Intel Core i7-1068NG7 socket: BGA 1344
The Intel Core i7-1068NG7 uses BGA 1344, an Apple exclusive soldered package. The quad core 28 W chip powers the 2020 13 inch MacBook Pro.
- 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 i7
- Clocks
- 2.3 / 4.1 GHz
Intel Core i7-1068NG7 specifications
| Cores | 4 |
|---|---|
| Threads | 8 |
| Core architecture | Sunny Cove cores on 10 nm |
| Clocks | 2.3 GHz base, up to 4.1 GHz with Turbo Boost 2.0 |
| Cache | 8 MB Intel Smart Cache (L3) |
| Processor base power (TDP) | 28 W |
| Manufacturing process | 10 nm |
| Memory support | DDR4-3200 and LPDDR4-3733, two channels, up to 64 GB |
| PCI Express | PCIe 3.0 from the CPU |
| Integrated graphics | Intel Iris Plus Graphics (300 MHz base, up to 1.1 GHz, 64 execution units) |
| Multiplier | Locked |
| Package | FCBGA1344 (soldered, Apple exclusive) |
Motherboard compatibility
Intel Core i7-1068NG7 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 i7-1068NG7 is
The Core i7-1068NG7 is a four core, eight thread Ice Lake-U processor built only for Apple. It powers the four port 13 inch MacBook Pro from May 2020 with a 2.3 GHz base and up to 4.1 GHz boost at 28 W. The NG suffix marks Apple exclusivity against the retail 1068G7.
The high 2.3 GHz base for a thin Pro reflects the 28 W envelope with dual fans. Eight megabytes of Smart Cache back development and photo work. The 4.1 GHz boost tops Ice Lake-U single thread bursts.
Iris Plus graphics with 64 execution units up to 1.1 GHz drive the Retina display and external 5K monitors. The chip fits developers who needed Mac ports and pro thermals before Apple silicon. Memory solders at 16 or 32 GB of LPDDR4X.
Socket and motherboard compatibility
The 1068NG7 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 BGA 1526 instead. NG and G lines do not interchange.
Memory, PCIe and cooling
DDR4-3200 or LPDDR4-3733 in two channels up to 64 GB is the controller capability, with Apple offering 16 or 32 GB soldered. Dual channel wiring feeds graphics and builds. Bandwidth peaks near 58.3 GB per sec.
PCIe 3.0 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.
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 i7 and the i5-1038NG7 on the same BGA 1344 family. After purchase, storage and display care matter most.
Frequently asked questions
What socket does the Intel Core i7-1068NG7 use?
It uses BGA 1344 soldered to the MacBook Pro logic board.
Which Mac uses the i7-1068NG7?
The 13 inch MacBook Pro with four Thunderbolt 3 ports from May 2020.
How is NG7 different from G7?
NG7 parts are Apple exclusive with Apple firmware; G7 parts serve Windows laptops.
How fast is the 1068NG7?
2.3 GHz base with up to 4.1 GHz boost across four cores.
What memory does the 1068NG7 take?
Soldered LPDDR4X at 16 or 32 GB in Apple configurations.
Sources and verification
- Intel Core i7-1068NG7 specifications (Intel)
- Apple MacBook Pro Core i7 2.3 13 inch 2020 specs (EveryMac)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .