CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1035G7 vs Core i7-5950HQ
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.
Strong CPU performance for professional workloads in 2015.
Gaming
The 64-EU graphics can handle e-sports titles and older games at 1080p low settings.
Iris Pro allowed for 720p/1080p medium gaming without a discrete GPU.
Virtualization
Handles light VMs well, though 4 cores limit heavy workloads.
Adequate for light VMs, though limited by DDR3.
Efficiency
10nm process ensures good battery life in 15W configurations.
The eDRAM and high clocks result in significant heat output.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Features DL Boost 1.0
- Better AI performance than G1 and G4 variants
- No AI acceleration
- eDRAM does not benefit modern AI inference significantly
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
- Comparable to entry-level discrete GPUs of its era
- Capable of playing older titles at 1080p
- eDRAM significantly reduces frame drops
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
- Iris Pro 6200 is highly capable for integrated graphics
- 128MB eDRAM provides huge bandwidth
- Strong single and multi-core clocks
- Excellent for 2015 mobile workstations
Cons
- Very expensive at launch
- 47W TDP limits battery life
- Soldered to motherboard
- DDR3 memory is obsolete
- Thermal throttling is common in thin laptops
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
Core i7-5950HQ
- AMD A10-8700PRival
Mobile APU
- Intel Core i7-5700HQRival
Mobile Performance
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4980HQRival
Mobile Workstation
- Intel Core i7-6700HQAlt
More modern Skylake architecture with DDR4.
- Alt
Vastly superior integrated graphics and efficiency.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 7 5700UAlt
Modern 8-core alternative with excellent iGPU.
Newer Coffee Lake-U with Iris Plus graphics.
Compare head-to-head10nm Ice Lake with better efficiency and modern graphics.
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 reviewAn innovative processor that pushed the boundaries of integrated graphics with eDRAM, though its high cost and TDP limited its market appeal.
Best for: Buying a used MacBook Pro or mobile workstation for cheap.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1035G7 or Core i7-5950HQ?
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 is faster for gaming, Intel Core i5-1035G7 or Core i7-5950HQ?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1035G7 leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Intel Core i5-1035G7 and Core i7-5950HQ.
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), Core i7-5950HQ (47 W).
Do Intel Core i5-1035G7 and Core i7-5950HQ use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1035G7: Intel BGA 1526, Core i7-5950HQ: Intel BGA 1364), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i5-1035G7 posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i5-1035G7 (8,200). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.