Apple M4 (8 Core) vs Intel Core i5 13400
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple M4 (8 Core) leads Intel Core i5 13400 overall by 40 points (93 vs 53 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 13400
53
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 13400
The Core i5 13400 is a modern desktop processor designed for mainstream computing tasks. It delivers balanced performance by pairing multiple core counts with generally efficient operation. This CPU suits general users and power users who require solid performance without needing the extreme capabilities of flagship models.
Best for General ProductivityBest for Content Creation (Editing/Productivity)Best for Mainstream Gaming
Pros
- Architecture includes both efficiency (E) cores and performance (P) cores, optimizing performance for varied workloads.
- It falls within a key generation line of Intel CPUs, indicating broad compatibility with current motherboards and components.
- Provides sufficient multi-core processing power for general productivity, content creation, and most modern gaming needs.
Cons
- The performance sweet spot lies in the mid-range, meaning top-tier computational demands may require a higher i7 or i9 model.
- Unlike ultra-high-end chips, it is not designed for the absolute maximum processing throughput available on the market.
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 13400
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Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side