Key Points
- Apple M2 processor has 8 cores and 8 threads with a maximum clock speed of 3.5GHz, while Intel i9 processor has 14 cores and 20 threads with a frequency of 5.0GHz.
- Apple M2 GPU has better integrated graphics than Intel i9, with 3 TFLOPS compared to i9’s 1.69 TFLOPS.
- Intel i9 is better for gaming and demanding tools, while Apple M2 excels at video and photo editing.
Whether you’re an Apple fan or not, you’ve probably heard of the famous M2 processor. It’s an official processor from Apple and now found in Apple MacBooks and computers. While Apple used to rely on Intel processors, the company is now parting ways with some of the best Intel processors on the market and switching to its own processor, the M2. So, in this comparison between the Apple M2 and Intel i9 processors, you’ll learn which processor is more powerful and whether the hype around the Apple M2 processor is really worth the purchase.
Apple M2 Processor vs. Intel i9: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Features | Apple M2 | Intel i9 |
|---|---|---|
| Threads | 8 | 24 |
| GPU Execution Units | 128 | 32 |
| Turbo Clock | 3.2GHz | 5.2GHz |
| CPU Speed | 4x 3.2GHz and 4x 2GHz | 8x 3.2GHz and 8x 2.4GHz |
| Price | MacBook Air M2 for $1,199 | From $330 |
- Up to 24 GB of RAM
- 13-inch retina display
- Active cooling
- Can drive displays up to 8K resolution
Apple M2 Processor vs. Intel i9: What’s the Difference?
Currently, the most popular comparison is the Apple M2 processor vs. Intel i9 and, while many compare the similarities, we focus on the differences between the specifications that make up each of these processors.
Threads and Speed
When looking at both processors, it’s best to start with the specs to understand where the power comes from and how these processors work. There is definitely a difference between the M2 processor and the Intel i9 processors.
Apple’s M2 processor has 8 cores and 8 threads with a maximum clock speed of 3.5GHz. The maximum supported memory is 24GB over 2 memory channels. The Intel i9 processor, on the other hand, has 14 cores and 20 threads. With such a big difference, the Intel i9 processor can reach a frequency of 5.0GHz.
The M2 processor’s memory bandwidth is exactly 102.4GB/s. Meanwhile, the Intel i9 processor has a memory bandwidth of up to 64GB/s. This shows that a higher number of threads and cores isn’t always necessarily better. The reason is that Apple is introducing a new and modern manufacturing process that can offer better performance in certain aspects, even though the specifications may not look promising in theory. Of course, Intel’s i9 processors have more cores and more threads. However, they lack the maximum supported speed of memory and memory bandwidth of the M2.
Integrated Graphics
The Intel i9 usually comes with integrated Iris Xe graphics. In contrast, the latest M2 processor comes with Apple’s own M2 GPU. There are a lot of differences between these two GPU sets. The Apple M2 GPU has a better base clock frequency of 500MHz i comparison to the Intel i9’s 300MHz.
However, the clock frequency of the i9 GPU can be increased up to 1450MHz. Meanwhile, the clock frequency of the M2 GPU can only be increased up to 1398MHz. However, the GPU of the Apple M2 wins in all other GPU specifications, like shading units, TMUs, ROPs, execution units, and the maximum resolution. The Apple M2 GPU has 1024 shading units, 64 TMUs, 32 ROPs, 128 execution units, a TGP of 15W, and a maximum resolution of 6016 x 3384 at 60Hz. The Intel i9 GPU, on the other hand, has 768 shading units, 48 TMUs, 24 ROPs, 96 execution units, and a TGP of 15W.
Comparing GPU flops, Apple M2 comes in at 3 TFLOPS compared to the Intel i9 GPU’s 1.69 TFLOPS. Thus, the M2 has much better integrated graphics than the Intel i9 processors.
Turbo Clock
Turbo clocking is another important specification besides the standard specifications that can determine the performance of the processor. The Apple M2 has a base core frequency of 2GHz, but you can increase it up to 3.4GHz.
