Intel Core i5 1038ng7 Review | 78 Data compared
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Intel Core i5 1038ng7 Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£260
  • Avg. price in US: ~$320
  • PassMark benchmark result: 8794
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 3.8 GHz
  • CPU socket: FCBGA1344
  • TDP (Thermal design power): 28 W

Intel Core i5 1038ng7 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Processors category and whether it is worth buying.

5.5

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

5.5

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Good
5.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

5.0

Performance

18.0%

6.0

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

6.0

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

7.2

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.2

Platform

1.0%

7.1

Integrated Graphics

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 7.0
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    ?

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    ?

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    5.1

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    ?

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    2.8

    N. of physical cores

  • 7.0
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    ?

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    2.8

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    ?

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    ?

    L3 cache

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £260

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i5-1038NG7 is a 10th Gen Ice Lake-U quad-core processor featuring 4 cores, 8 threads, and a 28W TDP, specifically designed for mobile devices like the 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro. Built on a 10nm process, it operates at a 2.0 GHz base frequency with a max turbo boost of 3.8 GHz and includes 6MB of Intel Smart Cache alongside integrated Iris Plus Graphics G7 (64 EUs). Main pros include its support for high-speed LPDDR4-3733 RAM, an 18% improvement in IPC over previous generations, and better-integrated graphics performance than standard UHD models. However, its primary cons are its relatively high power consumption for a mobile chip, lack of support for the modern AV1 codec, and the fact that it is now largely outperformed by newer 11th Gen and Apple Silicon architectures.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i5 1038ng7

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

5.5
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a technical score of 5.53 points, which is lower than that of 56.6% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.0
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.5

Overall score

40.0%

9.2

Price

6.6
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.6 points, which is lower than 56.7% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: LOW

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: LOW

mobile
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: LOW

FCBGA1344
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 uses the FCBGA1,344 CPU socket, which is older than that of 91.4% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: LOW

N/A
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: LOW

x86-64
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

4
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 50.7% of processors and equal to 28.5% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

8
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 offers 8 CPU threads, which is more than 35.2% of processors and equal to 19.1% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: LOW

Good value: 2

2
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.3% of processors and equal to 69.7% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

3.8 GHz
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 reaches a boost clock of 3.8 GHz which is lower than that of 68.5% of processors and equal to that of 4.1% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

4 x 2 GHz
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a base clock of 4x2.0 GHz which is lower than that of 73.4% of processors and equal to that of 1.3% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <10 nm

10 nm
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 uses a 10 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 52.4% of processors and equal to that of 19.1% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: LOW

Intel 10 nm
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 is built on the Intel 10 nm foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 52.3% of processors and equal to that of 1.7% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

6 MB
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has an L3 cache of 6 MB which is smaller than that of 60.4% of processors and equal to that of 9.7% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

2 MB
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has an L2 cache of 2 MB which is smaller than that of 51% of processors and equal to that of 11.2% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=512 KB

?
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: LOW

Good value: DDR5

DDR4/LPDDR4
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 supports DDR DDR4/LPDDR4, which is newer than that of 60.5% of processors and equal to that of 2.6% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4800 MHz

3,733 MHz
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 supports memory speeds up to 3,733 MHz, which is higher than that of 60.2% of processors and equal to 1.2% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5600 MHz

LPDDR4X-3733 MHz
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 supports JEDEC memory speeds up to LPDDR4X-3733 MHz, which is higher than that of 56.8% of processors and equal to 0.3% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=128 GB

64 GB
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 supports up to 64 GB of memory, which is more than 28.4% of processors and equal to 27.5% of processors.
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Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: LOW

yes
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 includes integrated graphics. 12.4% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: LOW

Intel Iris Plus Graphics
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 uses the Intel Iris Plus Graphics integrated GPU, which is more advanced than that in 64.5% of processors and equal to that in 0.7% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=24

48
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has 48 GPU execution units, which is more than 82.6% of processors and equal to 4.7% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=350 MHz

300 MHz
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has an integrated GPU clock of 300 MHz which is lower than that of 58.1% of processors and equal to that of 37.9% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

MPEG-2 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode)
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 supports MPEG-2 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode) media codecs, which is narrower support than 76% of processors.
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <30 W

28 W
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a TDP of 28 W which is lower than that of 67.5% of processors and equal to that of 7% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <30 W

28 W
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a base power of 28 W which is lower than that of 67.2% of processors and equal to that of 7.2% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <50 W

28 W
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a boost power of 28 W which is lower than that of 82% of processors and equal to that of 0.7% of processors.
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <=28 s

?
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Intel Core i5 1038ng7 does not support configurable TDP. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i5 1038ng7 vs the average processor

  • 53.3% lower boost power
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (28 W vs 60 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 60 W.
    What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
    When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <50 W

    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (28 W vs 60 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 60 W.28 W vs 60 W
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Ice Lake vs Kaby Lake).
    What it is: The internal core-design codename used for this processor generation.
    When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs at a deeper design level and want to identify the exact architecture behind marketing names.

    Importance: HIGH

    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Ice Lake vs Kaby Lake).Ice Lake vs Kaby Lake
  • 30.5% smaller die size
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower die size than the average processor (123 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
    What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
    When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <150 mm²

    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower die size than the average processor (123 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².123 mm² vs 177 mm²
  • 37.8% lower base power
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower base power draw than the average processor (28 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower base power draw than the average processor (28 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.28 W vs 45 W
  • Newer DDR support
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/LPDDR4 vs DDR4).
    What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
    When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: DDR5

    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/LPDDR4 vs DDR4).DDR4/LPDDR4 vs DDR4
  • Includes crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not. 0% of processors include crypto acceleration.
    What it is: Built-in hardware support for accelerating encryption and cryptographic tasks.
    When it matters: When encryption speed or secure workloads matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not. 0% of processors include crypto acceleration.AES, SHA, RSA/PKA vs AES, SHA
  • More advanced foundry
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 10 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
    What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
    When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 10 nm vs Intel 14 nm).Intel 10 nm vs Intel 14 nm
  • 27.3% higher memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (58.3 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
    What it is: The maximum theoretical memory bandwidth the processor can support.
    When it matters: When memory-heavy workloads matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >75 GB/s

    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (58.3 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.58.3 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s
  • Includes crypto acceleration
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not. 0% of processors include crypto acceleration.
  • Advanced security extensions
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 provides more advanced security extensions than the average processor (AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Key, SGX, TXT, OS Guard, Boot Guard vs AES-NI, NX bit, Secure Processor).
  • More advanced microarchitecture
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 uses a more advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Ice Lake vs Kaby Lake).
  • 30.5% smaller die size
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower die size than the average processor (123 mm² vs 177 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 177 mm².
  • More advanced foundry
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (Intel 10 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
  • 16.7% smaller process node
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower process node than the average processor (10 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • Newer DDR support
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/LPDDR4 vs DDR4).
  • 27.3% higher memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (58.3 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 27.3% higher memory speed
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (3,733 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 2x more GPU execution units
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has more GPU execution units than the average processor (48 vs 24). The average processor has 24 GPU execution units.
  • 53.3% lower boost power
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower boost power draw than the average processor (28 W vs 60 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 60 W.
  • 37.8% lower base power
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower base power draw than the average processor (28 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 37.8% lower TDP
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower TDP than the average processor (28 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.

