Intel Core i5-1038NG7 socket: BGA 1344
The Intel Core i5-1038NG7 uses BGA 1344, an Apple exclusive soldered package. The quad core 28 W chip in the 2020 13 inch MacBook Pro cannot be replaced.
- Socket
- BGA 1344
- Launched
- May 2020
- Cores and threads
- 4 and 8
- Base power
- 28 W
- Codename
- Ice Lake-U
- Segment
- Mobile (soldered)
- Family
- Intel Core i5
- Clocks
- 2.0 / 3.8 GHz
Intel Core i5-1038NG7 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Sunny Cove cores on 10 nm |
| Clocks | 2.0 GHz base, up to 3.8 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 |
| Cache | 6 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 28 W |
| Manufacturing process | 10 nm |
| Memory support | LPDDR4-3733 and DDR4-3200, two channels |
| PCI Express | PCIe 3.0 with 16 lanes |
| Integrated graphics | Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 (300 MHz base, up to 1.05 GHz, 64 execution units) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FCBGA1344 (soldered, Apple exclusive) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Core i5-1038NG7 needs a motherboard with a BGA 1344 socket. Chipset by chipset data for this codename is not recorded yet. See the BGA 1344 chipset list and the board maker's CPU support list.
BGA 1344 at a glance
| Type | BGA, 1,344 contacts |
|---|---|
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | May 2020 |
| Memory | LPDDR4-3733 soldered, two channels, 8 to 32 GB |
| Cooler mounting holes | Not applicable (soldered) |
What the Core i5-1038NG7 is
The Core i5-1038NG7 is a quad core, eight thread Ice Lake-U processor built only for Apple. It powered the four port 13 inch MacBook Pro from May 2020 with a 2.0 GHz base and up to 3.8 GHz boost at 28 W. The NG suffix marks Apple exclusivity.
Six megabytes of Smart Cache and Sunny Cove cores lift compilation and photo work over the two port Pro models that kept older Coffee Lake chips. The 28 W envelope allows higher sustained clocks than 15 W U parts. Two Thunderbolt controllers feed four ports for docks and displays.
Iris Plus G7 graphics with 64 execution units cover the Retina display and external 5K output. The chip fits developers and photographers who needed Mac ports and pro thermals before Apple silicon. The two port Pro of the same year stayed on 15 W Coffee Lake instead.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 1038NG7 solders to BGA 1344 on the four port Pro logic board. Apple is the only user. Memory, SSD and Thunderbolt controllers share the board.
Cooling is the Pro dual fan assembly for 28 W sustained with quiet office modes. Performance held longer than Air bodies under the same load. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide explains soldered Mac service.
Standard Ice Lake-U G parts for Windows laptops use other packages. NG and G lines do not interchange.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
LPDDR4-3733 soldered memory in two channels is the standard, with DDR4-3200 support in the controller for board variants. Apple offered 8, 16 and 32 GB with no slots. The 16 GB tier suits development with simulators.
PCIe 3.0 x16 from the CPU feeds internal NVMe up to 4 TB plus Thunderbolt 3 controllers. External graphics enclosures work where drivers allow. Displays run to 5K through Thunderbolt or 6K on Pro Display XDR pairings of the era.
Thermal service is Apple fan and heatsink maintenance. No cooler pattern exists for user swaps. Battery replacement extends field life.
Upgrade paths
No internal upgrade exists. Larger external SSDs, docks and calibrated displays extend the Pro setup. Apple silicon 13 inch Pro models are the next performance step.
Buyers at the time chose between this four port Ice Lake Pro and the cheaper two port Coffee Lake Pro. After purchase, storage and display care matter most.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Core i5-1038NG7 use?
It uses BGA 1344, soldered and exclusive to Apple.
Which Mac uses the i5-1038NG7?
The 13 inch MacBook Pro with four Thunderbolt 3 ports from May 2020.
How many cores does the i5-1038NG7 have?
Four cores with eight threads at 2.0 GHz base and up to 3.8 GHz boost.
What graphics are in the i5-1038NG7?
Intel Iris Plus G7 graphics with 64 execution units up to 1.05 GHz.
Can the MacBook Pro memory be upgraded?
No. LPDDR4 solders down at order time in 8, 16 and 32 GB sizes.
Sources and verification
- Intel Core i5-1038NG7 specifications (Intel)
- Geekbench confirms Core i5-1038NG7 MacBook Pro (Notebookcheck)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .