Quick Verdict
A balanced mobile processor that combines Sunny Cove architecture with 48-EU Iris Plus graphics, offering a good middle ground for multimedia tasks.
Overview
Launch
Aug 1st, 2019
Status
ActiveGeneration
Core i5 (Sunny Cove-U)
Market
Mobile
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 Core i5-1035G4 hits a sweet spot in the Ice Lake lineup. With 4 cores and 8 threads, it handles everyday tasks easily. Its 48-EU Iris Plus graphics offer better multimedia and casual gaming performance than the G1 variant.
While not as powerful as the 64-EU G7, it provides a cost-effective balance for users wanting better visual performance.
Specifications
Performance
Strong single and multi-core performance for daily office work and multitasking.
Adequate for light VMs, though limited by 4 cores.
The 48-EU graphics can handle older games and e-sports titles at lower settings.
10nm process ensures good battery life in standard 15W configurations.
- •48 Execution Units provide decent graphical headroom
- •Can run CS:GO and Valorant smoothly
- •Not suitable for modern AAA games at high settings
- •Lacks DL Boost found in higher-end models
- •Capable of basic AI inference
Architecture
10nm
Process Node
Ice Lake-U
Codename
4C / 8T
Core Config
6 MB
L3 Cache
15 W
TDP
Architecture Overview
The architectural foundation of the Core i5-1035G4 is the Sunny Cove microarchitecture, which brought significant instruction-per-clock improvements to Intel's mobile lineup. By widening execution pipelines and enhancing branch prediction, it outperformed previous 14nm designs in single-threaded tasks. The chip is manufactured on Intel's 10nm process, integrating both the CPU and a Gen 11 graphics solution into a single die. The Iris Plus graphics on this specific model feature 48 execution units, offering a middle ground in graphical horsepower. This configuration allows for hardware-accelerated media encoding and decent frame rates in older or less demanding games. The memory controller supports dual-channel DDR4 and LPDDR4X configurations, maximizing bandwidth for the integrated graphics. Additionally, the architecture embeds native PCIe Gen 3 lanes and Thunderbolt 3 support, reducing the need for separate controller chips and enabling faster peripheral connectivity within thin-and-light form factors.
CPU Design
4 cores and 8 threads based on Sunny Cove.
Memory Subsystem
Dual-channel DDR4-3200 or LPDDR4X-3733.
PCIe & I/O
Integrated PCIe Gen 3 lanes.
Overclocking
Locked multiplier; OEM TDP configuration from 12W to 25W.
- 10nm process for better efficiency
- Upgraded to Iris Plus 48 EUs from UHD 620
- Sunny Cove IPC gains
Key Highlights
- Iris Plus graphics with 48 EUs
- Good single-thread performance
- 10nm power efficiency
- Native Thunderbolt 3 support
- Decent casual gaming capability
- 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
History
Released in August 2019, the Core i5-1035G4 debuted as part of Intel's critical transition to 10nm with the Ice Lake-U family. For years, Intel delayed its 10nm node, relying on iterative 14nm refinements. Ice Lake finally brought the new Sunny Cove architecture to mainstream mobile devices.
The i5-1035G4 was uniquely positioned in the lineup, offering Iris Plus graphics but with 48 execution units instead of the 64 found on the G7 models. This allowed OEMs to offer machines with strong graphical capabilities at a slightly lower cost. It competed heavily with AMD's Picasso APUs, which offered strong multi-core performance but lacked the per-clock efficiency of Sunny Cove.
The launch of this processor also aligned with Intel's Project Athena standards, ensuring devices featuring it met strict criteria for battery life, instant wake, and overall responsiveness, ultimately paving the way for future mobile innovations.
Improvements over Previous Generation
- 10nm process for better efficiency
- Upgraded to Iris Plus 48 EUs from UHD 620
- Sunny Cove IPC gains
Alternatives & Competitors
Should You Buy It?
Recommended for the right buyer
Purchasing a mid-range used laptop for light creative work and media consumption.
Avoid if…
- You need maximum GPU performance (look for G7 or dedicated GPU)
- You are buying new (Tiger Lake or newer is preferred)
Use Cases
Interesting Facts
It is one of the few Ice Lake processors to feature 48 execution units in its graphics.
It was released in August 2019.
It uses the Sunny Cove microarchitecture on a 10nm process.
The processor uses the BGA 1526 socket.
It supports LPDDR4 memory at 3733 MT/s.
It was designed for thin-and-light laptops under Intel's Project Athena.
It has a configurable TDP ranging from 12W to 25W.
The base clock is 1100 MHz.
It natively integrates Thunderbolt 3 support.
It competes directly with AMD's Ryzen 5 3550U.
People Also Ask
What is the difference between i5-1035G4 and i5-1035G7?
The G7 has 64 graphics execution units, while the G4 has 48.
Can i5-1035G4 run Windows 11?
Yes, it is officially supported by Windows 11.
Is the i5-1035G4 good for video editing?
It is decent for basic 1080p editing thanks to Iris Plus graphics.
What generation is the i5-1035G4?
It is a 10th Generation Intel Core processor.
Does it support PCIe Gen 4?
No, it supports PCIe Gen 3.
What is the base clock speed?
The base clock speed is 1.1 GHz.
What is the L3 cache size?
It has 6 MB of Intel Smart Cache.
Can I upgrade the i5-1035G4?
No, it is soldered to the motherboard.
What is the TDP range?
The TDP is configurable from 12W to 25W.
Does it support Wi-Fi 6?
Yes, platforms with this chip typically support Wi-Fi 6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What graphics are in the i5-1035G4?
It features Intel Iris Plus Graphics with 48 execution units.
What is the turbo boost speed of the i5-1035G4?
It can turbo boost up to 3.7 GHz.
How many cores and threads does it have?
It has 4 cores and 8 threads.
What is the default TDP?
The default TDP is 15 watts.
What memory types are supported?
It supports LPDDR4 up to 3733 MT/s and DDR4 up to 3200 MT/s.
Can you overclock the i5-1035G4?
No, the multiplier is locked.
What socket does it use?
It uses the Intel BGA 1526 socket.
What process node is it built on?
It is built on Intel's 10nm process.
Does it support Thunderbolt 3?
Yes, it natively supports Thunderbolt 3.
Is it good for gaming?
It can handle light gaming and older titles better than UHD graphics models.