Total
Platform
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1,344 vs FP4).
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 11.6% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.8 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 13.8% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,154 vs 2,500). The average processor scores 2,500 in PassMark single-core.
  • Lower base clock
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower base clock than the average processor (4x2.0 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz).
  • 10.4% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (438 vs 489). The average processor scores 489 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 16.8% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (8,794 vs 10,572.5). The average processor scores 10,572.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 50% lower bus speed
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower bus speed than the average processor (4 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
  • 50% lower bus transfer rate
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (4 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
  • 9.5% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (4,368 vs 4,829). The average processor scores 4,829 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 8 lower clock multiplier
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (20 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • 12.5% less L3 per core
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has less L3 cache per core than the average processor (1.5 MB/core vs 1.714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1.714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • 25% smaller L3 cache
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower L3 cache than the average processor (6 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
  • 20% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (2 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (MPEG-2 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • 11.6% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.8 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.8 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.8 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • No configurable TDP
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
    What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
    When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does. 52.8% of processors support configurable TDP.
  • Narrower instruction support
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
    When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, AVX-512 vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • 13.8% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,154 vs 2,500). The average processor scores 2,500 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,154 vs 2,500). The average processor scores 2,500 in PassMark single-core.2,154 vs 2,500
  • Lower base clock
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower base clock than the average processor (4x2.0 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz).
    What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
    When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower base clock than the average processor (4x2.0 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz).4x2 GHz vs 4x3.3 GHz
  • Narrower media codec support
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (MPEG-2 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
    What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
    When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

    Importance: LOW

    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (MPEG-2 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).MPEG-2 (HW decode), JPEG (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
  • 10.4% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (438 vs 489). The average processor scores 489 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about lighter workloads, interface responsiveness, or software that still depends heavily on one fast core.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >600

    Intel Core i5 1038ng7 has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (438 vs 489). The average processor scores 489 in Cinebench R20 single-core.438 vs 489
Total
Platform
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Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i5 1038ng7 and other processors

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i5 1038ng7?

  • Improved integrated graphics (Iris Plus G7) compared to previous 8th-gen Intel mobile chips
  • Support for faster LPDDR4X memory (up to 3733 MHz), which enhances multitasking bandwidth
  • Competent performance for general productivity tasks like web browsing, document editing, and light coding
  • Features updated instruction sets including AVX-512 for specialized calculation-heavy workloads
  • Better sustained performance in 4-port MacBook Pro models compared to the 2-port or Air variants due to a higher 28W TDP

What customers dislike about Intel Core i5 1038ng7?

  • Prone to high operating temperatures and thermal throttling under heavy loads like video exporting or calls
  • Significantly poorer power efficiency and shorter battery life compared to modern Apple Silicon alternatives
  • Loud fan noise when the processor is under stress
  • Single-core and multi-core performance is roughly half that of the entry-level M1 chip
  • Limited longevity as software support for Intel-based Macs is gradually being phased out

Expert reviews

C
cpubenchmark.net
Ongoing
Summary of the review
Intel Core i5-1038NG7 @ 2.00GHz - PassMark CPU Benchmarks Would you like a technical comparison of how the i5-1038NG7 performs specifically against th...
B
browser.geekbench.com
Ongoing
Summary of the review
Intel Core i5-1038NG7 Benchmarks - Geekbench Browser
P
pcmag.com
07/05/2020
Summary of the review
Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch (2020) Review
T
techradar.com
18/11/2020
Summary of the review
Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2020) laptop review
B
browser.geekbench.com
Ongoing
Summary of the review
MacBook Pro (13-inch Mid 2020) Benchmarks - Geekbench
N
notebookcheck.biz
07/09/2020
Summary of the review
MacBook Pro 13 2020 Review (i5-1038NG7, FHD+): A minor update for Apple's ultraportable
(Translated)Show original
S
saggiamente.com
13/05/2020
Summary of the review
2020 High-End 13" MacBook Pro vs. 15" Pro Models", "Top-of-the-Line 13" MacBook Pro (2020) Takes on the 15" Pros
(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
22/07/2020
Summary of the review
Apple MacBook Pro 2020 Review - New keyboard, old hardware
(Translated)Show original
N
notebookcheck.nl
07/06/2020
Summary of the review
Apple MacBook Pro 13 2020 2GHz i5 10th-Gen (Specifications and Tests)
(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

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