Apple M4 (8 Core) vs Intel Core i7 12700
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple M4 (8 Core) leads Intel Core i7 12700 overall by 38 points (93 vs 55 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 i7 12700
55
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 i7 12700
The Intel Core i7 12700 is a high-performance CPU designed for modern demanding computing tasks. Its architecture supports both efficiency and performance cores in the same package (hybrid design). This processor is typically suited for users who engage in content creation, serious gaming, or complex multitasking.
Best for content creationBest for high-end gamingBest for professional multitasking
Pros
- Features a hybrid core architecture combining Performance (P) and Efficiency (E) cores for optimization
- The inclusion of multiple core types allows the CPU to allocate appropriate resources based on workload needs
- Belongs to the 12th generation line, representing a substantial architectural performance increase over previous generations
Cons
- Higher core count generally means higher power draw and potential heat output compared to lower-tier chips
- The architecture can introduce complexity in thread scheduling due to managing mixed P/E cores
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 i7 12700
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Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side