Apple M4 (8 Core) vs Intel Core i9 11900K
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple M4 (8 Core) leads Intel Core i9 11900K overall by 43 points (93 vs 50 out of 100).
- Apple M4 (8 Core) stands out on Core Specifications Cores: 10, Core Specifications Lithography Process: 3 nm.
Apple M4 (8 Core) leads overall
Apple M4 (8 Core)
93
Intel Core i9 11900K
50
Why it stands out
- Core Specifications Cores: 10
- 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 i9 11900K
The Intel Core i9 11900K is a high-performance CPU designed for demanding computing tasks. This processor utilizes an 11th generation microarchitecture and is intended for power users, enthusiasts, or professionals who require maximum processing capability.
Best for High-end workstation useBest for Enthusiast PC buildingBest for Content creation and rendering
Pros
- Designed with modern microarchitectural efficiency to maintain high instructions per cycle (IPC)
- Represents a flagship part of the Core i9 series designed for enthusiast and demanding markets
- A processor optimized for maximizing computational throughput in computationally intensive applications
Cons
- Requires careful thermal management due to its expected high power demands during peak operation
- Relies on specific socket types (LGA 1200) that limit upgrades to newer generations of hardware
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 i9 11900K
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Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side