Apple M4 (8 Core) vs Intel Core i5 12400
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple M4 (8 Core) leads Intel Core i5 12400 overall by 43 points (93 vs 50 out of 100).
- Apple M4 (8 Core) stands out on Core Specifications Cores: 10, Core Specifications Maximum Frequency: 4.41 GHz, Core Specifications Lithography Process: 3 nm.
Apple M4 (8 Core) leads overall
Apple M4 (8 Core)
93
Intel Core i5 12400
50
Why it stands out
- Core Specifications Cores: 10
- Core Specifications Maximum Frequency: 4.41 GHz
- Core Specifications Lithography Process: 3 nm
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Apple M4 (8 Core)
The Apple M4 is a specialized System-on-a-chip designed by Apple, forming the core processing unit for high-end devices, including modern iMacs and MacBook models. Featuring an advanced architecture that integrates CPU, GPU, and NPU components, it is primarily intended for professionals requiring strong performance in demanding creative and computational tasks.
Best for Professional Content CreationBest for AI/Machine Learning WorkloadsBest for High-Performance Computing (HPC)
Pros
- Incorporates an advanced Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with a notable capability to accelerate AI workloads, compared to previous generations of the chip.
- Supports hardware acceleration for modern functions like AV1 decoding, mesh shading, and ray tracing within its GPU architecture.
- Employs high-speed LPDDR5X unified memory, offering substantial bandwidth to support multiprocessing applications.
- The M4 series is built on a highly dense manufacturing process (3 nm), enabling the integration of numerous cores over 28 billion transistors.
Cons
- Specific core configurations (CPU/GPU counts) vary greatly across its Pro and Max variants, which requires careful selection for targeted performance needs.
- Memory bandwidth capacity is highly dependent on the specific model variant utilized, ranging from lower base limits to exceptionally high capacities.
Intel Core i5 12400
The Core i5 12400 is a central processing unit designed for reliable and efficient general computing. It belongs to Intel's 12th generation Alder Lake class of processors, which utilizes a hybrid core architecture separating high-performance and efficiency cores. This chip is suitable for mainstream users, productivity workloads, and entry-level gaming setups.
Best for General ProductivityBest for Mainstream GamingBest for Home Office Use
Pros
- Benefits from the modern hybrid core design (P-cores and E-cores), allowing it to separate demanding tasks from background processes.
- The 12th generation architecture provides a significant efficiency improvement over previous Intel lines.
- Offers strong performance for daily productivity, content creation, and general multitasking.
Cons
- While modern, its design requires specific motherboards (chipsets) to take advantage of the full core structure.
- It may not deliver enthusiast-level peak performance compared to higher-tier Core i7 or i9 models.
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.
Apple M4 (8 Core)
Intel Core i5 12400
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Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side