Apple M4 (8 Core) vs Intel Core i5 1240U
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple M4 (8 Core) leads Intel Core i5 1240U overall by 43 points (93 vs 50 out of 100).
- Apple M4 (8 Core) stands out on Core Specifications Maximum Frequency: 4.41 GHz, Core Specifications L3 Cache: 16 MB, Core Specifications Lithography Process: 3 nm.
Apple M4 (8 Core) leads overall
Apple M4 (8 Core)
93
Intel Core i5 1240U
50
Why it stands out
- Core Specifications Maximum Frequency: 4.41 GHz
- Core Specifications L3 Cache: 16 MB
- 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 1240U
The Intel Core i5 1240U is a mobile processor designed for mainstream portable computing tasks. It falls under the widely adaptable Alder Lake architecture, giving it efficiency and solid performance characteristics. This CPU is best suited for general productivity work in laptops where power consumption and battery life are key concerns.
Best for general productivityBest for daily computingBest for students and basic home office users
Pros
- Benefit from the Alder Lake architecture's blend of performance and low power draw
- Suitable for multi-core workloads due to its modern design structure
- Offers good operating stability for common daily computing tasks
Cons
- Being a 'U' series processor indicates it prioritizes efficiency over peak sustained performance
- Performance on highly demanding professional applications may be limited by its power profile
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Enter today's price for each product to see which offers better value. Use the same currency for both.
Apple M4 (8 Core)
Intel Core i5 1240U
Advertisement
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side