CPU Comparison
Intel Core i5-1038NG7 vs Intel Core i5-8269U
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i5-1038NG7 is a specialized mobile processor introduced in May 2020 as an Apple-exclusive variant of the Ice Lake-U family. Built on Intel's 10nm process and utilizing the Sunny Cove microarchitecture, it features four cores and eight threads. Operating at a higher 28-watt TDP compared to standard 15W mobile chips, it delivers robust performance for thin-and-light laptops. With a base clock of 2.0 GHz and a max turbo frequency of 3.8 GHz, it offers snappy single-threaded performance. The processor integrates Intel Iris Plus graphics with 64 execution units, providing excellent graphical capabilities for a mobile chip of its era. It supports dual-channel LPDDR4 memory up to 3733 MT/s and includes native Thunderbolt 3 support. Designed specifically for Apple's MacBook Air and entry-level MacBook Pro models, it represents a unique collaboration, offering a step up in sustained performance over standard ultra-low voltage Intel processors.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
The 28W TDP allows for excellent sustained performance in office and creative tasks.
High base clock and 28W TDP ensure excellent sustained productivity performance.
Gaming
Capable of running macOS-supported games at decent settings thanks to 64 EUs.
Iris Plus graphics allow for playable framerates in older or well-optimized titles.
Virtualization
Handles Windows VMs via Boot Camp or Parallels reasonably well.
Good for running light VMs and development environments.
Efficiency
Less efficient than 15W models, but Apple's chassis design managed thermals effectively.
Balances power and performance well, though hotter than 15W chips.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- Features DL Boost 1.0
- Suitable for basic Core ML tasks on macOS
- eDRAM helps with memory-bound compute tasks
- No dedicated AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- 64 EUs provide decent graphical horsepower
- Limited by the macOS game library
- Can run older titles smoothly via Boot Camp
- Iris Plus 655 with eDRAM
- Capable of 720p/1080p gaming on low settings for older titles
- Thermal limits may restrict sustained GPU boost
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
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
Pros
- Strong sustained performance with 28W TDP
- Iris Plus 655 graphics with eDRAM
- High base and turbo clock speeds
- Excellent for compact form factor PCs
Cons
- Soldered to the motherboard (BGA 1356)
- More expensive than standard 15W U-series chips
- Integrated graphics still limit gaming potential
- Older 14nm process
Competitors & Alternatives
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
Intel Core i5-8269U
- AMD Ryzen 5 2500URival
Mobile
- Intel Core i5-8259URival
Mobile (Premium)
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600HRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-8559URival
Mobile (Premium)
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-8305GRival
Mobile (HBM)
- Intel Core i5-8279UAlt
Newer 9th gen equivalent with slightly better clocks.
- Alt
Vastly superior performance and efficiency in the Mac mini.
Compare head-to-head - AMD Ryzen 5 4600UAlt
More cores and better efficiency in a 15W envelope.
Desktop equivalent with similar performance.
Compare head-to-head- Intel Core i3-8100HAlt
Cheaper quad-core alternative if graphics are less important.
Our Verdict on Each
A 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 reviewA powerful 28W mobile chip offering higher sustained clocks and Iris Plus graphics, making it ideal for premium compact computing.
Best for: Buying a used Mac mini or premium ultrabook for a compact home server or office machine.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i5-1038NG7 or Intel Core i5-8269U?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i5-1038NG7 comes out ahead with a score of 8.2/10. 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 i5-1038NG7 or Intel Core i5-8269U?
For gaming, the Intel Core i5-1038NG7 leads with a gaming performance score of 65/100 among Intel Core i5-1038NG7 and Intel Core i5-8269U.
Do Intel Core i5-1038NG7 and Intel Core i5-8269U use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i5-1038NG7: Intel BGA 1344, Intel Core i5-8269U: Intel BGA 1356), 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 i5-1038NG7 (8,500), Intel Core i5-8269U (7,400). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.