Mysterious Intel Core i3-1000NG4 processor makes curious appearance on Time Spy benchmark

Tum Apisak has unearthed an interesting entry in Time Spy’s database. The record is for a system that apparently utilizes an Intel Core i3-1000NG4 CPU, which can rely on 2 cores and 4 threads for processing performance. A base clock of 1.10 GHz is listed, and for those interested the final score was a not impressive 317 points.

Intel already has the Core i3-1000G4 processor in its ranks, as part of the recent Ice Lake family. That particular chip also comes with 2 cores and 4 threads, and it wields a base clock rate of 1.10 GHz. The 10nm processor has a TDP of 9 W and is destined for products that are focused on mobility. So is this Time Spy record simply displaying a misreading or input error?

But what if the Intel processor in question here does have the correct name? That there is a Core i3-1000NG4 CPU waiting in the wings? A quick glance at Intel’s processor numbering tables reveals that “N” is used for netbook processors, such as the Intel Atom N2800, but that letter has been gathering dust for years in regard to usage in Intel’s convoluted naming schemes. This apparent new Ice Lake CPU will just have to remain a mystery for the time being.