BGA 1044 socket: CPUs, chipsets and cooler fit
BGA 1044 is Intel ball grid array package for Apple exclusive Ice Lake-Y processors in the 2020 MacBook Air. The package carries 1,044 contacts and solders directly to the Apple logic board. The three parts on this package are the dual core Core i3-1000NG4 at 9 W and the quad core Core i5-1030NG7 and Core i7-1060NG7 at 10 W.
Quick facts
| Maker | Intel |
|---|---|
| Package type | BGA |
| Contacts | 1,044 |
| Package size | n/a |
| Introduced | March 2020 |
| Status | Legacy |
| Memory | LPDDR4-3733 soldered, two channels, 8 or 16 GB |
| PCIe from the CPU | PCIe 3.0 from the CPU for internal NVMe storage |
| Cooler mounting holes | Not applicable (soldered) |
| Replaces | None |
| Replaced by | None |
Overview
Apple announced the 2020 MacBook Air in March 2020 with these NG suffix chips and Intel Iris Plus graphics. The i3 carries G4 graphics with 48 execution units, while the i5 and i7 carry G7 graphics with 64 execution units. Memory is soldered LPDDR4-3733 at 8 or 16 GB with up to 58.3 GB per sec of bandwidth.
Because the package is Apple exclusive, retail boards and other laptop makers never used it. Standard Ice Lake-Y G parts for other makers sit on BGA 1526 instead. The soldered design fixes processor and memory for the life of the Mac.
Processor generations
| Codename | Marketing name | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ice Lake-Y | Apple NG MacBook Air 2020 | 2020 | Apple exclusive Sunny Cove Y processors with Iris Plus graphics: dual core i3-1000NG4 at 9 W and quad core i5-1030NG7 and i7-1060NG7 at 10 W, launched in March 2020 on BGA 1044. |
Who BGA 1044 serves
BGA 1044 processors belong in one machine: the 13 inch MacBook Air of early 2020. The 9 and 10 W envelope suits a thin wedge with a single fan that rarely spins in office work. Students and writers who live in browsers and documents fit here.
Within the three options the i3 covers writing and calls, the i5 adds quad cores for light photo work, and the i7 adds larger cache and faster graphics for sustained multitasking. Buyers who render video or build software stepped up to the 13 inch MacBook Pro of the same year instead.
Memory and PCIe
Memory is soldered LPDDR4-3733 in two channels at 8 or 16 GB. There is no slot and no post purchase upgrade, so the order time choice decides the usable life. The 16 GB option is the one that ages best for heavy tab use.
PCIe 3.0 from the CPU wires to the internal NVMe SSD in 256 GB to 2 TB sizes. External displays run through Thunderbolt 3 ports at up to 6K on the i5 and i7 configurations. External graphics enclosures work over Thunderbolt where macOS drivers allow.
Identifying and servicing BGA 1044
Identification reads as NG suffix parts in Intel documents and as 1.1 GHz dual or quad core i3, i5 or i7 in Apple tech specs for the MacBook Air Retina 13 inch 2020. Standard G suffix Ice Lake-Y parts are different packages for non Apple devices. The LGA, PGA and BGA: CPU package types explained guide explains the soldered trade off.
Service is Apple logic board service. Dust cleaning follows Apple procedures and memory cannot be added later. Battery service restores travel runtime. The How to find your CPU socket type guide shows where Apple lists processor details in tech specs.
CPUs on BGA 1044
3 processor pages in the database, newest first.
| Processor | Cores / threads | Base / boost | TDP | Launched |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Core i3-1000NG4 | 2 / 4 | 1.1 / 3.2 GHz | 9 W | Mar 2020 |
| Intel Core i5-1030NG7 | 4 / 8 | 1.1 / 3.5 GHz | 10 W | Mar 2020 |
| Intel Core i7-1060NG7 | 4 / 8 | 1.2 / 3.8 GHz | 10 W | Mar 2020 |
Frequently asked questions
Can a BGA 1044 processor be replaced or upgraded?
No. The processor is soldered to the logic board. Upgrading means replacing the board or the whole Mac, so choose core count and memory at order time.
What does the NG suffix mean?
The NG suffix marks Apple exclusive Ice Lake-Y parts for the 2020 MacBook Air: i3-1000NG4, i5-1030NG7 and i7-1060NG7. Standard G suffix parts use different packages for other makers.
What memory does BGA 1044 use?
Soldered LPDDR4-3733 in two channels, 8 or 16 GB as ordered. There are no memory slots.
What PCIe does BGA 1044 provide?
PCIe 3.0 from the CPU for the internal NVMe SSD. Lane details follow the Apple logic board design.
Sources and verification
- Intel Core i5-1030NG7 specifications (Intel)
- Intel Core i5-1030NG7 specs (TechPowerUp)
- MacBook Air Retina 13 inch 2020 tech specs (Apple)
Facts last checked against these sources on . Page last edited on .