Intel Core i5-1030NG7 socket: BGA 1044
The Intel Core i5-1030NG7 uses BGA 1044, an Apple exclusive soldered package. The quad core 10 W chip in the 2020 MacBook Air cannot be replaced.
- Socket
- BGA 1044
- Launched
- March 2020
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 10 W
- Codename
- Ice Lake-Y
- Segment
- Mobile (soldered)
- Family
- Intel Core i5
- Clocks
- 1.1 / 3.5 GHz
Intel Core i5-1030NG7 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Sunny Cove cores on 10 nm |
| Clocks | 1.1 GHz base, up to 3.5 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 |
| Cache | 6 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 10 W |
| Manufacturing process | 10 nm |
| Memory support | LPDDR4-3733 soldered, two channels, 8 or 16 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe 3.0 from the CPU |
| Integrated graphics | Intel Iris Plus Graphics (300 MHz base, up to 1.05 GHz, 64 execution units) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | BGA1044 (soldered, Apple exclusive) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Core i5-1030NG7 needs a motherboard with a BGA 1044 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the BGA 1044 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
BGA 1044 at a glance
| Type | BGA, 1,044 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | March 2020 |
| Memory | LPDDR4-3733 soldered, two channels, 8 or 16 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | Not applicable (soldered) |
What the Core i5-1030NG7 is
The Core i5-1030NG7 is a quad core, eight thread Ice Lake-Y processor built only for Apple. It shipped in the March 2020 MacBook Air with a 1.1 GHz base and up to 3.5 GHz boost at 10 W. It doubles the cores of the i3 NG option for photo and office multitasking.
Six megabytes of Smart Cache keep four cores fed during exports and calls. The 10 W envelope fits the Air wedge with a quiet fan curve. Compared with the i3, background tasks stop interrupting foreground typing.
Iris Plus G7 graphics with 64 execution units up to 1.05 GHz drive the Retina panel and external 6K displays. The chip suits students and office travelers who want Air portability with real multitasking. Heavy video belongs on the MacBook Pro line.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 1030NG7 solders to BGA 1044 on the 2020 MacBook Air logic board. Apple is the only user of the package. Memory and SSD solder down next to it.
Thermals center on 10 W sustained with brief turbo for app launches. macOS balances fan noise against skin temperature. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide explains the soldered approach Apple used before its own silicon.
Windows Ice Lake-Y G parts use BGA 1526 instead. There is no cross compatibility between NG and G packages.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Soldered LPDDR4-3733 in two channels at 8 or 16 GB is the whole memory story. The 16 GB build holds large photo libraries and containers far better. Bandwidth peaks near 58.3 GB per sec.
PCIe 3.0 feeds internal NVMe from 256 GB to 2 TB. Thunderbolt 3 ports carry external drives and displays. No internal expansion exists beyond the soldered parts.
Cooling is a single Air fan that idles off in light work. Repaste is board service for specialists. Battery replacement is the practical refresh.
Upgrade paths
No internal upgrade path exists. Docks, external SSDs and a second display extend the desk setup. macOS updates carry the machine.
At purchase time the i7-1060NG7 added cache and graphics on the same BGA 1044 family. After purchase, the next step is a newer Air generation.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Core i5-1030NG7 use?
It uses BGA 1044, soldered and exclusive to Apple.
Which Mac uses the i5-1030NG7?
The mid tier MacBook Air Retina 13 inch from March 2020.
How many cores does the i5-1030NG7 have?
Four cores with eight threads at 1.1 GHz base and up to 3.5 GHz boost.
What graphics are in the i5-1030NG7?
Intel Iris Plus G7 graphics with 64 execution units up to 1.05 GHz.
Can MacBook Air memory be upgraded later?
No. LPDDR4 is soldered at 8 or 16 GB.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .