CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1035G7 vs Intel Core i5-1038NG7
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-1035G7 is a premium mobile processor launched in August 2019 as part of the 10th Generation Ice Lake-U family. Fabricated on Intel's 10nm process, it utilizes the Sunny Cove microarchitecture and features four cores and eight threads, delivering robust performance for thin-and-light laptops. With a base clock of 1.2 GHz and a max turbo frequency of 3.7 GHz, it offers snappy responsiveness for everyday tasks and demanding applications. The processor operates at a 15-watt TDP, efficiently balancing power and thermal constraints. A key feature of the G7 variant is the integration of Intel Iris Plus graphics with 64 execution units, providing exceptional graphical performance for an integrated solution, capable of smooth 4K media playback and light gaming. Supporting LPDDR4 memory up to 3733 MT/s and featuring native PCIe Gen 3 and Thunderbolt 3 integration, the i5-1035G7 was designed for high-end ultraportables requiring strong CPU and GPU performance.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
Excellent performance for multitasking, office work, and web browsing.
The 28W TDP allows for excellent sustained performance in office and creative tasks.
Gaming
The 64-EU graphics can handle e-sports titles and older games at 1080p low settings.
Capable of running macOS-supported games at decent settings thanks to 64 EUs.
Virtualization
Handles light VMs well, though 4 cores limit heavy workloads.
Handles Windows VMs via Boot Camp or Parallels reasonably well.
Efficiency
10nm process ensures good battery life in 15W configurations.
Less efficient than 15W models, but Apple's chassis design managed thermals effectively.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Features DL Boost 1.0
- Better AI performance than G1 and G4 variants
- Features DL Boost 1.0
- Suitable for basic Core ML tasks on macOS
Content Creation
Gaming
- 64 Execution Units provide strong graphical headroom
- Capable of 60fps in games like League of Legends
- Modern AAA titles will require lowest settings and resolution scaling
- 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
- Top-tier integrated graphics (64 EUs)
- Good single and multi-core performance
- 10nm power efficiency
- Native Thunderbolt 3 support
- Excellent for casual gaming and media
Cons
- Soldered to the motherboard
- Outperformed by Tiger Lake and AMD Ryzen 5000
- Thermal throttling can limit GPU performance in thin chassis
- Only supports PCIe Gen 3
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 i5-1035G7
- AMD Ryzen 7 3750URival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 5 3550HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-1065G7Rival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-1035G4Rival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 3700URival
Mobile
Tiger Lake successor with significantly better IPC and Xe graphics.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 5500UAlt
Offers stronger multi-core performance in the same category.
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Higher tier alternative if sticking to 11th Gen Intel.
- AMD Ryzen 7 4700UAlt
Better efficiency and multi-core performance.
Modern alternative with vastly superior multi-core performance.
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 standout 10nm mobile processor that combined Sunny Cove architecture with 64-EU Iris Plus graphics, setting a new standard for integrated performance.
Best for: Buying a discounted premium used laptop for light gaming and productivity.
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 i5-1035G7 or Intel Core i5-1038NG7?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-1035G7 comes out ahead with a score of 8.3/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i5-1035G7 has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i5-1035G7 (15 W), Intel Core i5-1038NG7 (28 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1035G7 and Intel Core i5-1038NG7 use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1035G7: 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 i5-1035G7 (8,200), Intel Core i5-1038NG7 (8,500). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.