasks easily.
Gaming
The 48-EU graphics can handle older games and e-sports titles at lower settings.
Good for casual gaming, but thermal throttling in fanless designs limits sustained performance.
Virtualization
Adequate for light VMs, though limited by 4 cores.
Low power limits make running VMs difficult.
Efficiency
10nm process ensures good battery life in standard 15W configurations.
Top-tier efficiency; designed for maximum battery life.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Lacks DL Boost found in higher-end models
- Capable of basic AI inference
- GNA for audio AI
- Low power limits restrict heavy AI inference
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
- Great for 2D and e-sports titles
- Will throttle in heavy 3D loads due to fanless chassis
- Iris Xe provides surprising capability at 7W
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
- Incredible power efficiency
- Allows for completely silent, fanless designs
- Retains 96 EU Iris Xe graphics
- Excellent burst performance for daily tasks
- Ultra-thin package size
Cons
- Very low base clock (1.2 GHz)
- Will throttle quickly under sustained load without a fan
- Limited to LPDDR4X memory
- Expensive and niche market positioning
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 i7-1160G7
- Compare head-to-headApple M1Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5800URival
Mobile
- Microsoft SQ2Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1130G7Rival
Mobile
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2Rival
Mobile
12th Gen offers better efficiency and more cores in the 9W bracket.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5600UAlt
More multi-core performance if you can accept active cooling.
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Higher base clocks if you have active cooling.
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 remarkably efficient 10nm chip that brings high-end integrated graphics to completely silent, fanless form factors.
Best for: Buying a used premium fanless tablet like the Surface Pro X alternative or Dell XPS 13 2-in-1.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1035G4 or Core i7-1160G7?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Core i7-1160G7 comes out ahead with a score of 8.6/10. 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 i7-1160G7?
For gaming, the Core i7-1160G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 70/100 among Intel Core i5-1035G4 and Core i7-1160G7.
Do Intel Core i5-1035G4 and Core i7-1160G7 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1035G4: Intel BGA 1526, Core i7-1160G7: Intel BGA 1598), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
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), Core i7-1160G7 (4,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.