Intel Core i7-1060NG7 socket: BGA 1044
The Intel Core i7-1060NG7 uses BGA 1044, an Apple exclusive soldered package. The quad core 10 W chip in the top 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 i7
- Clocks
- 1.2 / 3.8 GHz
Intel Core i7-1060NG7 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Sunny Cove cores on 10 nm |
| Clocks | 1.2 GHz base, up to 3.8 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 |
| Cache | 8 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 1.10 GHz, 64 execution units) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | BGA1044 (soldered, Apple exclusive) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Core i7-1060NG7 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 i7-1060NG7 is
The Core i7-1060NG7 is a quad core, eight thread Ice Lake-Y processor built only for Apple. It topped the March 2020 MacBook Air range with a 1.2 GHz base and up to 3.8 GHz boost at 10 W. Eight megabytes of cache lead the NG family.
The step over the i5 NG is 100 MHz of base, 300 MHz of boost and 2 MB of extra cache. Sustained work benefits more from the cache than the headline boost. The 10 W envelope keeps the Air wedge portable for travel.
Iris Plus G7 graphics up to 1.10 GHz cover the Retina display and external 6K output. The chip fits writers and researchers who keep dozens of tabs plus reference managers open. Compilation and 4K editing still belong on Pro machines.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 1060NG7 solders to BGA 1044 on the top 2020 MacBook Air board. Apple alone uses the package. Logic board, memory and SSD form one unit.
Fan behavior mirrors the i5 Air with slightly higher sustained clocks. There is no user tuning beyond macOS power settings. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide frames the soldered Mac approach of this era.
Standard G suffix Y parts for Windows hardware use BGA 1526. NG parts never appear outside Apple boards.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
Soldered LPDDR4-3733 at 8 or 16 GB in two channels is the full memory range. Heavy researchers should take 16 GB at order time. No slot exists for later additions.
PCIe 3.0 links the internal NVMe SSD up to 2 TB. Thunderbolt 3 ports extend to external drives and displays. Internal upgrades stop at the soldered parts.
The 10 W thermal design relies on the Air fan plus the aluminum body. Long renders throttle gracefully rather than crash. Battery service is the mid life refresh.
Upgrade paths
There is no upgrade inside the Air. External storage, docks and displays carry the desk setup. Apple silicon Air models are the next performance step.
Buyers choosing at the time weighed the i5-1030NG7 value against this i7 on the same BGA 1044 family. After purchase, software care matters more than hardware.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Core i7-1060NG7 use?
It uses BGA 1044, soldered and exclusive to Apple.
Which Mac uses the i7-1060NG7?
The top MacBook Air Retina 13 inch from March 2020.
How is the i7-1060NG7 faster than the i5-1030NG7?
Higher base and boost plus 8 MB of cache against 6 MB.
What graphics are in the i7-1060NG7?
Intel Iris Plus G7 graphics with 64 execution units up to 1.10 GHz.
Can the MacBook Air i7 be upgraded?
No. Processor and memory solder down at the factory.
Sources and verification
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .