When it comes to choosing the right processor for your laptop, the decision often boils down to two prominent contenders: the Apple M4 and the Intel Core Ultra 5. In this article, we will delve into the M4 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 comparison, highlighting their specifications, performance metrics, and key differences to help you make an informed decision.
Introduction to the Processors
Apple M4
Released on May 7, 2024, the Apple M4 is a powerhouse built on the ARMv9 architecture. This processor boasts 10 cores, with 4 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores, and operates at a base frequency of 4.41 GHz for the performance cores and 2.89 GHz for the efficiency cores.
Intel Core Ultra 5 125H
Launched on December 14, 2023, the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H is part of Intel’s Meteor Lake series. It features 14 cores, including 4 performance cores and 10 efficiency cores, with a base frequency of 1.2 GHz for the performance cores and 0.7 GHz for the efficiency cores. The turbo boost frequency for the performance cores can reach up to 4.5 GHz.
M4 vs Intel Core Ultra 5
Specifications Comparison: M4 vs Intel Core Ultra 5
General Specifications
| Specification | Intel Core Ultra 5 125H | Apple M4 |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | Intel | Apple |
| Released | December 14, 2023 | May 7, 2024 |
| Type | Laptop | Laptop |
| Instruction Set | x86-64 | ARMv9 |
| Codename | Meteor Lake | Apple M4 |
| Integrated GPU | Arc Graphics (7-Cores) | Apple M4 GPU |
CPU Specifications
| Specification | Intel Core Ultra 5 125H | Apple M4 |
|---|---|---|
| P-Cores | 4 | 4 |
| P-Threads | 8 | 4 |
| Base Frequency (P) | 1.2 GHz | 4.41 GHz |
| Turbo Boost Frequency (P) | 4.5 GHz | – |
| E-Cores | 10 | 6 |
| E-Threads | 10 | 6 |
| Base Frequency (E) | 0.7 GHz | 2.89 GHz |
| Turbo Boost Frequency (E) | 3.6 GHz | – |
| Total Cores | 14 | 10 |
| Total Threads | 18 | 10 |
Memory and Power Specifications
| Specification | Intel Core Ultra 5 125H | Apple M4 |
|---|---|---|
| Memory Types | LPDDR5-7467, LPDDR5x-7467 | LPDDR5X-7500 |
| Memory Size | Up to 96 GB | Up to 24 GB |
| Max. Memory Channels | 2 | 4 |
| TDP (PL1) | 20-65 W (configurable) | 10 W |
| Max. Boost TDP (PL2) | 115 W | 20 W |
Performance Comparison: M4 vs Intel Core Ultra 5
Single-Core Performance
The Apple M4 excels in single-threaded applications, thanks to its higher clock speeds. In the Geekbench v6 test, the Apple M4 scores 3810 points, which is 71% faster than the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H’s score of 2223 points.
Multi-Core Performance
While the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H has more physical cores (14 vs 10), the Apple M4’s higher clock speeds and more efficient core design make it competitive in multi-threaded tasks. However, the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H generally performs better in heavily multi-threaded workloads due to its additional cores.
Power Efficiency
The Apple M4 stands out for its power efficiency, with a TDP of just 10 W compared to the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H’s configurable TDP of 20-65 W. This makes the Apple M4 a better choice for battery life and thermal management.
Integrated Graphics
The integrated graphics performance is another crucial aspect. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125H features the Arc Graphics (7-Cores) with a GPU base clock of 300 MHz and a boost clock of 2200 MHz. In contrast, the Apple M4 GPU has a base clock of 500 MHz and a boost clock of 1600 MHz. While both GPUs are capable, the Arc Graphics in the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H might offer slightly better performance for gaming and 3D-intensive tasks.
Key Differences and Advantages
Advantages of Intel Core Ultra 5 125H
- Higher Core Count: The Intel Core Ultra 5 125H has 4 more physical cores than the Apple M4, making it better suited for multi-threaded applications.
