Introduction
Microprocessors have been a hot topic lately, with different brands striving to outdo each other in processing power, speed, and efficiency. In this article, we will compare the recent Apple M1 and Intel Core i7 microprocessors based on their technical specifications and performance.
Technical Specifications
Both the Apple M1 and Intel Core i7 are octa-core processors with the same maximum clock speed of 3.2 GHz. Additionally, they both have Turbo Boost technology, where the processor's maximum speed increases to 4.5 GHz when necessary. However, the Apple M1 has a unique configuration in which its cores are divided into four efficiency cores and four performance cores, unlike the Intel Core i7 which has eight identical cores.
| Technical Specifications | Apple M1 | Intel Core i7 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of cores | 8 | 8 |
| Maximum clock speed | 3.2 GHz | 3.2 GHz |
| Turbo Boost | up to 4.5 GHz | up to 4.5 GHz |
| Core configuration | 4 efficiency and 4 performance cores | 8 identical cores |
| Manufacturing process | 5nm | 14nm |
From the table above, we can see that the Apple M1 utilizes a more advanced manufacturing process of 5nm compared to the 14nm used in Intel Core i7. This enables the Apple M1 to be more energy-efficient and optimize performance better.
Performance
When it comes to performance, numerous benchmark tests have proven that the Apple M1 outperforms the Intel Core i7 by a significant margin. For instance, the Apple M1 scored 1,738 in single-core tests in the Geekbench 5 benchmark, while the Intel Core i7 scored only 1,247. In the multi-core test, the Apple M1 scored 7,433, while the Intel Core i7 scored only 6,015.
Furthermore, the Apple M1 has superior graphic processing capabilities, thanks to an 8-core GPU that can handle 25,000 threads simultaneously, enabling it to run professional-grade applications effortlessly.
Energy Efficiency
Another area where the Apple M1 outdoes Intel Core i7 is energy efficiency. The unique configuration of the Apple M1's cores makes it optimized to handle both light and heavy tasks efficiently, resulting in better battery life. Additionally, the advanced manufacturing process used in the Apple M1 enables it to generate less heat while still performing tasks faster than the Intel Core i7.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Apple M1 is a superior microprocessor compared to the Intel Core i7. It offers better performance, graphics processing, and energy efficiency. Though the price tag may be a bit steep, if you want optimal performance, the Apple M1 is undoubtedly the best choice.