On the other hand, the Intel i9 has a much higher base clock frequency of 2.5GHz, which can be increased up to 5.0GHz. However, the base clock frequency and the Turbo clock don’t have to mean much when it comes to performance. The fundamental difference between the Apple M2 processor and the Intel i9 is the base and maximum CPU frequency.
Some tests even tried to overclock the Apple M2 processor in a Windows emulator. Further overclocking is possible, but it’s not recommended and isn’t something we’d suggest you do. Don’t be too impressed by the base frequency, though, because there’s a lot more to the processor’s performance.
Performance and Benchmark Tests
There are dozens of benchmark tests that have been run with both processors. This is the best way to test the processor’s performance much further than just judging the processor by its specifications.
According to the benchmark results, the Intel i9 processor performs slightly better. However, the two processors aren’t equally good or bad in the same categories. This means that the Intel i9 is definitely better for gaming and demanding tools and software like AutoCAD, 3D rendering software, and others. However, the Apple M2 is much better at video and photo editing, rendering videos, and similar software.
Another great thing about the Apple M2 processor is that it splits its cores so you’ll find 8 performance cores and 4 power efficiency cores that deliver better results in L1, L2 and L3 caches.
Price and Buying Options
It’s a bit difficult to compare prices since there are many models and versions for the Intel i9, while the M2 has fewer options, but it’s Apple-owned, which means you can’t buy it separately. However, if you’re thinking of switching from an Intel MacBook Pro to a MacBook Pro with an M2 processor, that’s a fair comparison to make. Intel i9 processors cost between $330 and $550, depending on the model and version you choose. Apple’s M2 processors can be found in the MacBook Air 2022, MacBook Pro 2022, Mac Mini 2023, and even the iPad Pro 2022 (6th generation).
You can get the MacBook Air M2 for $1,199, the MacBook Pro M2 for $1,299, and the Mac Mini M2 for $499.99. Of course, these are MSRP prices, so you’ll probably have to pay a bit more for these devices. And the price difference between the Air and Pro laptops is definitely bigger.
Unfortunately, this is the only way to use the M2 processor, as it’s Apple’s own and can only be used in Apple devices.
- Compatibility for both DDR4 and DDR5
- Up to 5.8 GHz Max Clock Speed
- Optimized for intense gaming and multitasking
- Features Thunderbolt 4 technology and Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6/6E (Gig+)
- Unlocked and overclockable
Apple M2 Processor vs. Intel i9: Must-Know Facts
- Apple’s M2 is much better and faster at photo editing, video editing, and video rendering than Intel’s i9 processors
- The M2 processor has much better integrated graphics than Intel’s i9 processors
- Intel i9 processors have a higher processor frequency than the M2 processor
- Intel i9 processors have more cores than the M2 processor
Apple M2 Processor vs. Intel i9: Which One Wins?
It’s not quite easy to compare the Apple M2 and the Intel i9 processor, because they differ in the way they’re made. So, in most cases, you can’t tell which processor is better just by looking at the specs.
However, since there are so many benchmark tests, you can easily find out the strengths and weaknesses of the two processors. Another point that might be a problem for some users is the need to switch to macOS to take advantage of the M2 processor, while the Intel i9 processor can be used on more operating systems.
The Intel i9 is much better for complex tasks, demanding tasks, and 3D rendering tools, while the M2 processor is definitely stronger for photo editing, video editing, and video rendering. And if we have to choose between the Apple MacBook with i9 processor and the Apple MacBook with the M2 processor, we’ll make the M2 the winner. But of course, the final decision depends on your needs and intended use, so you should take that into consideration as well.
- Apple 2022 MacBook Pro Laptop with M2
- Up to 24 GB of RAM
- 13-inch retina display
- Active cooling
- Can drive displays up to 8K resolution
- Intel Core i9-13900K
- Compatibility for both DDR4 and DDR5
- Up to 5.8 GHz Max Clock Speed
- Optimized for intense gaming and multitasking
- Features Thunderbolt 4 technology and Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6/6E (Gig+)
- Unlocked and overclockable
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Tester128/Shutterstock.com.
