Introduction: Meet the Contenders
Apple has recently transitioned from using Intel processors to designing and creating their custom chips, starting with the M1 processor. This has led to significant improvements in speed and power efficiency that have left many wondering if they should switch to an Apple Silicon-based Mac.
On the other hand, Intel has been the go-to processor for traditional computers, with their i9 being the most powerful one yet. So the question arises: which one should you choose for your Mac? Let's compare and find out!
Performance: Benchmark Numbers
The Apple M1 is an 8-core processor with four performance cores and four efficiency cores. It comes with an integrated 8-core GPU and is built using a 5-nanometer process.
The Intel i9, on the other hand, is a 10-core processor with a 14-nanometer process. It has an integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 and can support external graphics cards.
Now, let's take a look at the benchmark numbers:
| Processor | Single-Core Score | Multi-Core Score | Graphics Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple M1 | 1748 | 7542 | 19805 |
| Intel i9 | 1324 | 9474 | 6306 |
As you can see, the Apple M1 beats the Intel i9 in single-core and graphics performance, while the Intel i9 takes the lead in multi-core performance. Keep in mind that these are just benchmark numbers and may vary depending on the software you're using.
Power Consumption: Efficiency Matters
One of the significant benefits of the Apple M1 is its power efficiency. The M1 chip uses less power than its predecessors, which means more battery life for your Macbook.
The Intel i9, on the other hand, is known for being power-hungry, consuming a lot more energy than the Apple M1. This affects the battery life of your Mac.
Compatibility: Are Your Apps Ready?
The transition to Apple Silicon means that not all apps are compatible with the M1 chip yet. While the Mac App Store and Apple apps are already running on Apple Silicon, some third-party apps are still being optimized.
Intel i9, being an x86 processor, is compatible with all the apps that run on traditional Intel-based Macs.
So... Which One Should You Choose for Your Mac?
It depends on your needs. If you are a creative professional who heavily relies on graphic-intensive software like video editing, the Apple M1 with its superior graphics score might be the way to go. Also, if you value battery life and power efficiency, the Apple M1 is the clear winner.
On the other hand, if your work involves multi-core processing, the Intel i9 might be the best option. Plus, your favorite apps are likely to work natively on an Intel-based Mac.
Ultimately, it comes down to your specific use case and budget.
Now that you have all the facts, you're better equipped to make a decision for your Mac.
References
- Geekbench [https://browser.geekbench.com/mac-benchmarks]
- Apple [https://www.apple.com/mac/m1/]
We hope you found this comparison useful! Let us know in the comments which processor you think is the best for your Mac.