Intel Core i3-1000NG4

The Intel Core i3-1000NG4 is a 2-core, 4-thread mobile processor from the Ice Lake family, specifically the Ice Lake-Y lineup based on the Sunny Cove-Y architecture. It runs at a 1.10 GHz base clock and a 3.20 GHz boost clock, with 4 MB of shared L3 cache, 80 KB of L1 and 256 KB of L2 per core, dual-channel DDR4 memory support, and PCIe Gen 3. The integrated graphics are Iris Plus (48EU), the TDP is 9 W, and the package is Intel BGA 1044. It was released on 2020-03-17, is now end-of-life, and carries an average benchmark score of 1035, placing it at the 28th percentile among all CPUs.

Benchmark Performance

The Cinebench results paint a consistent picture. In Cinebench R15 the multicore score is 303. In Cinebench R20 the multicore score is 1263 and the single-core score is 178. In Cinebench R23 the multicore score is 3009 and the single-core score is 424. These are modest numbers, and the average benchmark score of 1035 confirms that this is an entry-level part in aggregate performance.

The nearest-rival data shows just how tightly grouped this chip is. The i3-1000NG4 matches the AMD A10-7890K exactly, with both averaging 1035 and a delta of 0%. It also matches the Intel Pentium G4560 exactly, again at 1035 with a 0% delta. The AMD A10-9700 averages 1034, leaving the i3-1000NG4 0.1% ahead. The AMD A8-7680 averages 1036, placing the i3-1000NG4 0.1% behind. In all four cases the differences are effectively noise.

The 28th percentile rank puts the i3-1000NG4 in the lower portion of the database. That does not mean it is a failure; it means the data places it below the majority of CPUs while keeping it competitive with a specific group of low-end parts. The Cinebench scores are internally consistent: the R23 multicore result of 3009 is in line with the R20 result of 1263, and both indicate a processor intended for light workloads rather than heavy compute.

Who Should Consider It

This processor is best suited to workloads that do not demand sustained multithreaded throughput. The 2-core, 4-thread configuration and the low Cinebench multicore scores suggest office productivity, web browsing, document editing, and other bursty tasks are appropriate. The 3.20 GHz boost clock gives it decent responsiveness for short interactions, while the 1.10 GHz base clock keeps power draw low.

Users working with heavy video rendering, 3D modeling, or large compilation jobs should look elsewhere. The R15 multicore score of 303, R20 multicore score of 1263, and R23 multicore score of 3009 are all low enough that sustained parallel workloads will run slowly. The data does not support recommending this chip for content-creation workloads that scale across many threads.

The mobile segment and 9 W TDP make it more interesting for power-constrained designs. The integrated Iris Plus (48EU) graphics provide a built-in display solution, so no discrete GPU is required for basic operation. The end-of-life production status means it is not a candidate for new high-volume designs, but it remains a serviceable part for light-duty mobile systems where power efficiency matters more than performance.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The split between single-thread and multi-thread performance is informative. In Cinebench R20, the single-core score is 178 and the multicore score is 1263. In Cinebench R23, the single-core score is 424 and the multicore score is 3009. The multicore scores are many times higher than their single-core counterparts, which is expected from a chip with 2 cores and 4 threads using simultaneous multithreading.

Single-thread performance drives everyday responsiveness. The 3.20 GHz boost clock is the key figure for that behavior; the 1.10 GHz base clock is low by any standard, but bursty workloads can climb toward the boost frequency. The R23 single-core score of 424 shows that the processor is not a single-thread powerhouse, but it is usable for basic interactive work.

Multi-thread performance is limited by the physical core count. With only 2 cores and 4 threads, the chip cannot compete with processors that have more physical cores. The R20 multicore score of 1263 and R23 multicore score of 3009 are acceptable for occasional parallel tasks, but the data indicates that sustained all-core loading is not this processor's strength.

How It Compares

AMD A10-7890K: The i3-1000NG4 and the A10-7890K produce the same average benchmark score of 1035, with a 0% delta. On aggregate data, they are performance equivalents. Neither chip has a measurable overall advantage in the benchmark results.

Intel Pentium G4560: This is also a 0% delta matchup. Both the i3-1000NG4 and the Pentium G4560 average 1035, making them identical in overall benchmark terms. The i3-1000NG4 may have a different feature set and power profile, but the aggregate score says they sit in the same class.

AMD A10-9700: The A10-9700 averages 1034, while the i3-1000NG4 averages 1035. That puts the i3-1000NG4 0.1% ahead. A 0.1% delta is negligible, so the two should be treated as comparable in day-to-day performance.

AMD A8-7680: The A8-7680 averages 1036, which puts the i3-1000NG4 0.1% behind. Again, the difference is tiny. The data shows no meaningful performance separation between these two processors.

Power and Thermals

The TDP is 9 W, which is an ultra-low-power rating. This figure defines the entire thermal profile of the chip. A processor with a 9 W TDP does not require a large or aggressive cooling solution; the heat output is minimal by design.

The 10 nm process and 123 mm² die size are part of the power story. The architecture is Ice Lake-Y, and the Sunny Cove-Y core design is aimed at low-power mobile operation. The 1.10 GHz base clock is clearly set to stay within the 9 W envelope, while the 3.20 GHz boost clock allows short bursts of higher performance when needed.

The package is Intel BGA 1044, meaning the cooling solution is tied to the board design rather than a user-swappable socket. The memory and platform are also power-conscious: dual-channel DDR4 and no ECC support are consistent with a mainstream mobile part. For cooling, the data implies a low-end, compact solution is sufficient. There is no thermal headroom here for overclocking, and the multiplier-unlocked field is false.

FAQ

Q: What socket does the Intel Core i3-1000NG4 use?

A: It uses Intel BGA 1044.

Q: Does it support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory support is false.

Q: What integrated graphics does it include?

A: It includes Iris Plus graphics with 48 execution units.

Q: How does it compare to the Intel Pentium G4560?

A: Both have an average benchmark score of 1035, so the delta is 0%.

Q: When was it released, and is it still in production?

A: It was released on 2020-03-17, and its production status is end-of-life.

Q: Is the multiplier unlocked for overclocking?

A: No, the multiplier-unlocked field is false.