Intel Core i5-10210U vs Intel Core i5-1035G1

Intel Core i5-10210U

The Intel Core i5-10210U is a power efficient quad-core SoC for notebooks based on the Comet Lake (CML-U) generation and was announced in August 2019. Compared to the similar Whiskey Lake processors (e.g. Core i5-8665U), the only difference is support for higher memory speeds (up to LPDDR4-2933 vs DDR4-2400) and two additional cores in the top model (not in this i5). The processor cores are clocked between 1.6 and 4.2 GHz (all 4 cores 3.9 GHz max). Thanks to Hyper-Threading 8 threads can be used. Compared to the faster i5-10510U, the level 3 cache was reduced from 8 to 6 MB. More information on Comet Lake and all the models and articles on it can be found here.

The integrated graphics adapter however is still the same as in the previous generations. It's still called Intel UHD Graphics 620 and clocked from 300 - 1100 MHz in the i5. Furthermore, the SoC integrates a VP9 and H.265 de- and encoder.

Performance

The average 10210U in our database is just as fast as AMD Ryzen 5 2500U, Intel Core i7-8565U and Intel Core i5-1035G1 are, as far as multi-thread performance is concerned. While the i5 is not a performance monster, it sails through basic day-to-day workloads. As is usually the case with laptop-grade processors, the higher Power Limits are and the better cooling solution is, the more performance you get.

Power consumption

This Core i5 has a default TDP, also known as the long-term power limit, of 15 W, a value that laptop manufacturers are free to change to anything between 10 W and 25 W with clock speeds and performance changing accordingly as a result. It has to be noted, Comet Lake U processors can consume as much as 80 W or even 90 W when under short-term loads.

The CPU is built with an old, as of early 2023, 14 nm Intel process for subpar energy efficiency.

Intel Core i5-1035G1

The Intel Core i5-1035G1 is a quad-core SoC of the Ice Lake product family. It was announced in May 2019 and it features Hyper-Threading-enabled Sunny Cove CPU cores running at 1 GHz to 3.6 GHz. The highest Boost clock speed achievable when under all-core load is 3.2 GHz.

This Core i5 is designed for use in ultra-light laptops and Windows tablets. Unlike the costlier Core i5-1035G4, this i5 has the 32 EU UHD Graphics G1 iGPU, not the 48 EU Iris Plus G4; 1035G1's CPU cores run at a slightly lower clock rate, too.

Architecture

Ice Lake processors bring a significant, double-digit per-MHz performance boost over their immediate predecessors, much like Intel promised. What Intel was less keen on highlighting was the significant dip in clock speeds; Core i5-1035G1, Core i7-1065G7 and other Ice Lake CPUs run at lower clock speeds than similarly-specced Comet Lake or Whiskey Lake processors do when under the same load conditions.

Core i5-1035G1 is capable of HW-accelerating certain AI workloads. Thunderbolt and Wi-Fi 6 support is partially baked in the chip. The integrated RAM controller is compatible with up to 64 GB of DDR4-3200 or LPDDR4-3733 memory.

The i5 has several PCI-Express 3.0 lanes for connecting discrete graphics cards, SSDs and other devices. Four PCI-Express 3.0 lanes allow for read/write rates of up to 3.9 GB/s provided a suitably fast NVMe SSD is used.

Please note this is not a user-replaceable CPU. It is supposed to get soldered permanently on to the motherboard (BGA1526 socket interface).

Performance

In the grand scheme of things, Core i5-1035G1 is a lower mid-range CPU. It is good for more than just the basic tasks while being no match for true high-performers such as the mighty Core i7-10850H.

The i5's multi-thread performance puts it in the same league as Intel Core i7-10610U, Core i7-10710U, Core i7-1160G7, Ryzen 5 PRO 3500U. Your mileage may vary depending on how competent the cooling solution of your system is and how high the Power Limits are.

Graphics

UHD Graphics G1 is based on Intel's 11th gen architecture. The UHD Graphics runs at 300 MHz to 1,050 MHz and has 32 EUs; Iris Plus G4 has 48 EUs while Iris Plus G7 has 64 EUs, for reference. This iGPU will let you use up to 3 monitors simultaneously in resolutions up to 5120 by 3200.

The UHD Graphics G1 is significantly faster than the UHD Graphics 620, yet it's still not as good as a proper discrete graphics card. It will let you play a moderately long list of games, F1 2020 included, provided you are OK with 720p resolution and Lowest quality preset.

Power consumption

Core i5-1035G1 has a default TDP (also known as the long-term Power Limit) of 15 W. OEMs are free to increase that value somewhat, the upper limit being 25 W, or reduce it (as low as 13 W are possible). Clock speeds and performance will change correspondingly as a result.

The Core i5 is manufactured on Intel's first-generation 10 nm process for average, as of early 2023, energy efficiency. It's too power-hungry to become a heart of a passively cooled laptop or tablet, either.