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日本Intel Core i5-1035G4 vs i5-10210U – the i5-1035G4 wins thanks to its 86% better iGPU
The powerful AMD Zen 2 mobile CPUs are coming but they aren’t still here so we have time to compare two interesting processors – Core i5-1035G4 and i5-10210U.
Both are 10th gen Intel chips but the first one is a 10nm Ice Lake processor while the later is a 14nm Comet Lake one. Intel branding is so confusing nowadays, you have to be extra careful when picking a new configuration because in this case we have two CPUs that are both 10th gen but they aren’t the same. Some people can buy a Comet Lake device by mistake instead of Ice Lake just because of the confusing branding. Ok, let’s continue further.
We choose those two processors just because they have the same core count and similar prices. Let’s compare them and we’ll see who’s better.
Quick Specs
Intel is selling the i5-1035G4 for $309 and i5-10210U for $297.00. That’s bulk pricing and the difference is just 4%.
Both CPUs have 4 cores and 8 threads, and there is a 6MB cache size for each of them. The Ice Lake CPU has lower base and boost frequencies than its competitor (1.10 GHz – 3.70 GHz to 1.60 GHz – 4.20 GHz) but the latter isn’t shining with its max supported memory frequencies – DDR4-2666, LPDDR3-2133. The Ice Lake processor can be equipped with RAM that has a much higher clock – DDR4-3200, LPDDR4-3733. The TDP levels are almost the same for both rivals.
The i5-1035G4 has an Intel Iris Plus G4 iGPU with 48 CUs and sometimes this integrated graphics card is on par with some dedicated low-end GPUs. On the other hand, i5-10210U has an Intel UHD Graphics that is just a rebranded UHD 620.
Detailed specs: Core i5-1035G4 / Core i5-10210U.
This is our table for more clear specs comparison.
| Intel Core i5-1035G4 | Intel Core i5-10210U | |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 4 / 8 | 4 / 8 |
| Base / Max frequency | 1.10 – 3.70 GHz | 1.60 – 4.20 GHz |
| Cache | 6 MB Intel Smart Cache | 6 MB Intel Smart Cache |
| TDP / up / down | 15W / 25W / 12W | 15W / 25W / 10W |
| Memory support | DDR4-3200, LPDDR4-3733 | DDR4-2666, LPDDR3-2133 |
CPU Benchmarks
Lenovo Yoga C940 and Lenovo Yoga C740 14 are going to help us to find which CPU is faster.
Hm, ok, both are really close. If we have to be statistically correct, the Comet lake CPU is just a bit faster. The performance of the processors can vary from machine to machine so we think that is fair enough to call them “equally performing products” (in terms of computing power).
Results are from the Cinebench 20 CPU test (the higher the score, the better)
Results are from our Photoshop benchmark test (the lower the score, the better)
GPU Benchmarks
As expected, the Intel UHD Graphics is over 80% slower in 3DMark Fire Strike.
Results are from the 3DMark: Fire Strike (Graphics) benchmark (higher the score, the better)
Results are from the Unigine Superposition benchmark (higher the score, the better)
Gaming tests
Now, let’s check the real-life gaming test. As we can all see, the Iris G4 is clearly faster than UHD Graphics.
| CS:GO | HD 1080p, Low (Check settings) | HD 1080p, Medium (Check settings) | HD 1080p, MAX (Check settings) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Iris Plus Graphics G4 | 69 fps (+28%) | 37 fps (+32%) | 22 fps |
| Intel UHD Graphics | 54 fps | 28 fps | – fps |
| DOTA 2 | HD 1080p, Low (Check settings) | HD 1080p, Normal (Check settings) | HD 1080p, High (Check settings) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Iris Plus Graphics G4 | 97 fps (+26%) | 46 fps (+28%) | 28 fps (+56%) |
| Intel UHD Graphics | 77 fps | 36 fps | 18 fps |
Verdict
That was an interesting comparison of two 10th gen CPUs. First of all, they both have almost the same computing performance. So if you care about CPU power only it is not a big deal which one you’ll pick. On the other hand, if you want a laptop with better battery life and lower heat dissipation, the i5-1035G4 is the logical choice. It’s a 7nm CPU that can be found in really slim notebooks and it’s more battery-friendly than i5-10210U. Last but not least, the iGPU of the Ice Lake CPU is faster than the Comet Lake one.
Still, the i5-10210U is a good product too. It’s a refined 14nm processor that has lower heat dissipation and lower power consumption than the older Intel CPUs (like Whiskey Lake) but its Ice Lake competitor is just better in this category. Unfortunately, the Intel UHD Graphics isn’t the best integrated graphics card out there.
So, similar computing performance and similar pricing but the i5-1035G4 wins because it has a better iGPU and lower power consumption.
Maybe the G1 will be a closer fight.