- Newer PCI Express Version: It supports PCI Express 5.0, offering faster data transfer rates.
- Higher Critical Temperature: The Intel Core Ultra 5 125H has a higher critical temperature of 110°C compared to the Apple M4’s 100°C.
- Higher Memory Support: It supports up to 96 GB of LPDDR5-7467 RAM, which is significantly more than the Apple M4’s 24 GB limit.
M4 vs Intel Core Ultra 5
Advantages of Apple M4
- Newer Manufacturing Process: The Apple M4 is built on a more modern 3 nm process, compared to the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H’s 7 nm process.
- Faster Single-Core Performance: The Apple M4 outperforms the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H in single-threaded tasks due to its higher clock speeds.
- Quad-Channel Memory: The Apple M4 supports quad-channel memory, which can enhance memory bandwidth.
Use Cases and Recommendations
Daily Tasks and Light Gaming
For general use and light gaming, the Apple M4 is a solid choice due to its power efficiency and strong single-core performance. However, if you are looking for better multi-threaded performance and more robust integrated graphics, the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H might be a better fit.
Advanced Use Cases
For creators and gamers who require more processing power and better graphics capabilities, the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H is likely the better option. Its higher core count and the presence of Arc Graphics make it more suitable for demanding applications.
Future Proofing
When considering future-proofing, the Apple M4’s newer manufacturing process and support for quad-channel memory make it a compelling choice. However, the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H’s support for PCI Express 5.0 and higher memory capacities also make it a strong contender for future upgrades.
Conclusion: M4 vs Intel Core Ultra 5
In the M4 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 comparison, each processor has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Apple M4 excels in single-core performance and power efficiency, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H offers better multi-core performance and integrated graphics capabilities.
Recommendation
- For General Users: The Apple M4 is recommended for those who prioritize single-threaded performance and power efficiency.
- For Creators and Gamers: The Intel Core Ultra 5 125H is recommended for those who need robust multi-threaded performance and better-integrated graphics.
Also, Check: Manage Web Browser Notifications on Your Mac (An Easy Guide)
FAQ: M4 vs Intel Core Ultra 5
What are the key differences in core count and architecture between the Apple M4 and Intel Core Ultra 5?
Intel Core Ultra 5: Features 14 cores (4 performance cores and 10 efficiency cores) based on the x86-64 architecture.
How do the clock speeds compare between the Apple M4 and Intel Core Ultra 5?
Intel Core Ultra 5: The performance cores have a base frequency of 1.2 GHz and can turbo boost up to 4.5 GHz, while the efficiency cores have a base frequency of 0.7 GHz and can turbo boost up to 3.6 GHz.
Which processor is better for single-core performance?
How do the integrated graphics compare between the two processors?
Apple M4: Features the Apple M4 GPU with a base clock of 500 MHz and a boost clock of 1600 MHz.
The Arc Graphics in the Intel Core Ultra 5 might offer slightly better performance for gaming and 3D-intensive tasks due to its support for Intel’s XeSS supersampling technology.
What are the power efficiency and TDP differences between the Apple M4 and Intel Core Ultra 5?
Intel Core Ultra 5: Has a configurable TDP ranging from 20-65 W and a max boost TDP of 115 W.
The Apple M4 is more power-efficient, making it a better choice for battery life and thermal management.
Which processor supports more memory, and what are the memory types?
Apple M4: Supports up to 24 GB of LPDDR5X-7500 RAM and features quad-channel memory support.
What are the advantages of each processor in terms of future-proofing?
Intel Core Ultra 5: Supports PCI Express 5.0, offering faster data transfer rates, and has a higher critical temperature, which can be beneficial for certain use cases.
Which processor is better suited for gaming and multi-threaded applications?
Multi-threaded Applications: The Intel Core Ultra 5 is better suited for multi-threaded applications due to its higher core count, despite the Apple M4’s competitive performance in some multi-threaded tasks.
