Apple M4 (8 Core) vs Intel Core i5 12600HX
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple M4 (8 Core) leads Intel Core i5 12600HX overall by 41 points (93 vs 52 out of 100).
- Apple M4 (8 Core) stands out on Core Specifications Lithography Process: 3 nm.
Apple M4 (8 Core) leads overall
Apple M4 (8 Core)
93
Intel Core i5 12600HX
52
Why it stands out
- 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 12600HX
This is a high-performance mobile processor designed for demanding computing tasks. It belongs to Intel's 12th generation family and offers architectural improvements tailored for professional or enthusiast users. Due to its designation, it is optimized for laptops requiring substantial processing power.
Best for Content CreationBest for Power UsersBest for Advanced Gaming
Pros
- Uses the Alder Lake architecture, which improves core efficiency compared to earlier generations.
- The HX series denotes an Extreme Performance Mobile Processor class suitable for heavy workloads.
- Combines physical high-performance (P) cores and efficient (E) cores for optimized task handling.
Cons
- As a mobile unit, its maximum performance is limited by the power envelope of the host laptop.
- The architecture utilizes multiple core types which requires careful system balance for efficiency.
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 12600HX
Advertisement
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side