Intel Core i5-1035G4
Intel Core i5-1035G4: A Versatile Processor for Ultrabooks in 2025
April 2025
The Intel Core i5-1035G4 processor, released in 2019, remains a relevant choice for budget ultrabooks and compact laptops even in 2025. Despite the emergence of more modern chips, it retains popularity due to its balance of performance, energy efficiency, and affordability. Let’s analyze who this CPU is suitable for and what to consider when purchasing a device featuring it.
Architecture and Process Technology: Ice Lake and 10 nm
Codename: Ice Lake
Process Technology: 10 nm (the first generation of Intel with this standard).
Cores and Threads: 4 cores, 8 threads.
Frequencies: Base — 1.1 GHz, maximum in turbo mode — 3.7 GHz.
Cache: L3 — 6 MB.
The processor is built on the Sunny Cove architecture, which brought a number of improvements:
- An 18% increase in IPC (instructions per cycle) compared to previous generations (e.g., Coffee Lake).
- Support for PCIe 3.0 (compared to PCIe 4.0 from AMD competitors), which limits the speed of storage devices.
- Integrated graphics Intel Iris Plus G4 with 48 EU (Execution Units), supporting 4K@60 Hz video output and hardware decoding of H.265/VP9 video formats.
iGPU Features:
- The performance of the Iris Plus G4 is close to discrete GPUs like the NVIDIA MX130, but it falls short of modern integrated solutions like AMD Radeon Vega/RDNA 2.
- Support for Adaptive Sync technology for smoother gaming visuals.
Power Consumption and TDP: A Fine Balance
TDP: 15 W — a typical figure for ultrabooks. In Turbo mode, power can temporarily increase to 25 W, but the cooling systems of most devices are not designed for prolonged load.
Power Management Features:
- Intel Dynamic Tuning technology automatically adjusts frequencies and voltage depending on load and temperature.
- Speed Shift mode reduces latency when switching between tasks.
Practical Example: In the Dell XPS 13 9300 (2020) with the Core i5-1035G4, the cooler operates almost silently during office tasks but starts making noise during video rendering or gaming.
Performance: Real-Life Scenarios
Geekbench 6:
- Single-Core: 800
- Multi-Core: 2646
Office Work and Multimedia
- Chrome with 20+ tabs + Zoom + Slack: The processor handles tasks without noticeable lag.
- Photo editing in Lightroom: Exporting 100 RAW files takes about ~7-8 minutes (for comparison, the Ryzen 5 5500U completes this task in about ~5 minutes).
- 4K video in DaVinci Resolve: Rendering a 5-minute video takes about 12-15 minutes (requires patience).
Gaming
- CS:GO (1080p, low settings): 40-50 FPS.
- Dota 2 (720p, medium settings): 50-60 FPS.
- Fortnite (720p, low settings): 30-40 FPS.
Turbo Mode: The maximum frequency of 3.7 GHz lasts no more than 10-15 seconds under load, after which it drops to 2.5-2.8 GHz due to overheating.
Use Cases: Who is the i5-1035G4 Suitable For?
1. Students and office workers: Working with documents, web surfing, video conferencing.
2. Users valuing portability: Laptops weighing 1.2-1.4 kg with a 13-14 inch display.
3. Casual gamers: Indie projects, older AAA titles.
Not Suitable For:
- Gamers requiring Ultra settings in modern games.
- Engineers working on 3D modeling (AutoCAD, Blender).
Battery Life: How Long Will the Laptop Last?
With a battery capacity of 50-60 Wh (the standard for ultrabooks from 2020-2022):
- Video watching (YouTube, 1080p): 8-10 hours.
- Office tasks: 6-8 hours.
- Gaming: 2-3 hours.
Power-Saving Technologies:
- Intel Low Power Display: Reduces screen consumption.
- Connected Standby: Background updates while in sleep mode.
Tip: Choose laptops with an IPS panel and brightness of 300 nits — this will reduce battery load.
Comparison with Competitors
AMD Ryzen 5 5500U (7 nm, Zen 2)
- Pros: 6 cores/12 threads, higher performance in multi-threaded tasks (+25-30%), support for PCIe 4.0.
- Cons: Integrated Vega 7 graphics are 10-15% weaker than Iris Plus G4.
Apple M1
- Pros: Better energy efficiency (18-20 hours of operation), high speed in “native” applications.
- Cons: Limited compatibility with Windows software.
Intel Core i5-1135G7 (Tiger Lake)
- Pros: Iris Xe graphics (80 EU) are 50% more powerful, higher frequency (4.2 GHz).
- Cons: Laptops are 20-30% more expensive.
Pros and Cons of Core i5-1035G4
✔️ Strengths:
- Energy efficiency.
- Sufficient performance for everyday tasks.
- Support for Thunderbolt 3 and Wi-Fi 6.
❌ Weaknesses:
- Low base frequency (1.1 GHz).
- Outdated process technology (10 nm SuperFin compared to competitors).
- Limited headroom for multitasking.
Laptop Selection Recommendations
Device Type: Ultrabook or 2-in-1 hybrid.
What to Check:
1. Cooling: 2 fans are better than 1.
2. Screen: Full HD/IPS minimum, 100% sRGB for designers.
3. Ports: Thunderbolt 3 for connecting external GPUs.
4. Battery: At least 50 Wh.
Examples of 2025 Models:
- Dell Inspiron 14 5406 (used, refurbished): $400-500.
- HP Envy x360 13 (2021): $450-600 (new, remaining stock).
Final Conclusion
The Core i5-1035G4 is an optimal choice for those seeking a cost-effective, lightweight laptop with long battery life. It is suitable for:
- Students for their studies.
- Office workers.
- Users for whom portability is important.
Key Benefits:
- Affordable price of devices (starting from $400).
- Support for modern interfaces (Thunderbolt 3, Wi-Fi 6).
- Quiet operation of the cooling system.
If your budget allows, consider laptops based on the Ryzen 5 5500U or Core i5-1135G7 — they will provide more performance headroom. However, for basic tasks, the i5-1035G4 remains a reliable option even in 2025.